What does a blue circular sign with a number, such as 30, mean?
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Correct answer: C — A minimum speed
Why? Traffic signs: the blue circular 'Minimum speed' sign gives a positive instruction; a speed in a red circle is a maximum.Source
Theory test practice test 5
Practice test 5: 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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Why may cyclists ride two abreast?
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Correct answer: B — It can be safer, particularly in larger groups
Why? Rule 213: it can be safer for groups of cyclists to ride two abreast; allow them to do so for their own safety.Source
What could tell you that the road is icy, even if you cannot see ice?
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Correct answer: D — The steering feels light and the tyres make almost no noise
Why? Rule 231: if the steering feels unresponsive this may indicate ice; on ice, tyres make virtually no noise.Source
Someone is following too closely behind you in fog. What should you do?
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Correct answer: C — Not speed up to get away from them
Why? Rule 235: do not accelerate to get away from a vehicle which is too close behind you in fog.Source
You have broken down on the hard shoulder. Which side of the vehicle should you get out?
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Correct answer: A — The side furthest from the traffic
Why? Rule 277: exit your vehicle by the side furthest from traffic, if it is safe to do so, and get behind the safety barrier where there is one.Source
How many penalty points can driving without insurance attract?
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Correct answer: D — 6 to 8
Why? Annex 5 penalty table: driving without insurance carries 6 to 8 penalty points, an unlimited fine and discretionary disqualification.Source
When taking an intermediate exit at a roundabout, when should you signal left?
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Correct answer: D — After passing the exit before the one you want
Why? Rule 186: for an intermediate exit you should not normally need to signal on approach; signal left after you have passed the exit before the one you want.Source
A blue rectangular sign shows a white arrow pointing up and a red arrow pointing down. What does it mean?
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Correct answer: C — You have priority over oncoming vehicles
Why? Traffic signs: rectangular signs mostly give information; this one means 'Traffic has priority over oncoming vehicles'.Source
Another driver flashes their headlights at you at a junction. What should you assume?
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Correct answer: C — Nothing: use your own judgement before moving
Why? Rules 110 and 111: headlight flashes should only mean 'I am here'. Never assume they are an invitation to proceed.Source
Why should head restraints be properly adjusted?
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Correct answer: B — To reduce the risk of neck and spine injuries in a collision
Why? Rule 97: head restraints should be properly adjusted to reduce the risk of neck and spine injuries in the event of a collision.Source
You are following a lorry that is turning left at a junction ahead. What should you be aware of?
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Correct answer: D — It may need to move out to the right before turning
Why? Rules 170 and 221: long vehicles may need the whole width of the road to turn, and the driver may not see you. Be prepared to stop and wait.Source
After a collision you could not give your details at the scene. Within what time must you report it to the police?
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Correct answer: A — 24 hours
Why? Rule 286: report it to the police as soon as reasonably practicable, and in any case within 24 hours.Source
Why should you give cyclists and motorcyclists plenty of room on uneven road surfaces?
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Correct answer: D — They may swerve to avoid potholes or drains
Why? Rule 213: motorcyclists and cyclists may suddenly need to avoid uneven surfaces, drain covers or oily, wet or icy patches.Source
According to the 'hierarchy of road users', who bears the greatest responsibility to reduce danger?
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Correct answer: C — Those who can cause the greatest harm
Why? Rule H1 and Rule 204: those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm in a collision bear the greatest responsibility to take care.Source
What clearance is usually available under railway overhead electric lines at a level crossing?
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Correct answer: C — 5 metres (16 feet 6 inches)
Why? Rule 292: the clearance under overhead electric lines at level crossings is usually 5 metres (16 feet 6 inches) but may be lower.Source
You have broken down on a motorway and got out safely. What should you NOT do?
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Correct answer: B — Put a warning triangle on the carriageway
Why? Rules 276 and 277: never use warning triangles on motorways. Wait well away from your vehicle and moving traffic.Source
Your car skids because the rear swings to the right. What should you do?
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Correct answer: A — Ease off and steer to the right
Why? Rule 119: remove the cause by releasing the brake or easing off the accelerator, and steer in the direction of the skid: rear to the right, steer right.Source
You park facing uphill next to a kerb in a manual car. How should you leave the steering and gears?
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Correct answer: A — Wheels turned away from the kerb, in a forward gear
Why? Rule 252: facing uphill, select a forward gear and turn the steering wheel away from the kerb; apply the handbrake firmly.Source
How must you drive round a mini-roundabout?
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Correct answer: D — Pass round the central markings, unless your vehicle physically cannot
Why? Rule 188: all vehicles must pass round the central markings except large vehicles which are physically incapable of doing so.Source
Who sets the maximum weight you should tow with your car?
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Correct answer: A — The car maker, within your licence limits
Why? Rule 98: you must not tow more than your licence permits and should not tow more than the vehicle manufacturer recommends.Source
What can happen to the vehicle of an uninsured driver?
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Correct answer: C — It can be seized by the police and crushed
Why? Annex 3: an uninsured offender's vehicle can be seized by the police, taken away and crushed.Source
A circular sign with a red border shows one arrow pointing up and one pointing down. What does it mean?
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Correct answer: D — Give priority to vehicles from the opposite direction
Why? Traffic signs: signs with red circles give orders; this one means 'Give priority to vehicles from opposite direction'.Source
Another vehicle's indicator is flashing left as it approaches the junction where you are waiting. What should you do?
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Correct answer: A — Wait until you are sure it is actually turning
Why? Rules 104 and 170: an indicator may not have been cancelled. Do not assume a vehicle signalling left will turn; wait and make sure.Source
Which windows must not have excessively dark tinting?
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Correct answer: D — The windscreen and the front side windows
Why? Annex 6: you must not use a vehicle with excessively dark tinting on the windscreen or the front windows either side of the driver. Rear windows have no limit.Source
What happens to the road surface when it rains after a long dry spell?
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Correct answer: C — It can become slippery
Why? Rule 237: if it rains after a dry spell the road surface may become slippery, affecting steering and braking.Source
Someone was injured in a collision and you could not show your insurance certificate. Within how long must you produce it to the police?
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Correct answer: C — Seven days
Why? Rule 287: report to the police within 24 hours and produce your insurance certificate within seven days.Source
At a roundabout, a cyclist is in the left-hand lane and signalling right. What does this mean?
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Correct answer: B — They are continuing round the roundabout
Why? Rule 186: cyclists may stay in the left-hand lane when continuing around the roundabout and signal right to show they are not leaving.Source
You have broken down in a live lane of a motorway and cannot get out safely. What should you do?
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Correct answer: A — Stay in the car with seat belt and hazard lights on and call 999
Why? Rule 277: if you cannot get to a place of relative safety and exit safely, stay in your vehicle, keep seat belts and hazard lights on, and call 999 for the police.Source
Which road users are placed at the top of the hierarchy of road users?
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Correct answer: B — Those most at risk, such as pedestrians
Why? The Highway Code introduction: the hierarchy places those most at risk in a collision at the top, such as pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists.Source
How high are tramway overhead wires normally above the carriageway?
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Correct answer: D — 5.8 metres
Why? Rule 307: tramway overhead wires are normally 5.8 metres above the carriageway, but can be lower; lower wires are marked.Source
What usually causes a skid?
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Correct answer: B — Too much speed or harsh use of the controls
Why? Rule 119: skidding is usually caused by braking, accelerating or steering too harshly, or driving too fast for the conditions.Source
You park facing downhill next to a kerb in a manual car. What should you do?
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Correct answer: B — Select reverse and turn the wheels towards the kerb
Why? Rule 252: facing downhill, select reverse gear and turn the steering wheel towards the kerb.Source
On a two-lane dual carriageway, which lane should you normally use?
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Correct answer: A — The left-hand lane
Why? Rule 137: stay in the left-hand lane. Use the right-hand lane for overtaking or turning right, then move back.Source
What does a triangular sign showing a steam train mean?
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Correct answer: A — Level crossing without barrier or gate ahead
Why? Traffic signs: the warning triangle showing a steam engine means a level crossing without barrier ahead.Source
What does comprehensive insurance cover that third-party insurance does not?
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Correct answer: B — Damage to your own vehicle and injury to yourself
Why? Annex 3: comprehensive insurance also covers damage to your own vehicle, up to its market value, and personal injury to yourself.Source
How can you tell the emergency services your exact location on a motorway?
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Correct answer: C — Quote the number on a marker post
Why? Rule 277: quote the numbers and letters on marker posts or driver location signs, use a mapping app, or press your eCall SOS button.Source
You are driving on a roundabout. What should you do about cyclists on it?
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Correct answer: C — Give them priority and do not overtake them within their lane
Why? Rule 186: give priority to cyclists on the roundabout, give them plenty of room and do not attempt to overtake them within their lane.Source
You are approaching a right-hand bend on a country road. Where should you position your car?
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Correct answer: A — Well to the left, to improve your view
Why? Rule 160: keep well to the left on right-hand bends. This improves your view and avoids traffic from the opposite direction.Source
A tyre bursts while you are driving. What should you do?
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Correct answer: C — Hold the steering wheel firmly and let the car roll to a stop
Why? Annex 6: if a tyre bursts, try to keep control. Grip the steering wheel firmly and allow the vehicle to roll to a stop at the side of the road.Source
You are passing a line of stationary traffic on your right to turn right. Who may be hidden from view?
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Correct answer: C — Cyclists or motorcyclists on the inside of the queue
Why? Rule 211: when turning right across slow-moving or stationary traffic, look out for and give way to cyclists or motorcyclists on the inside.Source
A vehicle carrying dangerous goods has been involved in a crash. What should you do?
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Correct answer: B — Keep well away and give the emergency services details of its markings
Why? Rule 285: keep well away, do not try to rescue casualties, switch off engines, do not smoke, and give the emergency services information about the labels.Source
When may you overtake on the left on a normal road?
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Correct answer: B — When the vehicle ahead is turning right and there is room
Why? Rule 163: only overtake on the left if the vehicle in front is signalling to turn right and there is room, or in slow queues as the rule describes.Source
You have just driven through a deep ford. What should you do first?
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Correct answer: A — Test your brakes gently at the first safe opportunity
Why? Rule 121: brakes may be less effective after deep water. Test them gently at the first safe opportunity and dry them by light pressure while driving slowly.Source
Where is the safest place to turn your car around?
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Correct answer: A — A quiet side road, or by driving round a block
Why? Rule 200: try not to reverse or turn round in a busy road; find a quiet side road or drive round a block of side streets.Source
Where should a dog travel in a car?
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Correct answer: C — Restrained in a harness, carrier or cage
Why? Rule 57: make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you or be injured if you stop quickly.Source
What should you do with litter while driving?
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Correct answer: C — Keep it in the vehicle and dispose of it later
Why? Rule 147: you must not throw anything out of a vehicle, such as food packaging, cans or cigarette ends. It can endanger other road users.Source
What powered vehicles must use a flashing amber beacon on an unrestricted dual carriageway?
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Correct answer: A — Those with a top speed of 25 mph or less
Why? Rule 225: on unrestricted dual carriageways, motor vehicles first used after 1 January 1947 with a maximum speed of 25 mph or less must use a flashing amber beacon.Source
What does a triangular warning sign showing a gate mean?
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Correct answer: B — Level crossing with barrier or gate ahead
Why? Traffic signs: a triangle showing a gate warns of a level crossing with barrier or gate ahead.Source
What must be paid on all motor vehicles used or kept on public roads?
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Correct answer: C — Vehicle Excise Duty (vehicle tax)
Why? Annex 3: Vehicle Excise Duty must be paid on all motor vehicles used or kept on public roads.Source
How do you rejoin the carriageway from an emergency area?
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Correct answer: B — Use the emergency telephone and follow the operator's advice
Why? Rule 278: from an emergency area you must use the emergency telephone and follow the operator's advice; a lane may need to be closed.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