UK Driving Theory Questions Test 5

The national speed limit on a dual carriageway for a car or motorcycle is 70 mph. This is the same as the motorway limit but applies to dual carriageways where no lower limit is displayed. A dual carriageway is identified by a central reservation dividing the two directions of travel.

Under the New Drivers Act 1995, any driver who accumulates 6 or more penalty points within the first two years of passing their test will have their licence revoked automatically. They must then re-apply for a provisional licence and pass both the theory and practical tests again.

You may pass a stationary bus when it is safe to do so. However, if the bus is signalling to pull out, you should give way if it is safe. The Highway Code states that you should give priority to buses pulling out from bus stops where it is safe to do so.

The national speed limit on a motorway for a car or motorcycle is 70 mph. This applies unless a lower temporary limit is shown on overhead signs. Exceeding 70 mph on a motorway is a speeding offence regardless of road conditions.

On a car without ABS, applying maximum brake pressure will lock the wheels, causing a skid and loss of steering. The correct technique is cadence braking — applying firm pressure just below the point of locking, then releasing and reapplying repeatedly to maintain steering control.

A speed limit sign with a white background and black numbers inside a red circle is a mandatory maximum speed limit. It is legally enforceable and applies to all vehicles on that road unless a different limit is signed for a specific vehicle type.

A yellow box junction means you must not enter the box unless your exit road is clear. The only exception is when turning right — you may enter and wait in the box if you are only prevented from completing your turn by oncoming traffic or other right-turning vehicles.

A blue circular sign with a white P indicates a permitted parking area. Blue circular signs always convey positive instructions or permissions, unlike red-bordered signs which indicate prohibitions or orders.

A red triangular sign with an exclamation mark is a general hazard warning sign. It indicates that there is a hazard ahead that does not have its own specific sign. Drivers should slow down, remain alert, and be prepared for unexpected road conditions.

In a tyre blowout on a motorway, you should hold the steering wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator gradually, and allow the vehicle to slow naturally. Do not brake sharply as this can cause loss of control. Move to the hard shoulder when safe and switch on hazard lights.

On a motorway, signs showing a phone symbol and number indicate the location of emergency roadside telephones. These phones connect directly to the Highways Agency control centre and can be used in breakdowns or emergencies. The number helps operators pinpoint your exact location.

Since 2022, the maximum sentence for causing death by dangerous driving in the UK was increased from 14 years to life imprisonment. This reflects the serious nature of the offence and its devastating impact on victims and families.

In a tunnel fire, you should leave the tunnel if possible, or pull over to the side, switch off the engine, switch on hazard lights, and leave the vehicle immediately. You should then use an emergency exit or fire extinguisher if available and call for help using the tunnel emergency phone.

You must only proceed when the light shows green. In the UK, traffic lights go from red to red and amber together before showing green. You should not move on red and amber — only move when green is displayed.

A red triangular sign with a cow symbol is a warning sign indicating that farm animals or cattle may be crossing or on the road ahead. Drivers should reduce speed and be prepared to stop, as animals can move unpredictably and may appear suddenly from gateways or fields.

Traffic already on a roundabout has priority over traffic waiting to enter. You must give way to vehicles on your right before entering the roundabout. This rule applies regardless of the size or type of vehicle already on the roundabout.

It is illegal to sound your horn when stationary, except to warn another road user of danger. It is also illegal to use the horn in a built-up area between 11:30pm and 7:00am. Using the horn aggressively or to express frustration is also prohibited under the Highway Code.

When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and sirens, you should pull over safely to allow it to pass. However, you must not break the law to do so — do not mount the pavement, stop in a no-stopping zone, or jump a red light. React safely and legally.

A white cane indicates the pedestrian is visually impaired. Even though there is no crossing, you should slow down and be prepared to stop in case the pedestrian steps into the road. Visually impaired pedestrians may not be aware of your vehicle's position or speed.

A red circle containing vehicle symbols means those vehicles are prohibited from using that road. If both a car and motorcycle symbol appear inside the red circle, both types of vehicle are prohibited. Red circles always indicate mandatory prohibitions.

A red circle with a white horizontal bar means no entry. This sign is placed at the entry point of a one-way street or road where vehicles are not permitted to enter. It is a mandatory prohibition sign and must be obeyed at all times.

A vehicle pulling to one side when braking most commonly indicates uneven brake pad wear, a seized brake caliper, or different tyre pressures on each side. This is a dangerous fault that affects stopping ability and must be inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.

This sign warns drivers that the road ahead is unsuitable for motor vehicles, typically due to poor road surface, steep gradients, or narrow width. It is advisory rather than a prohibition, but drivers should take heed and avoid the route if possible.

Rear fog lights must be switched off when visibility improves beyond 100 metres. They are much brighter than normal rear lights and can dazzle following drivers, masking your brake lights and making it harder for them to judge stopping distances.

Before turning right on a dual carriageway, you must check your mirrors, signal right in good time, and position your vehicle correctly in the right-hand lane. You must also be aware of the central reservation and ensure both carriageways are clear before completing the turn.

At 30 mph the thinking distance is 9 metres. This is the distance travelled from the moment a hazard is seen to the moment the brakes are applied. The braking distance at 30 mph is 14 metres, giving a total stopping distance of 23 metres.