DVSA Driving Theory Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which of the following road markings indicates that you must not stop your vehicle at any time?

Double red lines along the edge of the road (Correct answer)
A single yellow line along the edge of the road
Yellow zigzag lines outside a school
A broken white line in the centre of the road

Correct answer: Double red lines along the edge of the road

Double red lines, found on 'Red Routes', mean that no stopping is allowed at any time for any reason (except for licensed taxis or Blue Badge holders in some cases). This is a stricter control than single or double yellow lines.

Question 2: At a Puffin crossing, the green figure for pedestrians has turned off while someone is still crossing. What will the traffic lights for vehicles show?

A steady red light until the crossing is clear. (Correct answer)
A steady amber light.
A steady green light as soon as the figure goes out.
A flashing amber light.

Correct answer: A steady red light until the crossing is clear.

Puffin crossings (Pedestrian User-Friendly Intelligent crossings) use sensors to detect if pedestrians are on the crossing. The traffic light will remain red for vehicles until the pedestrian has safely reached the other side, even if the green figure has gone out. Unlike older Pelican crossings, there is no flashing amber phase for drivers.

Question 3: At a roundabout, you should give way to traffic from which direction?

The right (Correct answer)
All directions equally
Straight ahead
The left

Correct answer: The right

At a roundabout, you must give way to traffic approaching from your right. You should watch for vehicles already on the roundabout and wait for a safe gap before joining.

Question 4: When should you use the left-hand lane on a three-lane motorway?

When travelling at any speed, unless overtaking (Correct answer)
When carrying heavy loads
Only when joining or leaving the motorway
Only when driving below 50 mph

Correct answer: When travelling at any speed, unless overtaking

On a motorway, you should normally drive in the left-hand lane regardless of your speed. The middle and right-hand lanes are for overtaking only. Once you have finished overtaking, you should return to the left-hand lane. Staying in the middle or right lane unnecessarily is called 'lane hogging' and is an offence.

Question 5: A casualty is bleeding heavily from an arm wound. What is the most effective immediate action?

Give the casualty a warm drink
Apply a tourniquet above the wound
Pour cold water over the wound
Elevate the arm and apply firm pressure (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Elevate the arm and apply firm pressure

Elevating the injured limb and applying firm direct pressure is the recommended first aid for controlling severe bleeding.

Question 6: What is the minimum distance you should leave when overtaking a cyclist?

At least 2.0 metres
At least 1.5 metres (Correct answer)
At least 0.5 metres
At least 1.0 metre

Correct answer: At least 1.5 metres

The Highway Code (updated 2022) states that when overtaking a cyclist at speeds of up to 30 mph, you should leave at least 1.5 metres of space. At higher speeds, you should leave even more room.

Question 7: You are approaching a horse and rider on a country lane. What is the maximum speed at which you should pass?

10 mph (Correct answer)
30 mph
The speed is not specified, but you must pass 'wide and slow'
20 mph

Correct answer: 10 mph

The Highway Code (Rule 215) is very specific about passing horses. You must slow down to a maximum of 10 mph and allow at least 2 metres of space. Horses are flight animals and can be easily scared by vehicles that are moving too fast or are too close.

Question 8: You have just bought a brand-new car. When will it need its first MOT test?

On the third anniversary of its registration. (Correct answer)
After it has been driven 12,000 miles.
On the first anniversary of its registration.
When the manufacturer's warranty expires.

Correct answer: On the third anniversary of its registration.

A new car in the UK does not require an MOT test until the third anniversary of its first registration date. After this, it must be tested annually.

Question 9: You see brake lights come on several vehicles ahead of you on a motorway. What does this suggest?

The vehicles are keeping the correct distance
The road surface has changed
There is a speed camera ahead
There may be a hazard or traffic queue forming ahead (Correct answer)

Correct answer: There may be a hazard or traffic queue forming ahead

Multiple brake lights ahead on a motorway indicate that traffic is slowing — there may be a hazard, congestion, or a queue forming. You should reduce your speed early and check your mirrors in case you need to change lanes or warn drivers behind you.

Question 10: You are driving a car towing a small trailer on a UK motorway. What is the maximum speed at which you are legally permitted to travel?

The same as cars, but you must stay in the left-hand lane
70 mph
50 mph
60 mph (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 60 mph

The national speed limit for a car towing a trailer or caravan on a motorway is 60 mph. This is lower than the 70 mph limit for cars, motorcycles, and car-derived vans not towing a trailer.

Question 11: How should you perform CPR chest compressions on an adult casualty?

15 compressions then 1 breath
30 compressions then 2 breaths (Correct answer)
5 compressions then 2 breaths
10 compressions then 1 breath

Correct answer: 30 compressions then 2 breaths

Current first aid guidelines recommend 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths when performing CPR on an adult.

Question 12: What effect does tiredness have on your driving ability?

It significantly increases your reaction time and impairs judgement (Correct answer)
It has no effect if you keep the window open
It only affects you on long motorway journeys
It improves concentration as you try harder to focus

Correct answer: It significantly increases your reaction time and impairs judgement

Tiredness significantly increases reaction times, impairs judgement, and can cause microsleeps where you briefly lose consciousness. It is a major factor in road collisions. The only effective countermeasure is to stop and rest.

Question 13: When overtaking a cyclist on a road with a 30 mph speed limit, what is the minimum distance you should leave?

1.5 metres (approx 5 feet) (Correct answer)
1.0 metre (approx 3 feet)
As much room as you would give a motorcycle
The width of your car door

Correct answer: 1.5 metres (approx 5 feet)

The Highway Code (Rule 163) was updated to state that drivers should leave at least 1.5 metres of space when overtaking cyclists at speeds up to 30 mph, and more space at higher speeds. This is to ensure the safety of the cyclist, who may need to swerve to avoid potholes or other hazards.

Question 14: You are driving behind a bus that pulls up at a stop. What hazard should you anticipate?

Pedestrians may cross the road from in front of the bus (Correct answer)
The bus may turn right without indicating
Other buses may overtake you
The bus may reverse towards you

Correct answer: Pedestrians may cross the road from in front of the bus

When a bus stops, passengers may alight and cross the road, sometimes emerging from in front of the bus where you cannot see them. Be prepared to stop and watch for pedestrians stepping into the road.

Question 15: What should you do if you break down on a smart motorway with no hard shoulder?

Stand behind your vehicle to warn other drivers
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

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 16: A pelican crossing differs from a puffin crossing because:

It detects pedestrians and adjusts the green light timing
It has a flashing amber phase for drivers (Correct answer)
It has no lights for pedestrians
It is only used near schools

Correct answer: It has a flashing amber phase for drivers

A pelican crossing has a flashing amber light phase, during which drivers may proceed if the crossing is clear of pedestrians. Puffin crossings use sensors to detect pedestrians and do not have a flashing amber phase — they go straight from red to green.

Question 17: What colour are the reflective road studs (cat's eyes) that mark the central reservation of a motorway?

White
Amber (Correct answer)
Red
Green

Correct answer: Amber

Amber cat's eyes mark the central reservation on a motorway, warning drivers they are near the central barrier.

Question 18: Which driving technique most effectively reduces fuel consumption?

Driving in the highest appropriate gear at a steady speed (Correct answer)
Accelerating hard to reach the speed limit quickly then coasting
Using the brakes frequently to control speed
Keeping the engine revs as high as possible

Correct answer: Driving in the highest appropriate gear at a steady speed

Driving in the highest suitable gear at a smooth, steady speed minimises fuel consumption and engine wear.

Question 19: You see a circular blue sign with the number '30' in white. What does this sign mean?

Minimum speed limit of 30 mph. (Correct answer)
End of the 30 mph speed restriction.
Maximum speed limit of 30 mph.
Recommended speed of 30 mph.

Correct answer: Minimum speed limit of 30 mph.

A circular sign with a blue background indicates a mandatory instruction. In this case, it signifies a minimum speed limit. You must not drive slower than the speed indicated, unless it is unsafe to do so. Maximum speed limits are shown in a red circle.

Question 20: When driving in the left-hand lane on a three-lane motorway, you see a vehicle broken down on the hard shoulder. What should you do?

Move to the middle lane if it is safe to do so (Correct answer)
Stop on the hard shoulder to help
Continue in the left lane at the same speed
Flash your headlights to warn other drivers

Correct answer: Move to the middle lane if it is safe to do so

If you see a vehicle on the hard shoulder, you should move over to the next lane if it is safe, to give them more space. This follows the principle of creating a safety buffer and is recommended in the Highway Code.

Question 21: You are driving in queuing traffic and notice a motorcyclist filtering between the lanes. What is the most appropriate action to take?

Sound your horn to show you are aware of them.
Move closer to the vehicle in front to block their path.
Flash your headlights to let them pass.
Maintain your position and check your mirrors and blind spots before manoeuvring. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Maintain your position and check your mirrors and blind spots before manoeuvring.

Filtering (or lane splitting) by motorcyclists in slow-moving traffic is not illegal in the UK. Drivers should remain aware of their presence. The correct action is to hold your position and be vigilant, checking mirrors and blind spots frequently, especially before any change in position, as a motorcycle could be alongside you.

Question 22: A police officer stops you and asks to see your Certificate of Motor Insurance. You do not have it with you. What is the most likely outcome?

You will be required to produce the document at a police station within 7 days. (Correct answer)
Your vehicle will be impounded immediately.
You will receive an automatic fine and penalty points.
You will be given a verbal warning and allowed to proceed.

Correct answer: You will be required to produce the document at a police station within 7 days.

If you are stopped by the police and cannot produce your insurance certificate, you will typically be issued with a form (a 'producer') requiring you to present the document at a police station of your choice within 7 days.

Question 23: What is the legal minimum tread depth for car tyres in the UK?

1.6 mm across the full width of the tread
2.0 mm across the full width of the tread
1.0 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread
1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread

The legal minimum tread depth for car tyres in the UK is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread width, around the entire circumference. Driving with tyres below this is an offence carrying a fine and penalty points per tyre.

Question 24: After a collision, fuel is leaking. What is the greatest danger?

Damage to the road surface
Risk of fire or explosion (Correct answer)
The vehicle stalling
Loss of tyre pressure

Correct answer: Risk of fire or explosion

Leaking fuel presents a serious fire and explosion risk at a collision scene, and ignition sources such as sparks or lit cigarettes must be avoided.

Question 25: When may you use your vehicle's hazard warning lights while moving?

When driving on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway to warn traffic behind of a hazard ahead. (Correct answer)
When you are double-parked for a short period.
If you are driving slowly because you are lost.
To thank a driver who has let you out of a junction.

Correct answer: When driving on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway to warn traffic behind of a hazard ahead.

The Highway Code states that you must not use hazard warning lights while driving unless you are on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway and you need to warn drivers behind you of a hazard or obstruction ahead. Using them for other reasons, such as thanking drivers or for illegal parking, is incorrect.

Question 26: When approaching a junction, you see a rectangular blue sign with a large white arrow pointing forwards and a smaller red arrow pointing in the opposite direction. What does this mean for you?

The road ahead narrows
You have priority over oncoming vehicles (Correct answer)
Oncoming traffic has priority
You are on a one-way street

Correct answer: You have priority over oncoming vehicles

This rectangular blue sign indicates that you have priority over vehicles travelling from the opposite direction. It is often used where the road narrows and only one vehicle can pass at a time.

Question 27: What colour are direction signs on UK motorways?

White with black text
Green with white text
Blue with white text (Correct answer)
Yellow with black text

Correct answer: Blue with white text

Motorway direction signs have a blue background with white text and white borders, distinguishing them from other road types.

Question 28: What is the overall stopping distance at 60 mph on a dry road?

120 metres (394 feet)
73 metres (240 feet) (Correct answer)
96 metres (315 feet)
53 metres (175 feet)

Correct answer: 73 metres (240 feet)

At 60 mph, the typical overall stopping distance on a dry road is 73 metres (240 feet). This includes 18 metres thinking distance and 55 metres braking distance. In wet conditions, these distances at least double.

Question 29: Which action should you take to get the best fuel economy from a long motorway journey?

Keep the windows open instead of using air conditioning
Travel at the highest legal speed to complete the journey faster
Use cruise control to maintain a steady, legal speed (Correct answer)
Accelerate and decelerate frequently to keep the engine at peak efficiency

Correct answer: Use cruise control to maintain a steady, legal speed

Cruise control maintains a constant speed without the small speed fluctuations of manual throttle use, resulting in lower average fuel consumption on motorways.

Question 30: When must you use your dipped headlights during the day?

Whenever it is raining, regardless of intensity.
When driving through a tunnel with good lighting.
Only between sunset and sunrise.
In dull weather or when visibility is seriously reduced. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: In dull weather or when visibility is seriously reduced.

The Highway Code mandates using headlights when visibility is 'seriously reduced,' which is generally defined as being unable to see for more than 100 metres (328 feet). This includes conditions like heavy rain, fog, or dull weather during the daytime.

Question 31: What does a catalytic converter do in a vehicle's exhaust system?

It reduces harmful exhaust emissions by converting toxic gases into less harmful substances (Correct answer)
It filters particulate matter from diesel engines only
It reduces fuel consumption by recycling exhaust gases
It increases engine power output

Correct answer: It reduces harmful exhaust emissions by converting toxic gases into less harmful substances

A catalytic converter uses chemical reactions to convert harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons into less harmful carbon dioxide and water.

Question 32: What is the national speed limit for a car on a single carriageway?

80 mph
70 mph
50 mph
60 mph (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 60 mph

The national speed limit for cars on a single carriageway is 60 mph. On dual carriageways and motorways, the national speed limit for cars is 70 mph.

Question 33: What is the maximum fine for using a handheld mobile phone while driving?

£200 and 6 penalty points
£500 and 3 penalty points
£100 and 3 penalty points
£1,000 and 6 penalty points (Correct answer)

Correct answer: £1,000 and 6 penalty points

Using a handheld mobile phone while driving can result in a fixed penalty of £200 and 6 penalty points. However, if the case goes to court, the maximum fine is £1,000 (£2,500 for lorry or bus drivers) and you could be disqualified from driving.

Question 34: What does a triangular sign containing an exclamation mark (!) indicate?

A pedestrian crossing is ahead
Road works beginning in 200 metres
A general hazard that is not covered by a specific sign (Correct answer)
A speed camera is ahead

Correct answer: A general hazard that is not covered by a specific sign

An exclamation mark in a red triangle is a general warning sign indicating an unspecified hazard ahead.

Question 35: During a 'show me' question on a practical driving test, the examiner asks you to demonstrate how you would check that the brake lights are working. What is the correct procedure?

Operate the brake pedal and check for a warning light on the dashboard.
Pump the brake pedal several times to see if the pressure feels correct.
Switch on the ignition, turn on the hazard lights, and walk around the car.
Operate the brake pedal and use reflections in windows or ask someone to help check. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Operate the brake pedal and use reflections in windows or ask someone to help check.

The correct way to check the brake lights is to operate the brake pedal while making use of reflections in windows, garage doors, or other vehicles, or by asking another person to stand at the rear of the vehicle to confirm they are lit.

Question 36: Your car breaks down on a motorway with a hard shoulder. After pulling over to the hard shoulder, what is the first thing you should do?

Switch on your hazard warning lights. (Correct answer)
Get out of your vehicle and stand in front of it to warn oncoming traffic.
Attempt to carry out simple repairs on your vehicle.
Place a warning triangle 45 metres behind your vehicle.

Correct answer: Switch on your hazard warning lights.

If you break down on a motorway, the first priority is to warn other drivers. You should switch on your hazard warning lights immediately. You should not use a warning triangle on a motorway. Exit the vehicle from the left-hand side and wait behind the safety barrier.

Question 37: What is the most eco-friendly action to take when you know you will be stationary for more than a couple of minutes?

Turn the engine off (Correct answer)
Switch to neutral but keep the engine running
Rev the engine gently to avoid it stalling
Keep the engine running to warm the cabin

Correct answer: Turn the engine off

Switching the engine off when stationary for more than a minute or two prevents unnecessary fuel burn and reduces exhaust emissions.

Question 38: Which of these documents is primarily used to prove who is the registered keeper of a vehicle, but not necessarily the legal owner?

MOT Certificate (VT20)
Driving Licence
Certificate of Motor Insurance
V5C Registration Certificate (Log Book) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: V5C Registration Certificate (Log Book)

The V5C Registration Certificate, often called the log book, is issued by the DVLA and records the details of the vehicle and its registered keeper. It is important to note that the registered keeper is not always the legal owner.

Question 39: What is the minimum legal tyre tread depth for a car in the UK?

2.0 mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre.
1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. (Correct answer)
1.0 mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre.
1.6 mm across the entire width of the tyre.

Correct answer: 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre.

UK law requires that car tyres must have a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tread and around the entire outer circumference of the tyre.

Question 40: You are first at a serious collision. Which is the first call you should make?

A breakdown recovery service
The emergency services (999 or 112) (Correct answer)
A local garage
Your insurance company

Correct answer: The emergency services (999 or 112)

Dialling 999 or the European emergency number 112 to summon police, ambulance, and fire services is always the first priority at a serious incident.

Question 41: You are driving past a parked ice cream van on a residential street. What is the main hazard you should be anticipating?

The van's refrigeration unit may be leaking.
Litter being dropped from the van's serving window.
Children running out into the road from behind the van. (Correct answer)
The driver suddenly pulling out without indicating.

Correct answer: Children running out into the road from behind the van.

Ice cream vans attract children, who may be excited and less aware of road safety. They can run into the road unexpectedly, often from behind the van where they are hidden from your view. You must reduce your speed significantly and be prepared to stop.

Question 42: What does an upward-pointing blue arrow on a motorway sign indicate?

The road continues straight ahead with no junction
Overtaking is permitted in the lane ahead
A variable speed limit is in operation ahead
You must keep to the lanes indicated for your direction (Correct answer)

Correct answer: You must keep to the lanes indicated for your direction

A blue upward arrow on a motorway sign confirms the direction of travel and lane allocation for vehicles proceeding straight on.

Question 43: You are driving on a country road at 50 mph. How much distance should you allow for thinking distance alone?

15 metres (50 feet) (Correct answer)
9 metres (30 feet)
18 metres (60 feet)
12 metres (40 feet)

Correct answer: 15 metres (50 feet)

At 50 mph, the thinking distance is approximately 15 metres (50 feet). A useful rule of thumb is that thinking distance in feet roughly equals your speed in mph — so at 50 mph, thinking distance is about 50 feet (15 metres).

Question 44: You are driving on a 'smart motorway' and see a red 'X' displayed on the overhead gantry above your lane. What does this mean?

A temporary speed limit is in force for this lane.
You should stop and wait for further instructions.
The national speed limit applies to this lane.
You should move into another open lane as soon as it is safe to do so. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: You should move into another open lane as soon as it is safe to do so.

A red 'X' shown on an overhead gantry on a motorway indicates that the lane is closed. You MUST NOT drive in a lane that is closed by a red 'X'. You should move into an open lane safely and promptly. Ignoring this sign is dangerous and illegal.

Question 45: What does a sign with a red cross on a white background displayed on a motorway overhead gantry mean?

The lane below the sign is closed and must not be used (Correct answer)
Traffic is merging from the left in this lane
A services area with first aid is ahead
Emergency vehicles are ahead, slow down immediately

Correct answer: The lane below the sign is closed and must not be used

A red X on a motorway overhead gantry means the lane directly below is closed — you must not drive in that lane.

Question 46: At what engine action do vehicles typically use the most fuel?

Engine braking downhill
Steady cruising on a motorway
Idling at traffic lights for extended periods and heavy acceleration (Correct answer)
Driving at 20 mph in a residential zone

Correct answer: Idling at traffic lights for extended periods and heavy acceleration

Excessive idling and harsh acceleration both burn disproportionately large amounts of fuel compared to smooth, progressive driving.

Question 47: You witness a motorcyclist involved in a collision. They are unconscious. Should you remove their helmet?

Yes, always remove it immediately
Yes, to check for head injuries
No, only remove it if they are not breathing
No, leave it on unless there is a specific breathing problem that cannot otherwise be resolved (Correct answer)

Correct answer: No, leave it on unless there is a specific breathing problem that cannot otherwise be resolved

A motorcyclist's helmet should only be removed if it is absolutely necessary to maintain their airway, as removal risks aggravating a spinal injury.

Question 48: What does a flashing amber beacon on the roof of a moving vehicle typically indicate?

The vehicle is carrying hazardous materials
The vehicle is responding to an emergency call
The vehicle is a slow-moving or oversized hazard (Correct answer)
The vehicle has broken down and is stationary

Correct answer: The vehicle is a slow-moving or oversized hazard

An amber flashing beacon warns other road users that the vehicle is slow-moving, wide, or poses an unusual hazard.

Question 49: When driving in wet conditions, what is the minimum time gap you should leave between your vehicle and the one in front?

A one-second gap
A two-second gap
A four-second gap (Correct answer)
A three-second gap

Correct answer: A four-second gap

The Highway Code advises that in wet weather, you should double the normal two-second gap to at least a four-second gap. This is because your vehicle will take longer to stop on a wet surface, and the increased distance provides a safer stopping margin.

Question 50: You are approaching a zebra crossing where a pedestrian is waiting to cross. Which of the following actions is the correct one to take?

Slow down and prepare to stop if they step onto the crossing. (Correct answer)
Sound your horn to let them know it is not safe to cross.
Continue at the same speed as they have not stepped onto the crossing.
Speed up to pass the crossing before they decide to step out.

Correct answer: Slow down and prepare to stop if they step onto the crossing.

According to the Highway Code, you must give way when a pedestrian has moved onto a zebra crossing. As a driver, you should anticipate that a waiting pedestrian will cross, so you must slow down and be prepared to stop to allow them to do so safely.

Question 51: When may you use your vehicle's horn in a built-up area at night?

Between 11:30 pm and 7:00 am only in an emergency
Only between 6:00 pm and 8:00 am
Never between 11:30 pm and 7:00 am unless a moving vehicle poses a danger (Correct answer)
At any time if you feel it is necessary

Correct answer: Never between 11:30 pm and 7:00 am unless a moving vehicle poses a danger

In a built-up area, you must not sound your horn between 11:30 pm and 7:00 am unless another road user poses a danger. The horn should never be used aggressively or as a rebuke.

DVSA Driving Theory Test

The DVSA Driving Theory Test is the official UK multiple-choice exam administered by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, assessing knowledge of the Highway Code, road signs, hazard awareness, motorway rules, vehicle safety, and responsible driving practices.

Questions

57 min

Time Limit

86%

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