Alertness Test

There are 26 driving theory test Alertness questions. You must get 86% (22 out of 26) to pass the test. You may review answers after each question by clicking the 'check answer' button or you can wait until the end of the test for your final score. Good luck!

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A Check road markings to see that U-turns are permitted
B Give an arm signal as well as using your indicators
C Look over your shoulder for a final check
D Select a higher gear than normal
Correct Answer: C Look over your shoulder for a final check
Explanation: If you have to make a U-turn, slow down and ensure that the road is clear in both directions. Make sure that the road is wide enough for you to carry out the manoeuvre safely. Use your mirrors and look round to check it's safe before turning across the road.
A Change gear
B Keep to 30 mph
C Move to the right
D Slow down
Correct Answer: D Slow down
Explanation: You should slow down and be cautious. Hump bridges are often narrow and there may not be enough room for you to pass an oncoming vehicle at this point. Also, there's no footpath, so be aware of pedestrians in the road.
A Approaching a dip in the road
B In a one-way street
C Just after a bend
D On a 30 mph road
Correct Answer: A Approaching a dip in the road
Explanation: Oncoming vehicles or other hazards can be hidden from view by dips in the road. If you can't see into the dip, wait until you have a clear view and can see that it's safe before starting to overtake.
A Heavy vehicles should take the next road on the left to avoid a weight limit
B Overtaking traffic should move back to the left
C The road ahead bends to the left
D The road ahead has a camber to the left
Correct Answer: B Overtaking traffic should move back to the left
Explanation: In this picture, the road marking shows that overtaking drivers or riders need to return to the left. These markings show the direction drivers must pass hatch markings or solid double white lines. They're also used to show the route that high vehicles should take under a low arched bridge.
A Answer it immediately
B Leave it until you have stopped in a safe place
C Pull up at the nearest kerb
D Stop immediately
Correct Answer: B Leave it until you have stopped in a safe place
Explanation: It's illegal to use a hand-held mobile or similar device when driving or riding, except in a genuine emergency. The safest option is to switch off your mobile phone before you set off, and use a message service. If you've forgotten to switch your phone off and it rings, you should leave it. When you've stopped in a safe place, you can see who called and return the call if necessary.
A To help you choose the correct lane
B To help you keep the correct separation distance
C To make you aware of your speed
D To tell you the distance to the roundabout
Correct Answer: C To make you aware of your speed
Explanation: These lines are often found on the approach to a roundabout or a dangerous junction. They give you extra warning to adjust your speed. Look well ahead and do this in good time.
A Accelerate hard
B Be ready to stop
C Brake hard
D Maintain your speed
Correct Answer: B Be ready to stop
Explanation: The longer traffic lights have been green, the sooner they'll change. Allow for this as you approach traffic lights that you know have been green for a while. They're likely to change soon, so you should be prepared to stop.
A Flash the headlights
B Select a higher gear
C Sound the horn
D Use the mirrors
Correct Answer: D Use the mirrors
Explanation: Before slowing down or stopping, check the mirrors to see what's happening behind you. Also assess what's ahead and make sure you give the correct signal if it will help other road users.
A You'll be able to corner more quickly
B You'll give the driver a chance to see you in their mirrors
C You'll help the large vehicle to stop more easily
D You'll keep out of the wind better
Correct Answer: B You'll give the driver a chance to see you in their mirrors
Explanation: If you're following a large vehicle but are so close to it that you can't see its exterior mirrors, the driver won't be able to see you. Keeping well back will also allow you to see the road ahead by looking past the large vehicle.
A Because you'll need to accelerate out of danger
B Because you'll need to brake sharply and stop
C To assess how your actions will affect the traffic behind
D To check what's happening on the road ahead
Correct Answer: C To assess how your actions will affect the traffic behind
Explanation: You should be constantly scanning the road for clues about what's going to happen next. Check your mirrors regularly, particularly as soon as you spot a hazard. What's happening behind may affect how you respond to hazards ahead.
A Move quickly to where you can see so you only block traffic from one direction
B Stop and then move forward slowly and carefully for a clear view
C Turn your vehicle around immediately and find another junction to use
D Wait for a pedestrian to let you know when it's safe for you to emerge
Correct Answer: B Stop and then move forward slowly and carefully for a clear view
Explanation: At junctions, your view is often restricted by buildings, trees or parked cars. You need to be able to see in order to judge a safe gap. Edge forward slowly and keep looking all the time. Don't cause other road users to change speed or direction as you emerge.
A Your radio reception might be affected
B Your sun visor might get tangled
C Your view could be obstructed
D Your windscreen could mist up more easily
Correct Answer: C Your view could be obstructed
Explanation: Ensure that you can see clearly through the windscreen of your vehicle. Stickers or hanging objects could obstruct your view or draw your attention away from the road.
A Drive faster to complete your journey sooner
B Leave the motorway and stop in a safe place
C Play some loud music
D Stop on the hard shoulder for a rest
Correct Answer: B Leave the motorway and stop in a safe place
Explanation: If you feel sleepy, you should leave the motorway at a service area or at the next exit and stop in a safe place to rest. A supply of fresh air can help to keep you alert before you reach the exit, but it isn't a substitute for stopping and resting.
A Because the street lights are lit
B So others can see you more easily
C So that you blend in with other drivers
D To make your dials easier to see
Correct Answer: B So others can see you more easily
Explanation: Your headlights and tail lights help others on the road to see you. It may be necessary to turn on your headlights during the day if visibility is reduced; for example, due to heavy rain. In these conditions, the light might fade before the street lights are timed to switch on. Be seen to be safe.
A Using a mobile phone
B Using the demisters
C Using the mirrors
D Using the windscreen wipers
Correct Answer: A Using a mobile phone
Explanation: Except for emergencies, it's illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while you're driving. Even using a hands-free kit can severely distract your attention.
A When you're driving at less than 30 mph
B When you're receiving a call
C When you've parked safely
D When your car has automatic transmission
Correct Answer: C When you've parked safely
Explanation: It's illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while you're driving, except in a genuine emergency. Even using a hands-free kit can distract your attention. Park in a safe and convenient place before receiving or making a call or using text messaging. Then you'll also be free to take notes or refer to papers.
A Apply the parking brake and footbrake together
B Give an arm signal
C Keep both hands on the steering wheel
D Select reverse gear
Correct Answer: C Keep both hands on the steering wheel
Explanation: As you drive, look well ahead and all around so that you're ready for any hazards that might develop. If you have to stop in an emergency, react as soon as you can while keeping control of the vehicle. Keep both hands on the steering wheel so you can control the vehicle's direction of travel.
A Give a signal after moving off
B Look around after moving off
C Look around before moving off
D Use the exterior mirrors only
Correct Answer: C Look around before moving off
Explanation: Before moving off, you should use both the interior and exterior mirrors to check that the road is clear. Look around to check the blind spots and, if necessary, give a signal to warn other road users of your intentions. Also look well ahead as you'll have to steer out into the road to pass the parked car.
A Change down one gear before you pass
B Keep close to them as you pass
C Leave them plenty of room as you pass
D Sound your horn as you pass
Correct Answer: C Leave them plenty of room as you pass
Explanation: Allow the cyclist plenty of room in case they wobble or swerve around a pothole or raised drain. Look well ahead before you start to overtake, because you'll need to cross the hazard line. Look for entrances where vehicles could be waiting to pull out.
A When you're approaching a one-way street
B When you're approaching bends and junctions
C When you're driving on a dual carriageway
D When you're driving on a motorway
Correct Answer: B When you're approaching bends and junctions
Explanation: Windscreen pillars can obstruct your view, particularly at bends and junctions. Look out for other road users - especially cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians who can easily be overlooked.
A Ask someone to guide you
B Look in the nearside mirror
C Open the door to look behind
D Open the window to look behind
Correct Answer: A Ask someone to guide you
Explanation: If you want to turn your car around, try to find a place where you have good all-round vision. If this isn't possible, and you're unable to see clearly, then get someone to guide you.
A An area covered by your left-hand mirror
B An area covered by your right-hand mirror
C An area not covered by your headlights
D An area not visible to the driver
Correct Answer: D An area not visible to the driver
Explanation: Modern vehicles provide the driver with a good view of both the road ahead and behind using well-positioned mirrors. However, the mirrors can't see every angle of the scene behind and to the sides of the vehicle. It's essential that you know when and how to check the vehicle's blind spots, so that you're aware of any hidden hazards.
A It will divert your attention
B It will improve your safety
C It will increase your concentration
D It will reduce your view
Correct Answer: A It will divert your attention
Explanation: Talking to someone while you're driving can distract you and, unlike when someone is in the car with you, the person on the other end of a mobile phone is unable to see the traffic situations you're dealing with. They won't stop speaking to you even if you're approaching a hazardous situation. You need to concentrate on your driving at all times.
A Check that the central reservation is wide enough for your vehicle
B Make sure that you leave enough room for a vehicle behind
C Position your vehicle well to the left of the side road
D Stop, apply the parking brake and then select a low gear
Correct Answer: A Check that the central reservation is wide enough for your vehicle
Explanation: Before emerging right onto a dual carriageway, make sure that the central reservation is deep enough to protect your vehicle. If it isn't, you should treat the dual carriageway as one road and check that it's clear in both directions before pulling out. Neglecting to do this could place part or all of your vehicle in the path of approaching traffic and cause a collision.
Correct Answer: D Motorcyclists
Explanation: Windscreen pillars can completely block your view of pedestrians, motorcyclists and cyclists. You should make a particular effort to look for these road users; don't just rely on a quick glance.
A Choose a voice that you find calming
B Only set the destination when you're lost
C Set it before starting your journey
D Turn it off while you're driving in built-up areas
Correct Answer: C Set it before starting your journey
Explanation: Satnavs can be useful when driving on unfamiliar routes. However, they can also distract you and cause you to lose control if you look at or adjust them while you're driving. Set the satnav before starting your journey, or pull up in a safe place before making any changes to it.