On a blue motorway direction sign, what do downward-pointing arrows mean?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Get in lane
Why? Traffic signs: downward pointing arrows on motorway signs mean 'Get in lane'.Source
Theory test practice test 3
Practice test 3: 50 questions from all topics, as many as in the real multiple-choice part, where you need 43 correct answers out of 50.
About these questions
These are FreeExamPath's own questions, written from The Highway Code (Open Government Licence v3.0). They are not DVSA revision or test questions, road signs are described in words, and FreeExamPath is not affiliated with DVSA. GOV.UK: the theory test
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What is the only correct reason to flash your headlights at another road user?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — To let them know you are there
Why? Rule 110: only flash your headlights to let other road users know you are there, never to give another message or to intimidate.Source
Why should cyclists and motorcyclists take extra care when crossing tram rails?
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Correct answer: C — Wheels can slip or catch, especially when the rails are wet
Why? Rule 306: take extra care near or crossing the tracks, especially when wet. It is safest to cross directly at right angles.Source
How much longer can stopping distances be on icy roads compared with dry roads?
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Correct answer: A — Up to ten times greater
Why? Rules 126 and 230: on icy roads stopping distances can be ten times greater than on dry roads.Source
What should you not do in a passing place on a single-track road?
What must your trailer be fitted with in case it becomes uncoupled?
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Correct answer: B — A secondary coupling, such as a safety chain
Why? Rule 98: your trailer MUST be fitted with a secondary coupling device, such as a safety chain.Source
When may you enter a yellow box junction?
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Correct answer: A — When your exit road or lane is clear
Why? Rule 174: you must not enter the box until your exit road or lane is clear, except when turning right and stopped only by oncoming traffic or other right-turners.Source
What is the main danger of using a hands-free phone while driving?
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Correct answer: A — It can still distract your attention from the road
Why? Rule 149: hands-free equipment is also likely to distract you. It is far safer not to use any phone while driving.Source
How often does The Highway Code recommend checking your vehicle's fluid levels?
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Correct answer: C — At least weekly
Why? Annex 6: check fluid levels at least weekly. Low brake fluid may result in brake failure and a crash.Source
Pedestrians, especially children, are looking the other way near the kerb. What should you expect?
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Correct answer: C — They may step out without seeing you
Why? Rule 146: if pedestrians, particularly children, are looking the other way, they may step into the road without seeing you.Source
An adult casualty is not breathing. How deep should chest compressions be?
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Correct answer: D — Around 5 to 6 centimetres
Why? Annex 7: press down hard and fast in the centre of the chest, around 5 to 6 centimetres and about twice a second.Source
At a pelican crossing the amber light is flashing and pedestrians are still on the crossing. What must you do?
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Correct answer: C — Give way to them
Why? Rule 196: when the amber light is flashing you MUST give way to any pedestrians on the crossing.Source
When may you use the hard shoulder of a motorway?
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Correct answer: B — In an emergency, or when directed to
Why? Rule 269: you must not use the hard shoulder except in an emergency or if directed by the police, traffic officers or a traffic sign.Source
Where must L plates be displayed on a car driven by a learner?
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Correct answer: D — Clearly visible from in front of and behind the vehicle
Why? Annex 3: plates must be clearly visible to others from in front of the vehicle and from behind.Source
A circular sign with a red border shows two cars side by side. What does it mean?
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Correct answer: D — No overtaking
Why? Traffic signs: the 'No overtaking' sign is a red-bordered circle showing two cars. You must not overtake until a sign cancels the restriction (Rule 165).Source
When may you wait inside a yellow box junction?
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Correct answer: A — When turning right and blocked only by oncoming traffic
Why? Rule 174: you may enter the box and wait when you want to turn right and are only stopped from doing so by oncoming traffic or other vehicles waiting to turn right.Source
You have to stop in a tunnel. What gap should you leave to the vehicle in front?
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Correct answer: B — At least 5 metres
Why? Rule 126: if you have to stop in a tunnel, leave at least a 5-metre gap between you and the vehicle in front.Source
You must drive in snow. What should you take with you?
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Correct answer: A — A shovel, torch, warm clothes and first aid kit
Why? Rule 228: if a journey in icy or snowy weather is essential, take de-icer, a scraper, torch, warm clothing, boots, first aid kit, jump leads and a shovel.Source
You are approaching a zebra crossing and a pedestrian is waiting. What should you NOT do?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Wave them across the road
Why? Rule 195: do not wave, flash your lights or use your horn to invite pedestrians across; another vehicle may be approaching.Source
You are following a tractor towing a trailer on a country road. Why should you stay well back?
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Correct answer: A — To see the road ahead and any vehicle in front of it
Why? Rule 164: getting too close to large vehicles, including agricultural vehicles, obscures your view and there may be another slow vehicle ahead.Source
On a motorway where the hard shoulder can be an extra lane, a red X is shown above it. What does this mean?
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Correct answer: D — Do not use the hard shoulder except in an emergency
Why? Rule 269: a red X or blank sign above the hard shoulder means you must not use it except in an emergency; use it as a lane only when a speed limit is shown.Source
What is different about the light sequence at puffin and toucan crossings compared with pelican crossings?
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Correct answer: A — There is no flashing amber phase
Why? Rule 199: toucan, puffin and equestrian crossings have no flashing amber phase; the sequence is the same as at traffic lights.Source
When may you use a hand-held mobile phone to call 999 while driving?
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Correct answer: B — In a genuine emergency when it is unsafe or impractical to stop
Why? Rule 149 allows a call to 999 or 112 on a hand-held phone only in a genuine emergency when it is unsafe or impractical to stop.Source
Your engine has overheated. When should you remove the coolant filler cap?
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Correct answer: A — Only after the engine has cooled naturally
Why? Annex 6: if your engine overheats, wait until it has cooled naturally. Only then remove the coolant filler cap and add coolant.Source
On a country lane you approach a junction with no road markings. What should you be aware of?
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Correct answer: B — Nobody has priority, so be prepared to stop
Why? Rule 146: in side roads and country lanes look out for unmarked junctions where nobody has priority.Source
At what rate should you give chest compressions to an adult who is not breathing?
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Correct answer: A — About twice a second
Why? Annex 7: press down hard and fast, about twice a second, and do not stop until breathing starts again or a professional takes over.Source
What does a white circle with a black diagonal stripe mean?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — National speed limit applies
Why? Traffic signs: a white circular sign with a black diagonal band means the national speed limit applies.Source
A health condition develops that is likely to affect your driving. What must you do?
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Correct answer: C — Report it to DVLA
Why? Rule 90: you MUST report to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency any health condition likely to affect your driving.Source
Your trailer is wider than your car and blocks your rear view. What must you use?
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Correct answer: C — Towing mirrors
Why? Rule 98: if your vehicle is narrower than your trailer or load, or the trailer obstructs your rearward view, towing mirrors MUST be used.Source
At a junction with a 'Stop' sign and a solid white line, what must you do?
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Correct answer: C — Stop behind the line, then wait for a safe gap
Why? Rule 171: you MUST stop behind the line at a junction with a 'Stop' sign and a solid white line, then wait for a safe gap.Source
Should you assume that a car with ABS will stop in a shorter distance?
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Correct answer: C — No; ABS helps you keep steering control but may not shorten stopping
Why? Rule 120: ABS should help you retain steering control, but do not assume that a vehicle with ABS will stop in a shorter distance.Source
Before driving in snow, what MUST you do?
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Correct answer: C — Clear snow and ice from all windows
Why? Rule 229: you MUST be able to see, so clear all snow and ice from all your windows, and keep lights and number plates clean.Source
What does a red X shown above a lane on a motorway mean?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — The lane is closed and you must not drive in it
Why? Rule 258: red flashing lights and a red X identify a closed lane in which people, stopped vehicles or other hazards are present. You must not drive in it.Source
An older pedestrian is crossing slowly at a pelican crossing as your light turns flashing amber. What should you do?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Wait until they have crossed
Why? Rules 196 and 207: when the amber light flashes you must give way to pedestrians on the crossing. Do not hurry them by revving or edging forward.Source
A vehicle ahead is overtaking a long lorry. Should you follow it past?
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Correct answer: C — No; there may only be room for one vehicle
Why? Rules 163 and 164: do not assume you can follow a vehicle ahead which is overtaking. If a problem develops they may pull back in.Source
A pedestrian ahead is using a white cane. What does this tell you?
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Correct answer: B — They may be blind or partially sighted
Why? Rule 207: blind or partially sighted people may carry a white cane or use a guide dog. They may not see you approaching.Source
Your vehicle has a satellite navigation system. What should you do if you need to change the destination?
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Correct answer: B — Find a safe place to stop before adjusting it
Why? Rule 150: do not be distracted by maps or screens while driving; if necessary find a safe place to stop.Source
Your car catches fire in the engine compartment. What should you do?
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Correct answer: C — Get everyone out and call the fire brigade
Why? Annex 6: get the occupants out quickly, do not open the bonnet because the fire will flare, and call the fire brigade.Source
Why should you take extra care on country roads?
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Correct answer: A — Bends can be sharper than they appear and junctions may be hidden
Why? Rule 154: reduce speed at bends, which can be sharper than they appear, and at junctions which may be partly hidden. Expect horses, cyclists and farm vehicles.Source
A casualty has a burn. For how long should you cool it with clean, cool water?
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Correct answer: A — At least 20 minutes
Why? Annex 7: cool the burn for at least 20 minutes with plenty of clean, cool water, and do not remove anything stuck to it.Source
What does a red circle with a white horizontal bar mean?
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Correct answer: D — No entry for vehicular traffic
Why? Traffic signs: the red disc with a white horizontal bar means no entry for vehicular traffic.Source
The traffic light changes to amber as you approach. When may you go on?
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Correct answer: C — If you are past the line or too close to stop safely
Why? Rule 175: if the amber light appears you may go on only if you have already crossed the stop line or are so close that to stop might cause a collision.Source
In good daylight, from what distance must you be able to read a vehicle number plate?
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Correct answer: A — 20 metres
Why? Rule 92: you must be able to read a vehicle number plate, in good daylight, from 20 metres (or 20.5 metres for old-style plates).Source
Amber lights are flashing on a motorway signal. What should you do?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Reduce speed and be prepared for a hazard
Why? Rule 257: amber flashing lights warn of a hazard ahead; reduce speed and be prepared for it until you pass a signal that is not flashing or shows 'END'.Source
In wet weather your steering suddenly feels light and unresponsive. What is the most likely cause?
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Correct answer: A — Water is preventing the tyres from gripping the road
Why? Rule 227: if the steering becomes unresponsive in wet weather, water is probably preventing the tyres from gripping. Ease off and slow down gradually.Source
Why should you clear snow from the roof of your car before driving?
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Correct answer: D — It could fall onto other road users
Why? Rule 229: remove all snow that might fall off into the path of other road users.Source
At 40 mph, what is the likely outcome if your car hits a pedestrian, according to The Highway Code?
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Correct answer: D — It will probably kill them
Why? Rule 207: at 40 mph your vehicle will probably kill any pedestrian it hits; at 20 mph there is only a 1 in 20 chance of the pedestrian being killed.Source
Which sign is octagonal (eight-sided)?
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Correct answer: A — Stop and give way
Why? Traffic signs: the red octagonal sign means 'Stop and give way'. Rule 171: you must stop behind the line.Source
What does The Highway Code mean by 'tailgating'?
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Correct answer: D — Following so closely you could not stop if the vehicle ahead braked
Why? Rule 126 defines tailgating as leaving a gap too small to stop safely if the vehicle in front suddenly brakes. It is dangerous and intimidating.Source
A motorcyclist is filtering between lanes of slow traffic. What should you do?
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Correct answer: A — Check your mirrors and blind spot before changing lane
Why? Rules 151 and 211: be aware of motorcyclists passing on either side in slow traffic; check mirrors and blind spots before changing lane.Source
Official sources (2)
- The Highway Code — GOV.UK (Department for Transport), checked 19 October 2026
- Car theory test — GOV.UK (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency), checked 19 October 2026