DVSA Motorway Driving 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What do the countdown markers (white bars on a blue background) approaching a motorway exit represent?
- Speed limit reductions
- 300 yards, 200 yards, and 100 yards to the start of the exit slip road (Correct answer)
- Lane closures ahead
- Distance to the next service station
Correct answer: 300 yards, 200 yards, and 100 yards to the start of the exit slip road
The three-bar, two-bar, and one-bar markers appear at 300, 200, and 100 yards respectively before the start of the exit slip road. They help you judge when to move into the deceleration lane. On some roads, each bar represents 100 metres instead of yards.
Question 2: Why should you check your speedometer after leaving a motorway?
- Because your speedometer may be inaccurate after sustained high speed
- Because after driving at high speed, your perception of speed is distorted — 30 mph may feel like 10 mph (Correct answer)
- Because speed limits change randomly after motorways
- It is not necessary to check your speedometer
Correct answer: Because after driving at high speed, your perception of speed is distorted — 30 mph may feel like 10 mph
After sustained motorway driving at 70 mph, your sense of speed becomes recalibrated. When you slow down to 30 mph on normal roads, it may feel much slower than it actually is. Check your speedometer to ensure you are not driving too fast for the new road conditions.
Question 3: What should you do if you see debris on the motorway carriageway?
- Stop and remove it yourself
- Straddle it carefully
- Do not stop — report it to Highways England or the police at the next safe opportunity (Correct answer)
- Ignore it — someone else will deal with it
Correct answer: Do not stop — report it to Highways England or the police at the next safe opportunity
Never stop on a live carriageway to remove debris. Do not swerve dangerously to avoid it. If possible, straddle small items safely. Report the debris to Highways England (0300 123 5000) or the police when you can safely do so — from a service station or using a hands-free phone.
Question 4: What is the minimum distance you should keep from the vehicle ahead on a motorway in dry conditions?
- One car length for every 10 mph
- At least a two-second gap (Correct answer)
- 50 metres at all times
- Close enough to read their number plate
Correct answer: At least a two-second gap
Use the two-second rule as a minimum in dry conditions. At 70 mph, a two-second gap equates to roughly 63 metres. In wet conditions, double this to four seconds. In fog or ice, increase it further. Never drive so close that you cannot stop safely if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly.
Question 5: When are you permitted to use the right-hand lane of a three-lane motorway?
- At any time if you are driving at 70 mph
- Only for overtaking — you should return to a lane further left when safe (Correct answer)
- Only if the left and middle lanes are occupied
- Only heavy goods vehicles are restricted from using it
Correct answer: Only for overtaking — you should return to a lane further left when safe
The right-hand lane (lane 3) should only be used for overtaking. Once you have passed the slower vehicle, move back to lane 2 or lane 1 when safe. Staying in lane 3 unnecessarily is an offence. Goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes are prohibited from using lane 3 on a three-lane motorway.
Question 6: What colour are the reflective studs on the left-hand edge of a motorway?
- White
- Amber
- Red (Correct answer)
- Green
Correct answer: Red
Red studs mark the left-hand edge of the carriageway (between the carriageway and the hard shoulder). White studs separate lanes. Amber studs mark the right-hand edge (central reservation). Green studs mark slip road entrances and exits. These colours help you navigate in poor visibility.
DVSA Motorway Driving 4
What do the countdown markers (white bars on a blue background) approaching a motorway exit represent?