DVSA Motorway Rules and Smart Motorways — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the minimum engine size of a vehicle permitted to use a motorway in the UK?
- There is no minimum engine size — the restriction is based on vehicle type and capability (Correct answer)
- 500 cc
- 50 cc
- 1000 cc
Correct answer: There is no minimum engine size — the restriction is based on vehicle type and capability
There is no minimum engine size requirement for motorways. However, vehicles must be capable of maintaining a reasonable speed. Learner drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders, and certain slow-moving vehicles are prohibited from using motorways.
Question 2: On a smart motorway, what does a red X displayed above a lane mean?
- The lane is for emergency vehicles only
- The lane is closed — you must not drive in it (Correct answer)
- There is a speed restriction in that lane
- The lane is reserved for HGVs
Correct answer: The lane is closed — you must not drive in it
A red X above a lane on a smart motorway means the lane is closed. You must not drive in a lane showing a red X as there may be a stranded vehicle, debris, or people in the lane. Driving in a closed lane is an offence enforceable by camera.
Question 3: What should you do if you break down on a smart motorway with no hard shoulder?
- Stay in the live lane and wait for help
- Try to reach an emergency refuge area and call for help using the SOS phone (Correct answer)
- Walk along the motorway to the next junction
- Stand behind your vehicle to warn other drivers
Correct answer: Try to reach an emergency refuge area and call for help using the SOS phone
If you break down on a smart motorway without a hard shoulder, try to reach an emergency refuge area (ERA). If you cannot, move to the left-hand verge if possible, switch on your hazard lights, and call 999. Stay behind the crash barrier if there is one.
Question 4: When are you permitted to use the hard shoulder on a motorway for driving?
- During peak traffic hours
- When directed to by overhead gantry signs on a smart motorway (Correct answer)
- Whenever the motorway is congested
- When overtaking a slow-moving vehicle
Correct answer: When directed to by overhead gantry signs on a smart motorway
On certain smart motorways (All Lane Running or controlled motorways), the hard shoulder may be opened as a running lane during busy periods. This is indicated by speed limit signs displayed above the hard shoulder on overhead gantries. You must only use it when signs indicate it is open.
Question 5: What is the purpose of emergency refuge areas (ERAs) on smart motorways?
- For drivers to stop and make phone calls
- To provide a safe place to stop in an emergency when there is no hard shoulder (Correct answer)
- For HGV drivers to take rest breaks
- For police speed checks
Correct answer: To provide a safe place to stop in an emergency when there is no hard shoulder
Emergency refuge areas are orange-surfaced bays on smart motorways that provide a safe place to stop when the hard shoulder has been removed. They contain an SOS phone connected to Highways England. They are spaced approximately every 1.5 miles.
Question 6: You are joining a motorway from a slip road. What should you do?
- Stop at the end of the slip road and wait for a gap
- Build up speed on the slip road to match motorway traffic, and merge safely (Correct answer)
- Drive straight onto the motorway without checking
- Use the hard shoulder to build up speed
Correct answer: Build up speed on the slip road to match motorway traffic, and merge safely
When joining a motorway, use the slip road to build up your speed to match the traffic on the motorway. Check mirrors, signal right, and merge into a safe gap in the traffic. Do not force your way in or stop at the end of the slip road unless traffic is queuing.
DVSA Motorway Rules and Smart Motorways
What is the minimum engine size of a vehicle permitted to use a motorway in the UK?