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Highway Code Test 17

You have 57 minutes to answer 50 multiple choice Highway Code questions. At least 43 out of 50 questions must be answered correctly in order to pass the test. Answers may be reviewed after each question or you can wait until the end of the test for your final score. Good luck!

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1. Why should you walk on the right-hand side if there's no pavement? Give one answer
A To find pavements easily
B To follow traffic flow
C To see oncoming traffic
D To stay away from traffic
Correct Answer: C To see oncoming traffic
Explanation: Walking on the right-hand side without a pavement helps you see oncoming traffic and react accordingly for safety.
2. Where is it particularly important not to push the buggy into the road? Give one answer
A From between parked vehicles
B Near traffic lights
C On crossings
D On pavements
Correct Answer: A From between parked vehicles
Explanation: It's particularly important not to push a buggy into the road from between parked vehicles, where visibility is reduced.
3. For organised walks without pavements, which side should they keep to? Give one answer
A Any side
B Centre
C Left
D Right
Correct Answer: C Left
Explanation: When a pavement is not available, organised walks should keep to the left for safety and visibility.
4. Why is tactile paving used on shared routes? Give one answer
A For decoration
B For water drainage
C To help visually impaired people
D To reduce speed
Correct Answer: C To help visually impaired people
Explanation: Tactile paving helps visually impaired people stay on the correct side of shared routes.
5. What should be used as the kerb when crossing between parked vehicles? Give one answer
A Middle of the road
B Outside edges of vehicles
C Pavement
D Vehicle bonnets
Correct Answer: B Outside edges of vehicles
Explanation: When crossing between parked vehicles, the outside edges of these vehicles should be treated as the kerb for safety.
6. What should you ensure before crossing between parked vehicles? Give one answer
A It is a sunny day
B There are no pedestrians
C Visibility and traffic can see you
D You are in a hurry
Correct Answer: C Visibility and traffic can see you
Explanation: Ensuring you can see all around and that traffic can see you is crucial for safe crossing.
7. What should you do before starting to cross at any type of crossing? Give one answer
A Check if traffic has stopped
B Cross immediately
C Look for pedestrian lights
D Wait for a signal
Correct Answer: A Check if traffic has stopped
Explanation: You should always check that traffic has stopped before you start to cross, according to Highway Code Rule 18.
8. What is the upper speed limit of Class 2 powered wheelchairs? Give one answer
A 10 mph (16 km/h)
B 4 mph (6 km/h)
C 6 mph (10 km/h)
D 8 mph (12 km/h)
Correct Answer: B 4 mph (6 km/h)
Explanation: Class 2 powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters have an upper speed limit of 4 mph and are designed for pavement use.
9. How should you approach a kerb? Give one answer
A Any angle is fine
B At a shallow angle
C At right angles
D Diagonally
Correct Answer: C At right angles
Explanation: Approach kerbs at right angles for stability and to prevent tipping over.
10. Is obstruction to pedestrians a consideration in parking? Give one answer
A No
B Only during peak hours
C Only in certain areas
D Yes
Correct Answer: D Yes
Explanation: Rule 45 emphasizes that vehicles should not cause obstruction to other pedestrians when parked.
11. Which law covers helmet regulations for young riders? Give one answer
A Equestrian Safety Act 1990
B Horses (Protective Headgear for Young Riders) Act 1990
C Road Traffic Act 1988
D Young Riders Protection Act 1992
Correct Answer: B Horses (Protective Headgear for Young Riders) Act 1990
Explanation: The Horses (Protective Headgear for Young Riders) Act 1990 outlines helmet regulations for young riders.
12. What are the suggested ways to restrain animals in cars? Give one answer
A Just a simple collar
B Loose in the boot
C Seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage, dog guard
D With a standard seat belt
Correct Answer: C Seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage, dog guard
Explanation: Rule 57 suggests using a seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage, or dog guard to restrain animals in cars.
13. Where should you position yourself at junctions? Give one answer
A Always on the left
B Always on the right
C In the centre of your chosen lane
D Near the kerb
Correct Answer: C In the centre of your chosen lane
Explanation: Cyclists should position themselves in the centre of their chosen lane at junctions for visibility and safety, as stated in Rule 73.
14. Why should scratched or poorly fitting eye protectors be avoided? Give one answer
A They are cheaper
B They are more comfortable
C They can limit your view
D They enhance style
Correct Answer: C They can limit your view
Explanation: Scratched or poorly fitting eye protectors can limit a rider's view, especially in bright sunlight or at night, according to Rule 84.
15. Despite visibility measures, what should riders be aware of? Give one answer
A All drivers will see you
B Lights and clothing ensure safety
C No need to be cautious at junctions
D Other drivers may not see or judge distance/speed correctly
Correct Answer: D Other drivers may not see or judge distance/speed correctly
Explanation: Riders should be aware that other drivers may still not see them or judge their distance or speed correctly, especially at junctions, as stated in Rule 86.
16. Why is reflective clothing important in the dark? Give one answer
A Just a fashion statement
B Not important for visibility
C Only necessary in poor weather
D Reflects light, making you visible from a distance
Correct Answer: D Reflects light, making you visible from a distance
Explanation: Reflective clothing or strips make you visible from a longer distance by reflecting headlamp light, according to Rule 87.
17. Where should you not stop if you feel sleepy while driving? Give one answer
A In a rest area
B In a service station
C On a side street
D On the hard shoulder of a motorway
Correct Answer: D On the hard shoulder of a motorway
Explanation: It's advised not to stop on the hard shoulder of a motorway if feeling sleepy.
18. Is it an offence to not comply with traffic officers’ directions? Give one answer
A No, it's a recommendation
B Only during emergencies
C Only if repeated
D Yes, it is an offence
Correct Answer: D Yes, it is an offence
Explanation: It's an offence not to comply with the directions of traffic officers.
19. What is usually the cause of skidding? Give one answer
A Faulty brakes
B Harsh braking, accelerating, or steering
C Poor road conditions
D Worn tyres
Correct Answer: B Harsh braking, accelerating, or steering
Explanation: Skidding is often caused by braking, accelerating, or steering too harshly, or driving too fast for conditions.
20. What is coasting in driving terms? Give one answer
A Changing gears frequently
B Cruising downhill
C Driving at constant speed
D Vehicle in neutral or clutch down
Correct Answer: D Vehicle in neutral or clutch down
Explanation: Coasting describes a vehicle travelling in neutral or with the clutch pressed down.
21. When should you follow signs and road markings to change lanes? Give one answer
A As directed
B At high speeds
C Only in light traffic
D Only when merging
Correct Answer: A As directed
Explanation: You should always follow signs and road markings to get into the correct lane as directed for safe driving.
22. Why is it important to return to the left lane after overtaking? Give one answer
A To drive faster
B To follow traffic signals
C To keep right lane free for others
D To prepare for exiting
Correct Answer: C To keep right lane free for others
Explanation: It's important to return to the left lane to keep the right lane free for other vehicles that need to overtake or turn right.
23. When can you drive in a high-occupancy vehicle lane? Give one answer
A As indicated on signs
B At any time
C Only in emergencies
D Only outside operating hours
Correct Answer: A As indicated on signs
Explanation: You must not drive in high-occupancy vehicle lanes during their times of operation unless your vehicle is permitted as per signs.
24. What does the Road Traffic Act 1988 state regarding driving behavior? Give one answer
A No driving on motorways
B No driving under 30 mph
C No driving without a GPS
D No driving without care/consideration
Correct Answer: D No driving without care/consideration
Explanation: The Road Traffic Act 1988 mandates driving with due care and attention and consideration for other road users.
25. Where is smoking NOT allowed under Rule 148? Give one answer
A In electric cars
B In enclosed private vehicles with under 18s
C On bicycles
D On motorcycles
Correct Answer: B In enclosed private vehicles with under 18s
Explanation: Rule 148 states smoking is not allowed in enclosed private vehicles carrying someone under 18 in England and Wales.
26. What is the rule for making contactless payments with a mobile device? Give one answer
A Only at red lights
B Only for small amounts
C Only in traffic jams
D Vehicle must be stationary
Correct Answer: D Vehicle must be stationary
Explanation: Rule 149 allows using a hand-held mobile phone for contactless payments if the vehicle is stationary and the service is received at the same time.
27. In slow-moving traffic, how close should you be to the vehicle ahead? Give one answer
A A few metres away
B As close as possible
C At least one car length
D Never too close to stop safely
Correct Answer: D Never too close to stop safely
Explanation: Rule 151 advises never to get so close to the vehicle in front that you cannot stop safely.
28. What should you do regarding side roads in slow traffic? Give one answer
A Allow access into and from side roads
B Block side roads to maintain flow
C Only focus on main roads
D Use side roads to bypass traffic
Correct Answer: A Allow access into and from side roads
Explanation: Rule 151 advises allowing access into and from side roads, as blocking them adds to congestion.
29. What should you do when you approach traffic-calming features? Give one answer
A Honk to warn others
B Increase your speed
C Maintain the same speed
D Reduce your speed
Correct Answer: D Reduce your speed
Explanation: Rule 153 instructs to reduce speed when approaching road humps, chicanes, and narrowings designed to slow traffic.
30. What should be your speed within traffic-calming measures? Give one answer
A Keep at maximum limit
B Maintain a reduced speed
C Speed up intermittently
D Vary speed often
Correct Answer: B Maintain a reduced speed
Explanation: Rule 153 states to maintain a reduced speed along the entire stretch of road with traffic-calming measures.
31. Where MUST NOT motorcycles, motor tricycles, and quadricycles be used as per Rule 158? Give one answer
A Highways, motorways, dual carriageways
B Pavements, footpaths, cycle paths, bridleways
C Private driveways, parking lots, garages
D Race tracks, sports arenas, private roads
Correct Answer: B Pavements, footpaths, cycle paths, bridleways
Explanation: According to Rule 158, these vehicles must not be used on pavements, footpaths, cycle paths, or bridleways.
32. What should you do when preparing to overtake large vehicles according to Rule 164? Give one answer
A Drop back to increase visibility
B Follow another overtaking vehicle
C Get closer to the vehicle
D Overtake quickly
Correct Answer: A Drop back to increase visibility
Explanation: Dropping back increases your ability to see and lets the large vehicle driver see you, as advised in Rule 164.
33. What should you do well before turning right according to Rule 179? Give one answer
A Change lanes abruptly
B Ignore the rear traffic
C Only use the right indicator
D Use your mirrors to check traffic behind
Correct Answer: D Use your mirrors to check traffic behind
Explanation: Rule 179 advises using mirrors to assess the position and movement of traffic behind before turning right.
34. Which turning method at crossroads is generally safer? Give one answer
A Alternating between both methods
B Left side to left side
C No preference
D Right side to right side
Correct Answer: D Right side to right side
Explanation: Turning right side to right side is generally safer, as it provides a clear view of approaching traffic, as per Rule 181.
35. How should you deal with long vehicles on a roundabout? Give one answer
A Assume they will leave at the next exit
B Follow them closely
C Overtake them quickly
D Watch out for their course and signals
Correct Answer: D Watch out for their course and signals
Explanation: Watch out for long vehicles and their signals, as they may need to take a different course or straddle lanes, as per Rule 187.
36. What should be considered with learner and inexperienced drivers? Give one answer
A They are less important
B They have right of way
C They require extra awareness
D They should be avoided
Correct Answer: C They require extra awareness
Explanation: Learner and inexperienced drivers require extra awareness from other road users.
37. What should you do when turning at road junctions? Give one answer
A Accelerate through the turn
B Give way to crossing or waiting pedestrians
C Ignore pedestrians
D Only give way to vehicles
Correct Answer: B Give way to crossing or waiting pedestrians
Explanation: Pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross the road at junctions have priority, and drivers should yield to them.
38. What is required when approaching zebra and parallel crossings? Give one answer
A Give way to pedestrians and cyclists on the crossing
B Only stop for large groups
C Treat it like any other road junction
D Wait for a signal from pedestrians
Correct Answer: A Give way to pedestrians and cyclists on the crossing
Explanation: Drivers must give way to pedestrians and cyclists on zebra and parallel crossings as per traffic regulations.
39. What should you avoid doing to not scare animals near the road? Give one answer
A Avoid sounding your horn, revving your engine or accelerating rapidly
B Drive closely behind them
C Flash your lights
D Wave your arms out of the window
Correct Answer: A Avoid sounding your horn, revving your engine or accelerating rapidly
Explanation: To avoid scaring animals, do not sound your horn, rev your engine, or accelerate rapidly after passing them.
40. Why might you not always have advance warning of a powered vehicle used by a disabled person? Give one answer
A These vehicles are typically silent
B They are exempt from giving advance warning
C They may not have a flashing amber beacon on other roads
D They usually travel on pavements only
Correct Answer: C They may not have a flashing amber beacon on other roads
Explanation: On roads other than dual carriageways with speed limits exceeding 50 mph, powered vehicles for disabled people may not have a flashing amber beacon as a warning.
41. What gear should be used for an automatic car when parking on a hill? Give one answer
A Drive
B Neutral
C Park'
D Reverse
Correct Answer: C Park'
Explanation: In automatic cars, using ‘park’ gear secures the vehicle when parked on a hill.
42. What might an amber flashing signal display? Give one answer
A Directions to nearest services
B Parking availability
C Permanent speed changes
D Temporary speed limit or closed lanes
Correct Answer: D Temporary speed limit or closed lanes
Explanation: Amber flashing signals may display temporary maximum speed limits, closed lanes, or other hazard warnings like ‘Fog’.
43. What should you not do when joining a motorway? Give one answer
A Check mirrors
B Cross solid white lines
C Drive at a constant speed
D Use indicators
Correct Answer: B Cross solid white lines
Explanation: You should not cross solid white lines that separate lanes when joining a motorway.
44. When joining a motorway, what should you give priority to? Give one answer
A Cyclists
B Pedestrians
C Traffic already on the motorway
D Traffic on the slip road
Correct Answer: C Traffic already on the motorway
Explanation: You should give priority to traffic already on the motorway when joining.
45. What should you do if the slip road continues as an extra lane? Give one answer
A Immediately change lanes
B Reduce your speed
C Stay on the slip road
D Stop and check
Correct Answer: C Stay on the slip road
Explanation: Stay on the slip road if it continues as an extra lane on the motorway.
46. What should you maintain when driving at a steady cruising speed? Give one answer
A A safe distance from the vehicle in front
B Close proximity to other vehicles
C Frequent lane changes
D Speed above the limit
Correct Answer: A A safe distance from the vehicle in front
Explanation: A safe distance should be maintained from the vehicle in front when driving at a steady cruising speed.
47. Which set of regulations apply to motorway traffic in Scotland? Give one answer
A The Highway Code Rule 263
B The Motorways Traffic (England and Wales) Regulations 1982
C The Motorways Traffic (Scotland) Regulations 1995
D The Road Traffic Act 1988
Correct Answer: C The Motorways Traffic (Scotland) Regulations 1995
Explanation: Motorway traffic in Scotland is governed by The Motorways Traffic (Scotland) Regulations 1995.
48. In congested traffic, when is it acceptable to pass traffic on your right? Give one answer
A During rush hour only
B Only in emergencies
C When signalled by other drivers
D When traffic in your lane is moving faster
Correct Answer: D When traffic in your lane is moving faster
Explanation: It's acceptable to pass traffic on your right in congestion when your lane is moving faster.
49. How should you call emergency services on a motorway? Give one answer
A Signal for help
B Use any phone available
C Use emergency telephone or identify location
D Wait for others to call
Correct Answer: C Use emergency telephone or identify location
Explanation: Emergency telephones allow easy location by services; if using a mobile, knowing your location is crucial.
50. Who should take care near tram tracks, especially when wet? Give one answer
A Bus drivers
B Car drivers
C Cyclists and motorcyclists
D Pedestrians
Correct Answer: C Cyclists and motorcyclists
Explanation: Cyclists and motorcyclists should be extra cautious near wet tram tracks.