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Motorway Rules Theory Test

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There are 58 Motorway Rules Theory Test questions. You must get 86% (50 out of 58) 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 Give way to traffic already on the motorway
B Slow to a stop before joining the motorway
C Stop at the end of the acceleration lane
D Use the hard shoulder
Correct Answer: A Give way to traffic already on the motorway
Explanation: You should give way to traffic already on the motorway. Where possible, traffic may move over to let you in, but don't force your way into the traffic stream. Traffic could be travelling at high speed, so try to match your speed to filter in without affecting the traffic flow.
A 30 mph
B 50 mph
C 60 mph
D 70 mph
Correct Answer: D 70 mph
Explanation: Travelling at the national speed limit doesn't allow you to hog the right-hand lane. Always use the left-hand lane whenever possible. When leaving a motorway, get into the left-hand lane well before your exit. Reduce your speed on the slip road and look out for sharp bends or curves and traffic queuing at roundabouts.
A Any vehicle
B Emergency vehicles only
C Large vehicles only
D Slow vehicles only
Correct Answer: A Any vehicle
Explanation: On a motorway, all traffic should use the left-hand lane unless overtaking. When overtaking a number of slower vehicles, move back to the left-hand lane when you're safely past. Check your mirrors frequently and don't stay in the middle or right-hand lane if the left-hand lane is free.
A A motorcycle
B A motorcycle and sidecar
C A small delivery van
D A vehicle towing a trailer
Correct Answer: D A vehicle towing a trailer
Explanation: A vehicle with a trailer is restricted to 60 mph. For this reason, it isn't allowed in the right-hand lane, as it might hold up faster-moving traffic that wishes to overtake in that lane.
A It allows easy location by the emergency services
B It connects you to a local garage
C Mobile phones don't work on motorways
D Using a mobile phone will distract other drivers
Correct Answer: A It allows easy location by the emergency services
Explanation: On a motorway, it's best to use a roadside emergency telephone so that the emergency services are able to find you easily. The location of the nearest telephone is shown by an arrow on marker posts at the edge of the hard shoulder. If you use a mobile, the operator will need to know your exact location. Before you call, find out the number on the nearest marker post. This number will identify your exact location.
A Gain speed on the hard shoulder before moving out onto the carriageway
B Move out onto the carriageway using your hazard warning lights
C Move out onto the carriageway, then build up your speed
D Wait on the hard shoulder until someone flashes their headlights at you
Correct Answer: A Gain speed on the hard shoulder before moving out onto the carriageway
Explanation: Signal your intention and build up sufficient speed on the hard shoulder so that you can filter into a safe gap in the traffic. Don't push your way in, causing other traffic to alter speed or direction.
A Along the hard shoulder
B Before a junction
C Before a service area
D On a steep gradient
Correct Answer: D On a steep gradient
Explanation: Large, slow-moving vehicles can hinder the progress of other traffic. On a steep gradient, an extra crawler lane may be provided for slow-moving vehicles to allow faster-moving traffic to flow more easily.
A They warn of a police control ahead
B They're countdown markers to a bridge
C They're countdown markers to the next exit
D They're distance markers to the next telephone
Correct Answer: C They're countdown markers to the next exit
Explanation: The exit from a motorway is indicated by countdown markers. These are positioned 90 metres (100 yards) apart, the first being 270 metres (300 yards) from the start of the slip road. Move into the left-hand lane well before you reach the start of the slip road.
A Between each pair of lanes
B Between the acceleration lane and the carriageway
C Between the central reservation and the carriageway
D Between the hard shoulder and the carriageway
Correct Answer: C Between the central reservation and the carriageway
Explanation: On motorways, reflective studs of various colours are fixed in the road between the lanes. These help you to identify which lane you're in when it's dark or in poor visibility. Amber-coloured studs are found on the right-hand edge of the main carriageway, next to the central reservation.
Correct Answer: D White
Explanation: White studs are found between the lanes on motorways. They reflect back the light from your headlights. This is especially useful in bad weather, when visibility is restricted.
Correct Answer: B Green
Explanation: The studs between the carriageway and the hard shoulder are normally red. These change to green where there's a slip road, helping you to identify slip roads when visibility is poor or when it's dark.
A Facing oncoming traffic
B In the direction of the nearest exit
C In the direction shown on the marker posts
D With the traffic flow
Correct Answer: C In the direction shown on the marker posts
Explanation: Along the hard shoulder there are marker posts at 100-metre intervals. These will direct you to the nearest emergency telephone.
A Because there is space available to turn round if you need to
B Because you can continue on the hard shoulder
C To allow you direct access to the overtaking lanes
D To build up a speed similar to traffic on the motorway
Correct Answer: D To build up a speed similar to traffic on the motorway
Explanation: Try to join the motorway without affecting the progress of the traffic already travelling on it. Always give way to traffic already on the motorway. At busy times you may have to slow down to merge into slow-moving traffic.
A Face the oncoming traffic
B Keep your back to the traffic
C Stand on the hard shoulder
D Stay close to the carriageway
Correct Answer: A Face the oncoming traffic
Explanation: Traffic is passing you at speed. If the draught from a large lorry catches you by surprise, it could blow you off balance and even onto the carriageway. By facing the oncoming traffic, you can see approaching lorries and so be prepared for their draught. You'll also be in a position to see other hazards approaching.
Correct Answer: C Red
Explanation: Red studs are placed between the edge of the carriageway and the hard shoulder. Where slip roads leave or join the motorway, the studs are green.
A Centre
B Either the right or centre
C Left
D Right
Correct Answer: C Left
Explanation: On a three-lane motorway, you should travel in the left-hand lane unless you're overtaking. This applies regardless of the speed at which you're travelling.
A Ensure that you don't exceed 30 mph
B Keep a good distance from the vehicle ahead
C Stay close to the vehicle ahead to reduce queues
D Switch lanes to keep the traffic flowing
Correct Answer: B Keep a good distance from the vehicle ahead
Explanation: At roadworks, and especially where a contraflow system is operating, a speed restriction is likely to be in place. Keep to the lower speed limit and don't
- switch lanes
- get too close to the vehicle in front of you.
Be aware that there will be no permanent barrier between you and the oncoming traffic.
A In the left-hand lane
B In the middle lane
C In the right-hand lane
D On the hard shoulder
Correct Answer: A In the left-hand lane
Explanation: The colours of the reflective studs on the motorway and their locations are
- red - between the hard shoulder and the carriageway
- white - between lanes
- amber - between the carriageway and the central reservation
- green - along slip-road exits and entrances
- bright green/yellow - at roadworks and contraflow systems
A Always use the hard shoulder
B Obey all speed limits
C Speed up to clear the area quickly
D Stay very close to the vehicle in front
Correct Answer: B Obey all speed limits
Explanation: Collisions often happen at roadworks. Be aware of the speed limits, slow down in good time and keep your distance from the vehicle in front.
A Cars with automatic transmission
B Double-deck buses
C Motorcycles over 50 cc
D Powered mobility scooters
Correct Answer: D Powered mobility scooters
Explanation: Motorways mustn't be used by pedestrians, cyclists, motorcycles under 50 cc, certain slow-moving vehicles without permission, and invalid carriages weighing less than 254 kg (560 lbs).
A Concentrate more than you would on other roads
B Look much further ahead than you would on other roads
C Maintain a shorter separation distance than you would on other roads
D Travel much faster than you would on other roads
Correct Answer: B Look much further ahead than you would on other roads
Explanation: Traffic on motorways usually travels faster than on other roads. You need to be looking further ahead to give yourself more time to react to any hazard that may develop.
A Keep in the left-hand lane
B Position your vehicle in the centre lane
C Re-adjust your mirrors
D Try to overtake
Correct Answer: A Keep in the left-hand lane
Explanation: Stay in the left-hand lane long enough to get used to the higher speeds of motorway traffic before considering overtaking.
A Coaches only
B Emergency vehicles only
C Overtaking
D Vehicles towing trailers
Correct Answer: C Overtaking
Explanation: You should keep to the left and only use the right-hand lane if you're passing slower-moving traffic.
A Joining the motorway
B Leaving the motorway
C Stopping in an emergency
D Stopping when you're tired
Correct Answer: C Stopping in an emergency
Explanation: Don't use the hard shoulder for stopping unless it's an emergency. If you want to stop for any other reason, go to the next exit or service station.
A Leave the motorway at the next exit
B Move to the left and reduce your speed to 50 mph
C There are roadworks 50 metres (55 yards) ahead
D Use the hard shoulder until you've passed the hazard
Correct Answer: B Move to the left and reduce your speed to 50 mph
Explanation: You must obey these signs even if there appear to be no problems ahead. There could be queuing traffic or another hazard which you can't yet see.
A When you need to use a mobile telephone
B When you need to walk and get fresh air
C When you wish to pick up hitchhikers
D When you're signalled to do so by flashing red lights
Correct Answer: D When you're signalled to do so by flashing red lights
Explanation: You must stop if overhead gantry signs show flashing red lights above every lane on the motorway. If any of the other lanes doesn't show flashing red lights or a red cross, you may move into that lane and continue if it's safe to do so.
A Maintain a steady speed
B Move to another lane
C Race the other vehicles
D Switch on your hazard warning lights
Correct Answer: B Move to another lane
Explanation: Plan well ahead when approaching a slip road. If you see traffic joining the motorway, move to another lane if it's safe to do so. This can help the flow of traffic joining the motorway, especially at peak times.
A Keep to the left-hand lane unless overtaking
B Overtake on the side that's clearest
C Try to keep above 50 mph to prevent congestion
D Use the lane that has the least traffic
Correct Answer: A Keep to the left-hand lane unless overtaking
Explanation: You should normally travel in the left-hand lane unless you're overtaking a slower-moving vehicle. When you've finished overtaking, move back into the left-hand lane, but don't cut across in front of the vehicle that you've overtaken.
A When in queues and traffic to your right is moving more slowly than you are
B When the traffic in the right-hand lane is signalling right
C When you can see well ahead that the hard shoulder is clear
D When you warn drivers behind by signalling left
Correct Answer: A When in queues and traffic to your right is moving more slowly than you are
Explanation: Never overtake on the left, unless the traffic is moving in queues and the queue on your right is moving more slowly than the one you're in.
A For a police patrol to park and watch traffic
B For construction and road workers to store emergency equipment
C If you think you'll be involved in a road rage incident
D In cases of emergency or breakdown
Correct Answer: D In cases of emergency or breakdown
Explanation: Emergency refuge areas are built at the side of the hard shoulder. If you break down, try to get your vehicle into the refuge, where there's an emergency telephone. The phone connects directly to a control centre. Remember to take care when rejoining the motorway, especially if the hard shoulder is being used as a running lane.
A Issue fixed penalty notices
B Repair broken-down vehicles on the motorway
C Stop and arrest drivers who break the law
D Stop and direct anyone on a motorway
Correct Answer: D Stop and direct anyone on a motorway
Explanation: Traffic officers don't have enforcement powers but are able to stop and direct people on motorways and some 'A' class roads. They only operate in England and work in partnership with the police at incidents, providing a highly trained and visible service. They're recognised by an orange-and-yellow jacket and their vehicle has yellow-and-black markings.
A Pull up in this lane to answer your mobile phone
B This lane can be used if you need a rest
C Use this lane as a running lane
D You shouldn't travel in this lane
Correct Answer: D You shouldn't travel in this lane
Explanation: Active traffic management operates on some motorways. Within these areas, at certain times, the hard shoulder will be used as a running lane. A red cross above the hard shoulder shows that this lane should only be used for emergencies and breakdowns.
A The hard shoulder can be used as a running lane
B You can park on the hard shoulder if you feel tired
C You can pull up in this lane to answer a mobile phone
D You shouldn't travel in this lane
Correct Answer: A The hard shoulder can be used as a running lane
Explanation: A mandatory speed-limit sign above the hard shoulder shows that this part of the road can be used as a running lane between junctions. You must stay within the speed limit. Look out for vehicles that may have broken down and could be blocking the hard shoulder.
A To prevent overtaking
B To prevent tailgating
C To reduce congestion
D To reduce rest stops
Correct Answer: C To reduce congestion
Explanation: Smart motorway schemes are intended to reduce congestion and make journey times more reliable. In these areas, the hard shoulder may be used as a running lane to ease congestion at peak times or in the event of an incident. Variable speed limits are used to help keep the traffic moving and to avoid bunching.
A Speed limits above lanes are advisory
B The national speed limit will apply
C The speed limit is always 30 mph
D You must obey the speed limits shown
Correct Answer: D You must obey the speed limits shown
Explanation: When a smart motorway is operating, you must follow the mandatory signs on the gantries above each lane, including the hard shoulder. Variable speed limits help keep the traffic moving and also help to prevent bunching.
A You'll be able to use more direct routes
B You'll do more stop-start driving
C You'll use far more fuel
D Your overall journey time will normally improve
Correct Answer: D Your overall journey time will normally improve
Explanation: When traffic travels at a constant speed over a longer distance, journey times normally improve. You may feel that you could travel faster for short periods, but this generally leads to bunching and increased overall journey time.
A When signs direct you to
B When taking the next exit
C When traffic is slow moving
D When traffic is stopped
Correct Answer: A When signs direct you to
Explanation: Normally, you should only use the hard shoulder for emergencies and breakdowns, and at roadworks when signs direct you to do so. Smart motorways use active traffic management to ease congestion. In these areas, the hard shoulder may be used as a running lane when speed-limit signs are shown directly above.
A Contraflow systems
B Lane closures
C National speed limits
D Variable speed limits
Correct Answer: D Variable speed limits
Explanation: Congestion can be reduced by keeping traffic at a constant speed. At busy times, maximum speed limits are displayed on overhead gantries. These can be varied quickly, depending on the amount of traffic. By keeping to a constant speed on busy sections of motorway, overall journey times are normally improved.
A If you have to read a map
B If your mobile phone rings
C In an emergency or breakdown
D When you're tired and need a rest
Correct Answer: C In an emergency or breakdown
Explanation: You shouldn't normally stop on a motorway, but there may be occasions when you need to do so. If you're unfortunate enough to break down, make every effort to pull up on the hard shoulder.
Correct Answer: C 70 mph
Explanation: The national speed limit for a car or motorcycle on a motorway is 70 mph. Lower speed limits may be in force; for example, at roadworks. Variable speed limits also operate in some areas when the motorway is very busy. Cars or motorcycles towing trailers are subject to a lower speed limit.
A Leave at the next exit
B Pull onto the hard shoulder
C Slow down and watch for further signals
D Stop and wait
Correct Answer: D Stop and wait
Explanation: Red flashing lights above all lanes mean you must stop and wait. You'll also see a red cross lit up. Don't change lanes, don't continue and don't pull onto the hard shoulder (unless in an emergency).
A The hard shoulder can be used as a normal running lane
B The hard shoulder can be used as a rest area if you feel tired
C The hard shoulder has a speed limit of 50 mph
D The hard shoulder is for emergency or breakdown use only
Correct Answer: D The hard shoulder is for emergency or breakdown use only
Explanation: A red cross above the hard shoulder shows that it's closed as a running lane and should only be used for emergencies or breakdowns. On a smart motorway, the hard shoulder may be used as a running lane at busy times. This will be shown by a mandatory speed limit on the gantry above the hard shoulder.
A Use all the lanes, including the hard shoulder
B Use any lane except the hard shoulder
C Use the hard shoulder only
D Use the three right-hand lanes only
Correct Answer: A Use all the lanes, including the hard shoulder
Explanation: You must obey mandatory speed-limit signs above motorway lanes, including the hard shoulder. In this case, you can use the hard shoulder as a running lane but you should look for any vehicles that may have broken down and may be blocking the hard shoulder.
A At the nearest service area
B On a slip road
C On the central reservation
D On the hard shoulder
Correct Answer: A At the nearest service area
Explanation: If you feel tired, stop at the nearest service area. If that's too far away, leave the motorway at the next exit and find a safe place to stop. You mustn't stop on the carriageway or hard shoulder of a motorway except in an emergency, when in a traffic queue, or when signalled to do so by a police officer, a traffic officer or traffic signals. Plan your journey so that you have regular rest stops.
Correct Answer: C 60 mph
Explanation: Don't forget that you're towing a trailer. If you're towing a small, light trailer, it won't reduce your vehicle's performance by very much. However, strong winds or buffeting from large vehicles might cause the trailer to snake from side to side. Be aware of your speed and don't exceed the reduced speed limit imposed on vehicles towing trailers.
A Breakdowns and emergencies only
B Normal driving
C Overtaking slower traffic in the other lanes
D Slow vehicles only
Correct Answer: B Normal driving
Explanation: You should drive in the left-hand lane whenever possible. Only use the other lanes for overtaking or when directed to do so by signals. Using other lanes when the left-hand lane is empty can frustrate drivers behind you.
A Flash your headlights
B Sound your horn
C Switch on your hazard warning lights
D Switch on your headlights
Correct Answer: C Switch on your hazard warning lights
Explanation: Using your hazard warning lights, as well as your brake lights, will give following traffic an extra warning of the problem ahead. Only use them for long enough for your warning to be seen.
A Carefully change the wheel yourself
B Only change the wheel if you have a passenger to help you
C Try to wave down another vehicle for help
D Use an emergency telephone and call for help
Correct Answer: D Use an emergency telephone and call for help
Explanation: Park as far to the left as you can and leave the vehicle by the nearside door. Don't attempt even simple repairs. Instead, walk to an emergency telephone on your side of the road and phone for help. While waiting for help to arrive, stay by your car, keeping well away from the carriageway and hard shoulder.
A Carefully reverse in the left-hand lane
B Carefully reverse on the hard shoulder
C Carry on to the next exit
D Make a U-turn at a gap in the central reservation
Correct Answer: C Carry on to the next exit
Explanation: It's illegal to reverse, cross the central reservation or drive against the traffic flow on a motorway. If you miss your exit, carry on until you reach the next one. Ask yourself why you missed your exit - if you think that your concentration is fading, take a break before completing your journey.
A Attempt to repair your vehicle quickly
B Stand behind your vehicle to warn others
C Stop following traffic and ask for help
D Switch on your hazard warning lights
Correct Answer: D Switch on your hazard warning lights
Explanation: If you can't get your vehicle onto the hard shoulder, use your hazard warning lights to warn others. Leave your vehicle only when you can safely get clear of the carriageway. Don't try to repair the vehicle or attempt to place any warning device on the carriageway.
A Continuous high speeds increase the risk of your vehicle breaking down
B Motorway service stations don't deal with breakdowns
C The road surface will wear down the tyres faster
D You'll have to do more harsh braking on motorways
Correct Answer: A Continuous high speeds increase the risk of your vehicle breaking down
Explanation: Before you start your journey, make sure that your vehicle can cope with the demands of high-speed driving. You should check a number of things, the main ones being oil, water and tyres. You also need to plan rest stops if you're making a long journey.
A The driver wants you to overtake
B The other car is going to change lanes
C There's a police speed check ahead
D Traffic ahead is slowing or stopping suddenly
Correct Answer: D Traffic ahead is slowing or stopping suddenly
Explanation: If the vehicle in front shows its hazard warning lights, there may be an incident, stopped traffic or queuing traffic ahead. By keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front, you're able to look beyond it and see any hazards well ahead.
A In any lane
B In the left-hand lane
C In the middle lane
D On the hard shoulder
Correct Answer: B In the left-hand lane
Explanation: You'll see the first advance direction sign one mile from a motorway exit. If you're travelling at 60 mph in the right-hand lane, you'll only have about 50 seconds before you reach the countdown markers. There'll be another sign at the half-mile point. Move to the left-hand lane in good time. Don't cut across traffic at the last moment and don't risk missing your exit.
A They can't drive at night
B They can't drive over 30 mph
C They can't drive unaccompanied
D They can't drive with more than one passenger
Correct Answer: C They can't drive unaccompanied
Explanation: When driving a motor car, a learner driver who holds a provisional driving licence must
- display red L plates (or D plates in Wales) to the front and rear of the vehicle
- be insured to drive the vehicle
- be accompanied by someone who's at least 21 years old and who has held for at least three years (and still holds) a full licence for the category of vehicle being driven.
A Check your location from the marker posts on the left
B Open the bonnet to help the emergency services know you've broken down
C Phone a friend and ask them to come and collect you
D Stand at the rear of the vehicle while making the call
Correct Answer: A Check your location from the marker posts on the left
Explanation: You should use an emergency telephone when you break down on the motorway; only use your mobile if this isn't possible. The emergency services need to know your exact location so they can reach you as quickly as possible. Look for a number on the nearest marker post beside the hard shoulder. Give this number when you call the emergency services.
A When large vehicles are in the left and centre lanes
B When there are lane closures
C When there's slow-moving traffic
D When you can maintain a high speed
Correct Answer: B When there are lane closures
Explanation: If you're towing a caravan or trailer, you mustn't use the right-hand lane of a motorway with three or more lanes except in certain specified circumstances, such as when lanes are closed.
A Lower speed limits
B Speed humps
C Temporary traffic lights
D Wider lanes than normal
Correct Answer: A Lower speed limits
Explanation: When approaching a contraflow system, reduce speed in good time and obey all speed limits. You may be travelling in a narrower lane than normal, with no permanent barrier between you and the oncoming traffic. Be aware that the hard shoulder may be used for traffic and the road ahead could be obstructed by slow-moving or broken-down vehicles.
A If you feel tired and need to rest
B If you miss the exit that you wanted
C In an emergency
D To pick up a hitchhiker
Correct Answer: C In an emergency
Explanation: You should only stop on the hard shoulder in a genuine emergency. Don't stop there to have a rest or picnic, pick up hitchhikers, answer a mobile phone or check a map. If you miss your intended exit, carry on to the next. Never reverse along the hard shoulder.