DVSA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield DVSA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the recommended following distance in wet weather? → At least 4 seconds (double the dry weather gap)
2. What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid on ice? → Steer into the skid and ease off the accelerator
3. What does the hazard warning triangle do at a breakdown or collision scene? → It warns approaching traffic of the hazard ahead
4. What does a puffin crossing have that a pelican crossing does not? → Sensors that detect pedestrians on the crossing and adjust the light phases accordingly
5. What eyesight requirement must you meet to drive? → Be able to read a standard number plate from 20 metres (with glasses or lenses if needed)
6. A powered wheelchair user is travelling along the road. How should you treat them? → The same as a pedestrian
7. You arrive at a petrol station fire. What should you do with your mobile phone? → Switch it off before approaching the area
8. What is a back protector and why should motorcyclists use one? → An armoured panel worn on the back to protect the spine from impact injuries in a crash
9. What should you check before setting off on a long journey? → Oil, coolant, tyre pressures, lights, and fuel
10. What is the minimum tread depth for a motorcycle tyre in the UK? → 1.0mm
11. Why is it important to check your mirrors before slowing down? → To check if the vehicle behind is following too closely, so you can brake progressively
12. What happens to a new rider who accumulates 6 or more penalty points within 2 years of passing their full motorcycle test? → Their licence is revoked and they must reapply for a provisional licence
13. What is the rule for mini-roundabouts? → Give way to traffic from the right, as with normal roundabouts
14. What information should you give when calling 999 from an accident scene? → Your location, number of vehicles involved, number of casualties, and any hazards present
15. When overtaking a horse rider, what precautions should you take? → Pass slowly and give plenty of room — at least 2 metres at no more than 10 mph
16. What colour is the coolant low-level warning light typically? → Red or amber
17. How far from a bus stop should you avoid parking? → 15 metres on approach or departure side
18. What is the main environmental benefit of driving an electric vehicle (EV) in the UK? → EVs produce no tailpipe emissions, reducing local air pollution
19. When should you replace your vehicle's wiper blades? → When they leave smears or do not clear the windscreen effectively
20. A broken white line with longer markings and shorter gaps across the centre of the road indicates: → A hazard warning line — extra caution required and do not cross unless safe to overtake
21. 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
22. What could a spongy brake pedal indicate? → There may be air in the hydraulic brake system
23. A 'National Speed Limit Applies' sign on a dual carriageway means the limit for a motorcycle is: → 70 mph
24. At a crash scene, a vehicle is on fire with a casualty inside. What should you do first? → Call the emergency services
25. 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
26. Who can use a bus lane during its hours of operation? → Buses, and often taxis, cyclists, and motorcyclists as shown on signs
27. What is meant by the term 'tailgating'? → Following another vehicle too closely
28. Is filtering (riding between lanes of slow-moving or stationary traffic) legal in the UK? → Yes — filtering is legal provided it is done safely and at an appropriate speed
29. What telephone numbers can you use to call emergency services in the UK? → Both 999 and 112
30. Which motorcycle licence category permits you to ride motorcycles up to 125cc with a maximum power output of 11kW? → Category A1