There are 50 theory questions and answers in this free mock car theory test. You have 57 minutes to complete the assessment. You must get a score of 43 out of 50 to pass. You may review your answers after each question or wait until the end of the test for your final mark. Best of luck!
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Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Alcohol will severely reduce your ability to drive or ride safely and there are serious consequences if you're caught over the drink-drive limit. It's known that alcohol can
Explanation: Alcohol will severely reduce your ability to drive or ride safely and there are serious consequences if you're caught over the drink-drive limit. It's known that alcohol can
- affect your judgement
- cause overconfidence
- reduce coordination and control.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Triangular signs warns you of hazards ahead. Make sure you look at each sign that you pass on the road, so that you don't miss any vital instructions or information.
Explanation: Triangular signs warns you of hazards ahead. Make sure you look at each sign that you pass on the road, so that you don't miss any vital instructions or information.
3. Which lights should you switch on when daytime visibility is poor but not seriously reduced?
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Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Only use your fog lights when visibility is seriously reduced. Use dipped headlights in poor conditions because this helps other road users to see you without the risk of causing dazzle.
Explanation: Only use your fog lights when visibility is seriously reduced. Use dipped headlights in poor conditions because this helps other road users to see you without the risk of causing dazzle.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Urban clearways are provided to keep traffic flowing at busy times. You may stop only briefly to set down or pick up passengers. Times of operation will vary from place to place, so always check the signs.
Explanation: Urban clearways are provided to keep traffic flowing at busy times. You may stop only briefly to set down or pick up passengers. Times of operation will vary from place to place, so always check the signs.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Your fog lights must only be used when visibility is reduced to 100 metres (328 feet) or less. You need to be familiar with the layout of your dashboard so you're aware if your fog lights have been switched on in error, or you've forgotten to switch them off.
Explanation: Your fog lights must only be used when visibility is reduced to 100 metres (328 feet) or less. You need to be familiar with the layout of your dashboard so you're aware if your fog lights have been switched on in error, or you've forgotten to switch them off.
6. You're driving past a line of parked cars. What should you do if a ball bounces out into the road ahead?
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Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Beware of children playing in the street and running out into the road. If a ball bounces out from the pavement, slow down and be prepared to stop. Don't encourage anyone to retrieve it. Other road users may not see your signal and you might lead a child into a dangerous situation.
Explanation: Beware of children playing in the street and running out into the road. If a ball bounces out from the pavement, slow down and be prepared to stop. Don't encourage anyone to retrieve it. Other road users may not see your signal and you might lead a child into a dangerous situation.
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Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A motorcyclist could be riding along the outside of the queue. Always check your mirror before turning, as situations behind you can change while you've been waiting to turn.
Explanation: A motorcyclist could be riding along the outside of the queue. Always check your mirror before turning, as situations behind you can change while you've been waiting to turn.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: On smart motorways, 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.
Explanation: On smart motorways, 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.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Every effort must be made to prevent excessive noise, especially in built-up areas at night. Don't rev your engine or sound the horn unnecessarily. It's illegal to sound your horn in a built-up area between 11.30 pm and 7.00 am, except when another road user poses a danger.
Explanation: Every effort must be made to prevent excessive noise, especially in built-up areas at night. Don't rev your engine or sound the horn unnecessarily. It's illegal to sound your horn in a built-up area between 11.30 pm and 7.00 am, except when another road user poses a danger.
Correct Answer: D 
Explanation: To make it easy to recognise, the 'stop' sign is the only sign of this shape. You must stop and take effective observation before proceeding.
Explanation: To make it easy to recognise, the 'stop' sign is the only sign of this shape. You must stop and take effective observation before proceeding.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: A continuous white line is used on many roads to indicate the edge of the carriageway. This can be useful when visibility is restricted. The line is discontinued at junctions, lay-bys, and entrances to or exits from private drives.
Explanation: A continuous white line is used on many roads to indicate the edge of the carriageway. This can be useful when visibility is restricted. The line is discontinued at junctions, lay-bys, and entrances to or exits from private drives.
12. You're driving in town. Why should you be careful if there's a bus at a bus stop on the other side of the road?
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Correct Answer: A
Explanation: If you see a bus ahead, watch out for pedestrians. They might not be able to see you if they're behind the bus.
Explanation: If you see a bus ahead, watch out for pedestrians. They might not be able to see you if they're behind the bus.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Rear fog lights shine more brightly than normal rear lights, so that they show up in reduced visibility. When the visibility improves, you must switch them off; this stops them dazzling the driver behind.
Explanation: Rear fog lights shine more brightly than normal rear lights, so that they show up in reduced visibility. When the visibility improves, you must switch them off; this stops them dazzling the driver behind.
14. You want to reverse into a side road. What should you do if you aren't sure that the area behind your car is clear?
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Correct Answer: C
Explanation: If you can't tell whether there's anything behind you, it's always safest to check before reversing. There may be a small child or a low obstruction close behind your car.
Explanation: If you can't tell whether there's anything behind you, it's always safest to check before reversing. There may be a small child or a low obstruction close behind your car.
15. What lights should you use when you're driving on a wet motorway and vehicles are throwing up surface spray?
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Correct Answer: A
Explanation: When surface spray reduces visibility, switch on your headlights on dipped beam. This will help other road users to see you.
Explanation: When surface spray reduces visibility, switch on your headlights on dipped beam. This will help other road users to see you.
16. What should you do when you're following a learner driver who stalls at a junction?
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Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Learning to drive is a process of practice and experience. Try to understand this and tolerate those who make mistakes while they're learning.
Explanation: Learning to drive is a process of practice and experience. Try to understand this and tolerate those who make mistakes while they're learning.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Usually, a picture of a cycle will also be painted on the road, and sometimes the lane will have a different coloured surface. Leave these areas clear for cyclists and don't pass too closely when you overtake.
Explanation: Usually, a picture of a cycle will also be painted on the road, and sometimes the lane will have a different coloured surface. Leave these areas clear for cyclists and don't pass too closely when you overtake.
Correct Answer: A
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.
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.
19. On a road where trams operate, which vehicles will be most at risk from the tram rails?
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Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The narrow wheels of a bicycle can become stuck in the tram rails, causing the cyclist to stop suddenly, wobble or even lose balance altogether. The tramlines are also slippery, which could cause a cyclist to slide or fall off.
Explanation: The narrow wheels of a bicycle can become stuck in the tram rails, causing the cyclist to stop suddenly, wobble or even lose balance altogether. The tramlines are also slippery, which could cause a cyclist to slide or fall off.
20. You're approaching an unmarked crossroads. How should you deal with the junction?
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Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Be cautious, especially when your view is restricted by hedges, bushes, walls, large vehicles, etc. In the summer months, these junctions can become more difficult to deal with, because growing foliage may further obscure your view.
Explanation: Be cautious, especially when your view is restricted by hedges, bushes, walls, large vehicles, etc. In the summer months, these junctions can become more difficult to deal with, because growing foliage may further obscure your view.
21. What should you do if you're towing a trailer and it starts to swing from side to side?
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Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Strong winds or buffeting from large vehicles can cause a trailer or caravan to swing from side to side ('snake'). If this happens, ease off the accelerator. Don't brake harshly, steer sharply or increase your speed.
Explanation: Strong winds or buffeting from large vehicles can cause a trailer or caravan to swing from side to side ('snake'). If this happens, ease off the accelerator. Don't brake harshly, steer sharply or increase your speed.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: More people are cycling today and cycle routes are being extended in our towns and cities to provide safe cycling routes. Respect the presence of cyclists on the road and give them plenty of room if you need to pass.
Explanation: More people are cycling today and cycle routes are being extended in our towns and cities to provide safe cycling routes. Respect the presence of cyclists on the road and give them plenty of room if you need to pass.
23. You're on a motorway. What must you do if there's a red cross showing above every lane?
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Correct Answer: D
Explanation: A red cross signal above all lanes mean you must stop and wait. Don't change lanes and don't try to continue any further along the motorway.
Explanation: A red cross signal above all lanes mean you must stop and wait. Don't change lanes and don't try to continue any further along the motorway.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Turning the wheels towards the kerb will allow them to act as a chock, preventing any forward movement of the vehicle. It will also help to leave your car in gear, or select 'Park' if you have an automatic.
Explanation: Turning the wheels towards the kerb will allow them to act as a chock, preventing any forward movement of the vehicle. It will also help to leave your car in gear, or select 'Park' if you have an automatic.
25. You arrive at the scene of a motorcycle crash. The rider is injured. When should their helmet be removed?
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Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Don't remove a motorcyclist's helmet unless it's essential. Remember they may be suffering from shock. Don't give them anything to eat or drink, but do reassure them confidently.
Explanation: Don't remove a motorcyclist's helmet unless it's essential. Remember they may be suffering from shock. Don't give them anything to eat or drink, but do reassure them confidently.
26. Following a collision, a person has been injured. What would be a warning sign for shock?
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Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The effects of shock may not be immediately obvious. Warning signs to look for include
Explanation: The effects of shock may not be immediately obvious. Warning signs to look for include
- a rapid pulse
- sweating
- pale grey skin
- rapid shallow breathing.
27. You're on a smart motorway. What does it mean when a mandatory speed limit is displayed above the hard shoulder?
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Correct Answer: A
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.
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.
28. How much more fuel will you use by driving at 70 mph, compared with driving at 50 mph?
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Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Your vehicle will use less fuel if you avoid heavy acceleration. The higher the engine revs, the more fuel you'll use. Using the same gear, and covering the same distance, a vehicle travelling at 70 mph will use about 15% more fuel than it would at 50 mph. However, don't travel so slowly that you inconvenience or endanger other road users.
Explanation: Your vehicle will use less fuel if you avoid heavy acceleration. The higher the engine revs, the more fuel you'll use. Using the same gear, and covering the same distance, a vehicle travelling at 70 mph will use about 15% more fuel than it would at 50 mph. However, don't travel so slowly that you inconvenience or endanger other road users.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Looking at road maps while driving is very dangerous. If you aren't sure of your route, stop in a safe place and check the map. You must not allow anything to take your attention away from the road while you're driving.
Explanation: Looking at road maps while driving is very dangerous. If you aren't sure of your route, stop in a safe place and check the map. You must not allow anything to take your attention away from the road while you're driving.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: You must stop if overhead gantry signs show a red cross above every lane on the motorway. If any of the other lanes doesn't show a red cross, you may move into that lane and continue if it's safe to do so.
Explanation: You must stop if overhead gantry signs show a red cross above every lane on the motorway. If any of the other lanes doesn't show a red cross, you may move into that lane and continue if it's safe to do so.
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Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Turning the steering wheel when the car isn't moving is known as dry steering. It can cause unnecessary wear to the tyres and steering mechanism.
Explanation: Turning the steering wheel when the car isn't moving is known as dry steering. It can cause unnecessary wear to the tyres and steering mechanism.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Toucan crossings are shared by pedestrians and cyclists, who are permitted to cycle across. They're shown the green light together. The signals are push-button-operated and there's no flashing amber phase.
Explanation: Toucan crossings are shared by pedestrians and cyclists, who are permitted to cycle across. They're shown the green light together. The signals are push-button-operated and there's no flashing amber phase.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: An engine can use more oil during long journeys than on shorter trips. Insufficient engine oil is potentially dangerous: it can lead to excessive wear, mechanical breakdown and expensive repairs. Most cars have a dipstick to allow the oil level to be checked. If not, you should refer to the vehicle handbook.
Explanation: An engine can use more oil during long journeys than on shorter trips. Insufficient engine oil is potentially dangerous: it can lead to excessive wear, mechanical breakdown and expensive repairs. Most cars have a dipstick to allow the oil level to be checked. If not, you should refer to the vehicle handbook.
34. You're waiting to emerge from a junction. The windscreen pillar is restricting your view. What should you be particularly aware of?
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Correct Answer: D
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.
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.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Horses can be startled by the sound of a car engine or the rush of air caused by a vehicle passing too closely. Keep well back and only pass when it's safe. Leave them plenty of room; you may have to use the other side of the road to go past safely.
Explanation: Horses can be startled by the sound of a car engine or the rush of air caused by a vehicle passing too closely. Keep well back and only pass when it's safe. Leave them plenty of room; you may have to use the other side of the road to go past safely.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: A bus at a bus stop can hide pedestrians who might try to cross the road just in front of it. Drive at a speed that will enable you to respond safely if you have to.
Explanation: A bus at a bus stop can hide pedestrians who might try to cross the road just in front of it. Drive at a speed that will enable you to respond safely if you have to.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The centre of the road is usually marked by a broken white line, with lines that are shorter than the gaps. When the lines become longer than the gaps, this is a hazard warning line. Look well ahead for these, especially when you're planning to overtake or turn off.
Explanation: The centre of the road is usually marked by a broken white line, with lines that are shorter than the gaps. When the lines become longer than the gaps, this is a hazard warning line. Look well ahead for these, especially when you're planning to overtake or turn off.
38. There are no speed-limit signs on the road. How is a 30 mph limit generally indicated?
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Correct Answer: D
Explanation: There's a 30 mph speed limit where there are street lights unless signs show another limit.
Explanation: There's a 30 mph speed limit where there are street lights unless signs show another limit.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: There will also be markings on the road surface to indicate the bus lane. You mustn't use this lane for parking or overtaking.
Explanation: There will also be markings on the road surface to indicate the bus lane. You mustn't use this lane for parking or overtaking.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Don't wait until the last moment before moving into the left-hand lane. Plan ahead and don't rely on other traffic letting you in.
Explanation: Don't wait until the last moment before moving into the left-hand lane. Plan ahead and don't rely on other traffic letting you in.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Puffin crossings have infra-red sensors that detect when pedestrians are crossing and hold the red traffic signal until the crossing is clear. The use of a sensor means there's no flashing amber phase as there is with a pelican crossing.
Explanation: Puffin crossings have infra-red sensors that detect when pedestrians are crossing and hold the red traffic signal until the crossing is clear. The use of a sensor means there's no flashing amber phase as there is with a pelican crossing.
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Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Make sure that you know the speed limit for the road that you're on. The speed limit on a dual carriageway or motorway is 70 mph for cars and motorcycles, unless signs indicate otherwise. The speed limits for different types of vehicle are listed in The Highway Code.
Explanation: Make sure that you know the speed limit for the road that you're on. The speed limit on a dual carriageway or motorway is 70 mph for cars and motorcycles, unless signs indicate otherwise. The speed limits for different types of vehicle are listed in The Highway Code.
43. You're leaving a safe gap as you follow a large vehicle. What should you do if a car moves into this gap?
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Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Sometimes your separation distance is shortened by a driver moving into the gap you've allowed. When this happens, react positively, stay calm and drop further back to re-establish a safe following distance.
Explanation: Sometimes your separation distance is shortened by a driver moving into the gap you've allowed. When this happens, react positively, stay calm and drop further back to re-establish a safe following distance.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: This sign shows a shared route for pedestrians and cyclists: when it ends, the cyclists will be rejoining the main road.
Explanation: This sign shows a shared route for pedestrians and cyclists: when it ends, the cyclists will be rejoining the main road.
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Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Older people may have impaired hearing, vision, concentration and judgement. They may also walk slowly and so could take a long time to cross the road.
Explanation: Older people may have impaired hearing, vision, concentration and judgement. They may also walk slowly and so could take a long time to cross the road.
Correct Answer: A
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.
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.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: When you decide to overtake a horse rider, make sure you can do so safely before you move out. Leave them plenty of room and pass slowly. Passing too close could startle the horse and unseat the rider.
Explanation: When you decide to overtake a horse rider, make sure you can do so safely before you move out. Leave them plenty of room and pass slowly. Passing too close could startle the horse and unseat the rider.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: There are three basic types of traffic sign: those that warn, those that inform and those that give orders. Generally, triangular signs warn, rectangular signs give information or directions and circular signs give orders. An exception is the eight-sided 'stop' sign.
Explanation: There are three basic types of traffic sign: those that warn, those that inform and those that give orders. Generally, triangular signs warn, rectangular signs give information or directions and circular signs give orders. An exception is the eight-sided 'stop' sign.
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Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Take care when using single-track roads. It can be difficult to see around bends, because of hedges or fences, so expect to meet oncoming vehicles. Drive carefully and be ready to pull into or stop opposite a passing place, where you can pass each other safely.
Explanation: Take care when using single-track roads. It can be difficult to see around bends, because of hedges or fences, so expect to meet oncoming vehicles. Drive carefully and be ready to pull into or stop opposite a passing place, where you can pass each other safely.
50. An injured person has been placed in the recovery position. They're unconscious but breathing normally. What else should be done?
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Correct Answer: A
Explanation: After a casualty has been placed in the recovery position, make sure their airway remains open and monitor their condition until medical help arrives. Where possible, don't move a casualty unless there's further danger.
Explanation: After a casualty has been placed in the recovery position, make sure their airway remains open and monitor their condition until medical help arrives. Where possible, don't move a casualty unless there's further danger.