DVSA Driving Theory Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: You are approaching a horse and rider on a country lane. What is the maximum speed at which you should pass?

The speed is not specified, but you must pass 'wide and slow'
30 mph
10 mph (Correct answer)
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 2: How should you perform CPR chest compressions on an adult casualty?

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

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 3: Which of these is a legal requirement for a 'Class 3' powered mobility scooter to be used on the road?

The user must have a full car driving licence.
The user must be over 18 years of age.
It must be fitted with a flashing amber beacon at all times.
It must be registered with the DVLA. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It must be registered with the DVLA.

Class 3 mobility scooters, which can travel up to 8 mph on the road, must be registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). While they don't require road tax or a driving licence, the user must be at least 14 years old. They must also be equipped with lights, indicators, a horn, and a rear-view mirror for road use.

Question 4: When may you use your vehicle's hazard warning lights while moving?

If you are driving slowly because you are lost.
To thank a driver who has let you out of a junction.
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.

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 5: What is the key difference between a Toucan crossing and a Puffin crossing?

Puffin crossings have a flashing amber light phase, whereas Toucan crossings do not.
Toucan crossings allow both pedestrians and cyclists to cross, while Puffin crossings are for pedestrians only. (Correct answer)
Puffin crossings have pedestrian signals on the opposite side of the road.
Toucan crossings are for pedestrians only, while Puffin crossings are for pedestrians and cyclists.

Correct answer: Toucan crossings allow both pedestrians and cyclists to cross, while Puffin crossings are for pedestrians only.

The name 'Toucan' is a play on 'two can' cross, meaning both pedestrians and cyclists can use the crossing without cyclists having to dismount. Puffin (Pedestrian User-Friendly Intelligent) crossings are for pedestrians only and have sensors to detect when people are waiting or crossing.

Question 6: How does an incorrectly inflated tyre affect fuel consumption?

Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance and raise fuel consumption (Correct answer)
It has no effect on fuel consumption
Tyre pressure only affects braking, not fuel use
Over-inflated tyres always increase fuel consumption

Correct answer: Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance and raise fuel consumption

Under-inflated tyres have a larger contact patch and higher rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel.

Question 7: What do blue circular signs on UK roads indicate?

A general warning of danger ahead
Mandatory instructions that must be obeyed (Correct answer)
A prohibition that drivers must not do
Information only, with no legal requirement

Correct answer: Mandatory instructions that must be obeyed

Blue circular signs give mandatory instructions that all drivers must follow, such as 'turn left ahead'.

Question 8: You see a circular blue sign with the number '30' in white. What does this sign mean?

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

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 9: When should you not use a fire extinguisher to tackle a vehicle fire?

When the fire involves the engine bay only
When other road users are watching
When the fire involves tyres
When you are in any danger or the fire is out of control (Correct answer)

Correct answer: When you are in any danger or the fire is out of control

You should never risk your own safety — if the fire is large or out of control, or if you are in danger, step back and wait for the fire service.

Question 10: At a roundabout, you should give way to traffic from which direction?

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

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

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

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 12: How does smooth, anticipatory driving reduce environmental impact compared to aggressive driving?

It makes no difference to the environment
It only reduces noise pollution, not exhaust emissions
It increases CO2 output because the engine runs longer
It reduces both fuel consumption and exhaust emissions by minimising unnecessary acceleration and braking (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It reduces both fuel consumption and exhaust emissions by minimising unnecessary acceleration and braking

Smooth, planned driving reduces the number and severity of acceleration and braking events, directly lowering fuel burn and harmful exhaust emissions.

Question 13: You must report a collision to the police within how many days if no officer was present?

14 days
5 days (Correct answer)
24 hours
72 hours

Correct answer: 5 days

Under UK law, if a collision involves injury to another person and no police officer is at the scene, you must report it to a police station within 24 hours — but the legal maximum is 5 days.

Question 14: 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)
You will be given a verbal warning and allowed to proceed.
You will receive an automatic fine and penalty points.
Your vehicle will be impounded immediately.

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 15: What does a broken white line along the centre of the road indicate?

You may cross it to overtake if it is safe to do so (Correct answer)
You must not overtake under any circumstances
You must stop and give way to oncoming vehicles
The road ahead is closed to through traffic

Correct answer: You may cross it to overtake if it is safe to do so

A broken centre line means you may cross it to overtake or turn, provided it is safe and legal to do so.

Question 16: You will not be using your car for several months and plan to keep it in your garage. To avoid paying for vehicle tax and insurance, what must you officially do?

Make a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) to the DVLA. (Correct answer)
Return the number plates to the DVLA.
Cancel your direct debits for tax and insurance.
Inform your local council.

Correct answer: Make a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) to the DVLA.

To legally keep an untaxed and uninsured vehicle off a public road, you must make a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) to the DVLA. This declares that the vehicle is not in use.

Question 17: Under the Highway Code hierarchy of road users, who bears the greatest responsibility for the safety of others?

Cyclists
All road users equally
Drivers of large vehicles (Correct answer)
Pedestrians

Correct answer: Drivers of large vehicles

The 2022 Highway Code update introduced a hierarchy of road users. Those who can cause the greatest harm (drivers of large vehicles, then car drivers) bear the greatest responsibility to reduce the danger they pose to more vulnerable road users.

Question 18: What does a sign showing a white diagonal arrow on a blue circular background mean?

A one-way street begins ahead
The road curves in the direction of the arrow
Overtaking is recommended on the side shown
A mandatory direction — you must pass to the side indicated (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A mandatory direction — you must pass to the side indicated

A blue circle with a white directional arrow gives a mandatory instruction — drivers must pass the obstruction on the indicated side.

Question 19: What is the minimum legal tyre tread depth for a car in the UK?

1.6 mm across the entire width 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.
2.0 mm across the central three-quarters 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 20: You see brake lights come on several vehicles ahead of you on a motorway. What does this suggest?

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

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

Emergency vehicles are ahead, slow down immediately
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

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

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

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 23: On a smart motorway, what does a red X displayed above a lane mean?

The lane is for emergency vehicles only
The lane is reserved for HGVs
There is a speed restriction in that lane
The lane is closed — you must not drive in it (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The lane is closed — you must not drive in it

A red X above a lane on a smart motorway means the lane is closed. You must not drive in a lane showing a red X as there may be a stranded vehicle, debris, or people in the lane. Driving in a closed lane is an offence enforceable by camera.

Question 24: You are driving along a residential road with cars parked on the left-hand side. A ball bounces out into the road ahead. What is the most significant potential hazard you should be prepared for?

A child running out to retrieve the ball. (Correct answer)
The ball damaging your car's paintwork.
An oncoming vehicle swerving to avoid the ball.
A vehicle door opening suddenly from a parked car.

Correct answer: A child running out to retrieve the ball.

A ball bouncing into the road is a classic sign that a child may follow it without checking for traffic. You must anticipate this and be ready to stop immediately. While other hazards exist, a child running into the road is the most immediate and serious danger.

Question 25: A driver is in a vehicle that has skidded into a ditch. They are conscious and say their back hurts. What should you do?

Pull them out of the vehicle immediately
Get them to walk around to check for injury
Give them a painkiller from your first aid kit
Leave them in the vehicle and call the emergency services (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Leave them in the vehicle and call the emergency services

Back pain after an impact could indicate a spinal injury, so the safest course is to leave the casualty in place and get emergency services there quickly.

Question 26: Which of these documents is primarily used to prove who is the registered keeper of a vehicle, but not necessarily the legal owner?

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

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 27: Which driving technique most effectively reduces fuel consumption?

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

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

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

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

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
Engine braking downhill

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 30: 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)
12 metres (40 feet)
9 metres (30 feet)
18 metres (60 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 31: When must you use dipped headlights?

When visibility is seriously reduced, and at night on unlit roads (Correct answer)
Whenever you switch on any lights
Only when it is completely dark
Only on motorways at night

Correct answer: When visibility is seriously reduced, and at night on unlit roads

You must use dipped headlights when visibility is seriously reduced (generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres) and at night on unlit roads. You should also use them at dusk and dawn.

Question 32: When loading a vehicle, which items should be placed lowest and closest to the centre of the vehicle?

Light, bulky items
Fragile items wrapped in packaging
Items needed most frequently during the journey
The heaviest items (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The heaviest items

Heavy items should be secured as low and central as possible to keep the vehicle's centre of gravity low and maintain stability.

Question 33: You are approaching a bend and see a warning sign for ice. What should you do?

Reduce speed well before the bend and avoid harsh braking, steering, or acceleration (Correct answer)
Use your handbrake to slow down on the bend
Maintain your current speed as modern tyres handle ice well
Brake firmly before entering the bend and accelerate through it

Correct answer: Reduce speed well before the bend and avoid harsh braking, steering, or acceleration

When there is ice, you should reduce speed well in advance using engine braking and gentle braking. Any sudden inputs — braking, accelerating, or steering — on ice can cause a loss of control. Slow down before the bend, not during it.

Question 34: What shape is a 'Give Way' sign at a junction?

A square with a yellow background
A rectangle with a blue background
An inverted triangle pointing downward (Correct answer)
A circle with a red border

Correct answer: An inverted triangle pointing downward

The 'Give Way' sign is an inverted triangle (pointing downward), warning drivers to yield to traffic on the major road.

Question 35: You are driving behind a bus that pulls up at a stop. What hazard should you anticipate?

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

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

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

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 37: You are waiting at a junction and see a vehicle with a flashing green beacon. What does this indicate?

An ambulance on a non-emergency call
A vehicle carrying hazardous materials
A recovery vehicle
A doctor on an emergency call (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A doctor on an emergency call

A flashing green beacon on a vehicle indicates a doctor on an emergency call. While they do not have the same legal exemptions as blue-light emergency vehicles, you should treat them with consideration and allow them to pass where safe.

Question 38: Which of the following road markings indicates that you must not stop your vehicle at any time?

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
Double red lines along the edge of the road (Correct answer)

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 39: What is the purpose of emergency refuge areas (ERAs) on smart motorways?

For police speed checks
For drivers to stop and make phone calls
For HGV drivers to take rest breaks
To provide a safe place to stop in an emergency when there is no hard shoulder (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To provide a safe place to stop in an emergency when there is no hard shoulder

Emergency refuge areas are orange-surfaced bays on smart motorways that provide a safe place to stop when the hard shoulder has been removed. They contain an SOS phone connected to Highways England. They are spaced approximately every 1.5 miles.

Question 40: 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?

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

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 41: What is the national speed limit on a motorway for a car not towing a trailer?

60 mph
70 mph (Correct answer)
There is no set limit
80 mph

Correct answer: 70 mph

The national speed limit on motorways for cars, motorcycles, car-derived vans, and dual-purpose vehicles is 70 mph. Cars towing trailers or caravans have a lower limit of 60 mph on motorways.

Question 42: In which situation is it safe to move an injured person after a road collision?

Only when they ask you to move them
Whenever you think it will help them
Only when another motorist tells you to
When they are in immediate danger such as fire or further collision risk (Correct answer)

Correct answer: When they are in immediate danger such as fire or further collision risk

An injured person should only be moved if leaving them in place poses an immediate threat to their life, such as fire or risk of being struck by traffic.

Question 43: You notice a vehicle behind you is following very closely. What is the safest response?

Switch on your rear fog lights
Brake sharply to warn them
Speed up to create a gap behind you
Increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front

If a vehicle is tailgating you, the safest response is to increase the gap between you and the vehicle in front. This gives you more time to brake gently if needed, reducing the risk of the tailgater hitting you from behind.

Question 44: What does a flashing amber beacon on the roof of a moving vehicle typically indicate?

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

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 45: You see amber flashing lights on a motorway gantry with no speed limit displayed. What do they mean?

The motorway is about to close
A contraflow system is operating
There is a hazard ahead — adjust your speed accordingly (Correct answer)
There is no restriction

Correct answer: There is a hazard ahead — adjust your speed accordingly

Amber flashing lights on a motorway gantry warn of a hazard ahead, such as fog, an accident, or debris. You should reduce your speed and be prepared to slow down further or stop. Look for further information on subsequent signs.

Question 46: A pelican crossing differs from a puffin crossing because:

It detects pedestrians and adjusts the green light timing
It has no lights for pedestrians
It has a flashing amber phase for drivers (Correct answer)
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 47: You are on a one-way street and see a blue sign for a contraflow bus lane. What does this indicate?

The one-way street is about to become a two-way street for all traffic.
You must move into the bus lane immediately.
You are approaching a bus-only roundabout.
Buses may be travelling in the opposite direction to you. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Buses may be travelling in the opposite direction to you.

A contraflow bus lane on a one-way street is a lane reserved for buses (and sometimes other authorised vehicles) travelling in the opposite direction to the main flow of traffic. Drivers should be alert for buses approaching from the 'wrong' way in this lane.

Question 48: When should you use the left-hand lane on a three-lane motorway?

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

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

73 metres (240 feet) (Correct answer)
96 metres (315 feet)
53 metres (175 feet)
120 metres (394 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 50: You are approaching a traffic-calming measure and see a solid blue circular sign with a white arrow pointing left. What must you do?

Give way to traffic from the left
Turn left at the next junction
Keep to the left of the sign (Correct answer)
Keep to the right of the sign

Correct answer: Keep to the left of the sign

A blue circular sign gives a mandatory instruction. An arrow pointing down and to the left, often used on traffic islands or at the start of a dual carriageway, means you must keep to the left of the sign.

Question 51: 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 green light as soon as the figure goes out.
A flashing amber light.
A steady red light until the crossing is clear. (Correct answer)
A steady 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.

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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