Theory Test #1 - Questions and Answers

Before you make a U-turn in the road, you should

A. give an arm signal as well as using your indicators
B. signal so that other drivers can slow down for you
C. look over your shoulder for a final check
D. select a higher gear than normal

Answer - look over your shoulder for a final check

If you want to make a U-turn, slow down and ensure that the road is clear in both directions. Make sure that the road is wide enough to carry out the manoeuvre.

In which of these situations should you avoid overtaking?

A. Just after a bend
B. In a one-way street
C. On a 30 mph road
D. Approaching a dip in the road

Answer - Approaching a dip in the road

As you begin to think about overtaking, ask yourself if it is really necessary. If you can't see well ahead stay back and wait for a safer place to pull out.

Your mobile phone rings while you are travelling. You should

A. Stop immediately
B. Answer it immediately
C. Pull up in a suitable place
D. Pull up at the nearest curb

Answer - Pull up in a suitable place

The safest option is to switch off your mobile phone before you set off, and use a message service. Even hands-free systems are likely to distract your attention. Don't endanger other road users. If you need to make a call, pull up in a safe place when you can, you may need to go some distance before you can find one. It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile or similar device when driving or riding, except in a genuine emergency.

Which of the following may cause loss of concentration on
a long journey?

A. Loud music
B. Arguing with a passenger
C. Using a mobile phone
D. Putting in a cassette tape
E. Stopping to regularly to rest
F. Pulling up to tune the radio

Answers - Loud music, Arguing with a passenger, Using a mobile phone, Putting in a cassette tape

You should not allow yourself to be distracted when driving. You need to concentrate fully in order to be safe on the road. Loud music could mask other sounds, such as the audible warning of an emergency vehicle. Any distraction which causes you to take your hands off the road could be dangerous.

At a pelican crossing the flashing amber light means you MUST

A. Stop and wait for the green light
B. Stop and wait for the red light
C. Give way to pedestrians waiting to cross
D. Give way to pedestrians already on the crossing

Answer - Give way to pedestrians already on the crossing

Pelican crossings are signal-controlled crossings operated by pedestrians. Push-button controls change the signals. Pelican crossings have no red-and-amber stage before green. Instead, they have a flashing amber light, which means you MUST give way to pedestrians already on the crossing, but if it is clear, you may continue.

'Tailgating' means

A. Using the rear door of a hatchback car
B. Reversing into a parking space
C. Following another vehicle too closely
D. Driving with rear fog lights on

Answer - Following another vehicle too closely

'Tailgating' is used to describe this dangerous practice, often seen in fast-moving traffic and on motorways. Following the vehicle in front too closely is dangerous because it a) restricts your view of the road ahead b) leaves you no safety margin if the vehicle in front slows down or stops suddenly.

You are following a vehicle on a wet road. You should leave
a time gap of at least

A. One second
B. Two seconds
C. Three seconds
D. Four seconds

Answer - Four seconds

Wet roads will reduce your tyres' grip on the road. The safe separation gap of at least two seconds in dry conditions should be doubled in wet weather.

To avoid spillage after refuelling, you should make sure that

A. Your tank is only three quarters full
B. You have used a locking filler cap
C. You check your fuel gauge is working
D. Your filler cap is securely fastened

Answer - Your filler cap is securely fastened

When learning to drive it is a good idea to practice filling your car with fuel. Ask your instructor if you can use a petrol station and fill the fuel tank yourself. You need to know where the filler cap is located on the car you are driving in order to park on the correct side of the pump. Take care not to overfill the tank or spill fuel. Make sure you secure the filler cap as soon as you have replaced the fuel nozzle.

You are in a one-way street and want to turn right. You
should position yourself

A. In the right-hand lane
B. In the left-hand lane
C. In either lane, depending on the traffic
D. Just left of the centre line

Answer - In the right-hand lane

If you are travelling in a one-way street and wish to turn right you should take up a position in the right-hand lane. This will enable other road users not wishing to turn to proceed on the left. Indicate your intention and take up your position in good time.

At which type of crossing are cyclists allowed to ride across
with pedestrians?

A. Toucan
B. Puffin
C. Pelican
D. Zebra

Answer - Pull up in a suitable place

A toucan crossing is designed to allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross at the same time. Look out for cyclists approaching the crossing at speed.

You are approaching a pelican crossing. The amber
light is flashing. You must

A. Give way to pedestrians who are crossing
B. Encourage pedestrians to cross
C. Not move until the green light appears
D. Stop even if the crossing is clear

Answer - Give way to pedestrians who are crossing

While the pedestrians are crossing don't encourage them to cross by waving or flashing headlights: other road users may misunderstand your signal. Don't harass them by creeping forwards or revving your engine.

You are driving along a country road. A horse and rider
are approaching. What should you do?

A. Increase your speed
B. Sound your horn
C. Flash your headlights
D. Drive slowly past
E. Give plenty of room
F. Rev your engine

Answer - Drive slowly past, Give plenty of room

It is important that you reduce your speed. passing too closely at speed could startle the horse and unseat the rider.

You stop for pedestrians waiting to cross at a zebra
crossing. They do not start to cross. What should you do?

A. Be patient and wait
B. Sound your horn
C. Carry on
D. Wave then to cross

Answer - Be patient and wait

If you stop for pedestrians and they don't start to cross don't wave then across or sound your horn. This could be dangerous if another vehicle is approaching which hasn't seen or heard your signal.

Which TWO are badly affected if the tyres are under-inflated?

A. Braking
B. Steering
C. Changing gear
D. Parking

Answer - Braking, Steering

Your tyres are your only contact with the road so it is very important to ensure that they are free from defects, have sufficient tread depth and are correctly inflated. Correct tyre pressures help reduce the risk of skidding and provide a safer and more comfortable drive or ride.

You must NOT sound your horn

A. Between 10 pm and 6 am in a built-up area
B. At any time in a built-up area
C. Between 11.30 pm and 7 am in a built-up area
D. Between 11.30 pm and 6 am on any road

Answer - Between 11.30 pm and 7 am in a built-up area

Vehicles can be noisy. Every effort must be made to prevent excessive noise, especially in built-up areas at night. Don't rev the engine or sound your horn unnecessarily. It is illegal to sound your horn in a built-up area between 11.30 pm and 7 am, except when another vehicle poses danger.

Catalytic converters are fitted to make the

A. Engines produce more power
B. Exhaust systems easier to replace
C. Engines run quietly
D. Exhaust fumes cleaner

Answer - Exhaust fumes cleaner

Harmful gases in the exhaust system pollute the atmosphere. These gases are reduced by up to 90% if a catalytic converter is fitted. Cleaner air benefits everyone, especially people who live or work near congested roads.

Road humps, chicanes, and road narrowings are

A. Always at major road works
B. Used to increase traffic speed
C. At toll-bridge approaches only
D. Traffic calming measures

Answer - Traffic calming measures

Traffic calming measures help keep vehicle speeds low in congested areas where there are pedestrians and children. A pedestrian is much more likely to survive a collision with a vehicle travelling at 20 mph than at 40 mph.

How should you dispose of a used battery?

A. Take it to a local authority site
B. Put it in the dustbin
C. Break it into pieces
D. Leave it on wasteland
E. Take it to a garage
F. Burn it in a fire

Answer - Take it to a local authority site, Take it to a garage

Batteries contain acid which is hazardous and must be disposed of safely.

What is the most likely cause of high fuel consumption?

A. Poor steering control
B. Accelerating around bends
C. Staying in high gears
D. Harsh braking and accelerating

Answer - Harsh braking and accelerating

Accelerating and braking gently and smoothly will help to save fuel, reduce wear on your vehicle and is better for the environment.

The fluid level in your battery is low. What should you top
it up with?

A. Battery acid
B. Distilled water
C. Engine oil
D. Engine coolant

Answer - Distilled water

Some modern batteries are maintenance-free. Check your vehicle handbook and, if necessary, make sure that the plates in each battery cell are covered.

Before starting a journey it is wise to plan your route.
How can you do this?

A. Look at a map
B. Contact your local garage
C. Look in your vehicle handbook
D. Check your vehicle registration document

Answer - Look at a map

Planning your journey before setting out can help to make it much easier, more pleasant and may help to ease traffic congestion. Look at a map to help you to do this. You may need different scale maps depending on where and how far you are going. Printing or writing out the route can also help.

What percentage of all emissions does road transport
account for?

A. 10%
B. 20%
C. 30%
D. 40%

Answer - 20%

Transport is an essential part of modern life but it does have environmental effects. In heavily populated areas traffic is the biggest source of air pollution. Eco-safe driving and riding will reduce emissions and can make a surprising difference to local air quality.

Braking distances on ice can be

A. Twice the normal distance
B. Give times the normal distance
C. Seven times the normal distance
D. Ten times the normal distance

Answer - Ten times the normal distance

In icy and snowy weather, your stopping distance will increase by up to ten times compared to good, dry conditions. Take extra care when braking, accelerating and steering, to cut down the risk of skidding.

Freezing conditions will affect the distance it takes you to
come to a stop. You should expect stopping distances
to increase by up to

A. Two times
B. Three times
C. Five times
D. Ten times

Answer - Ten times

Your tyre grip is greatly reduced on icy roads and you need to allow up to ten times the normal stopping distance.

In very hot weather the road surface can become soft.
Which TWO of the following will be most affected?

A. The suspension
B. The grip of the tyres
C. The braking
D. The exhaust

Answer - The grip of the tyres, The braking

Only a small part of your tyre is in contact with the road. This is why you must consider the surface on which your are travelling, and alter your speed to suit the road conditions.

What should you do when overtaking a motorcyclist in
strong winds?

A. Pass close
B. Pass quickly
C. Pass wide
D. Pass immediately

Answer - Pass wide

In strong winds riders of two-wheeled vehicles are particularly vulnerable. When you overtake them allow plenty of room. Always check to the left as you pass.

To avoid a collision when entering a contraflow system,
you should

A. Reduce speed in good time
B. Switch lanes at any time to make progress
C. Choose an appropriate lane in good time
D. Keep the correct separation distance
E. Increase speed to pass through quickly
F. Follow other motorists closely to avoid long queues

Answer - Reduce speed in good time, Choose an appropriate lane in good time, Keep the correct separation distance

In a contraflow system you will be travelling close to oncoming traffic and sometimes in narrow lanes. You should obey the temporary speed limit signs, get into the correct lane at the proper time and keep a safe separation distance from the vehicle ahead. When traffic is at a very low speed, merging in turn is recommended if it is safe and appropriate.

What is the most common cause of skidding?

A. Worn tyres
B. Driver error
C. Other vehicles
D. Pedestrians

Answer - Driver error

A skid happens when the driver changes the speed or direction of their vehicle so suddenly that the tyres can't keep their grip on the road. Remember that the risk of skidding on a wet or icy road is much greater than in dry conditions.

You are driving on an icy road. How can you avoid wheelspin?

A. Drive at a slow speed in as high gear as possible
B. Use the handbrake if the wheels start to slip
C. Brake gently and repeatedly
D. Drive in a low gear at all times

Answer - Drive at a slow speed in as high gear as possible

If you are travelling on a icy road extra caution will be required to avoid loss of control. Keeping your speed down and using the highest gear possible will reduce the risk of the tyres losing their grip on this slippery surface.

You are turning left on a slippery road. The back of your
vehicle slides to the right. You should

A. Brake firmly and not turn the steering wheel
B. Steer carefully to the left
C. Steer carefully to the right
D. Brake firmly and steer to the left

Answer - Steer carefully to the right

Steer into the skid but be careful not to overcorrect with too much steering. Too much movement may lead to a skid in the opposite direction. Skids don't just happen, they are caused. The three important factors in order are the driver, the vehicle and the road surface.

When driving in falling snow you should

A. Brake firmly and quickly
B. Be ready to steer sharply
C. Use sidelights only
D. Brake gently in plenty of time

Answer - Brake gently in plenty of time

Braking on snow can be extremely dangerous. Be gentle with both the accelerator and brake to prevent wheelspin.

You wish to park facing DOWNHILL. Which TWO of the
following should you do?

A. Turn the steering wheel towards the kerb
B. Park close to the bumper of another car
C. Park with two wheels on the kerb
D. Put the handbrake on firmly
E. Turn the steering wheel away from the kerb

Answer - Turn the steering wheel towards the kerb, Put the handbrake on firmly

Turning the wheels towards the kerb will allow it to act as a chock, preventing any forward movement of the vehicle. It will also help to leave it in gear, or select Park if you have an automatic.

Anti-lock brakes prevent wheels from locking. This means
the tyres are less likely to

A. Aquaplane
B. Skid
C. Puncture
D. Wear

Answer - Skid

If an anti-lock braking system is fitted it activates automatically when maximum braking pressure is applied or when it senses that the wheels are about to lock. It prevents the wheels from locking so you can continue to steer the vehicle during braking. It does not remove the need for good driving practices such as anticipation and correct speed for the conditions.

You are planning a long journey. Do you need to plan
rest stops?

A. Yes, you should plan to stop every half hour
B. Yes, regular stops help concentration
C. No, you will be less tired if you get there as soon as possible
D. No, only fuel stops will be needed

Answer - Yes, regular stops help concentration

Try to plan your journey so that you can take rest stops. It is recommended that you take a break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving. This should help to maintain your concentration.

A driver does something that upsets you. You should

A. Try not to react
B. Let them know how you feel
C. Flash your headlights several times
D. Sound your horn

Answer - Try not to react

There are times when other road users make a misjudgment or mistake. When this happens try not to get annoyed and don't react by showing anger. Sounding your horn, flashing your headlights or shouting won't help the situation. Good anticipation will help to prevent these incidents becoming collisions.

You are following a slow-moving vehicle on a narrow
country road. There is a junction just ahead on the right.
What should you do?

A. Overtake after checking your mirrors and signalling
B. Stay behind until you are past the junction
C. Accelerate quickly to pass before the junction
D. Slow down and prepare to overtake on the left

Answer - Stay behind until you are past the junction

You should never overtake as you approach a junction. If a vehicle emerged from the junction while you were overtaking, a dangerous situation could develop very quickly.

You think the driver in the vehicle in front has forgotten
to cancel their right indicator. You should

A. Flash your lights to alert the driver
B. Sound your horn before overtaking
C. Overtake on the left if there is room
D. Stay behind and not overtake

Answer - Stay behind and not overtake

The driver may be unsure of the location of a junction and turn suddenly. Be cautious and don't attempt to overtake.

Motorcyclists will often look round over their right shoulder
just before turning right. This is because

A. They need to listen for following traffic
B. Motorcycles do not have mirrors
C. Look around helps them balance as they turn
D. They need to check for traffic in their blind area

Answer - They need to check for traffic in their blind area

If you see a motorcyclist take a quick glance over their shoulder, this could mean they are about to change direction. Recognising a clue like this helps you to be prepared and take appropriate action, making you safer on the road.

You are dazzled at night by a vehicle behind you. You should

A. Set you mirror to anti-dazzle
B. Set your mirror to dazzle the other driver
C. Brake sharply to a stop
D. Switch your rear lights on and off

Answer - Set you mirror to anti-dazzle

The interior mirror of most vehicles can be set to the anti-dazzle position. You will still be able to see the lights of the traffic behind you, but the dazzle will be greatly reduced.

Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable

A. When moving off
B. On dual carriageways
C. When approaching junctions
D. On motorways

Answer - When approaching junctions

Another road user failing to see a motorcyclist is a major cause of collisions at junctions. Wherever streams of traffic join or cross there is the potential for this type of incident to occur.

You are following two cyclists. They approach a
roundabout in the left-hand lane. In which direction should
you expect the cyclists to go?

A. Left
B. Right
C. Any direction
D. Straight ahead

Answer - Any direction

Cyclists approaching a roundabout in the left-hand lane may be turning right but may not have been able to get into the correct lane due to the heavy traffic. They may also feel safer keeping to the left all the way round the roundabout. Be aware of them and give them plenty of room.

You are driving in town. There is a bus at the bus stop on
the other side of the road. Why should you be careful?

A. The bus may have broken down
B. Pedestrians may come from behind the bus
C. The bus may move off suddenly
D. The bus may remain stationary

Answer - Pedestrians may come from behind the bus

If you see a bus ahead watch out for pedestrians. They may not be able to see you if they are crossing from behind the bus.

You keep well back waiting to overtake a large vehicle. A
car fills the gap. You should?

A. Sound your horn
B. Drop back further
C. Flash your headlights
D. Start to overtake

Answer - Drop back further

It is very frustrating when your separation distance is shortened by another vehicle. React positively, stay calm and drop further back.

You have just driven out of fog. Visibility is now good. You
must

A. Switch off all your fog lights
B. Keep your rear fog lights on
C. Keep your front fog lights on
D. Leave fog lights on in case fog returns

Answer - Switch off all your fog lights

You MUST turn off your fog lights if visibility is over 100 metres (328 feet). However, be prepared for the fact that the fog may be patchy.

On a three-lane motorway which lane should you normally
use?

A. Left
B. Right
C. Centre
D. Either the right or centre

Answer - Left

On a three-lane motorway you should travel in the left-hand lane unless you are overtaking. This applies regardless of the speed at which you are travelling.

You are on a motorway. What colour are the reflective studs
on the left of the carriageway?

A. Green
B. Red
C. White
D. Amber

Answer - Red

Red studs are placed between the edge of the carriageway and the hard shoulder. Where slip roads leave or join the motorway the studs are green.

An MOT certificate is normally valid for

A. Three years after the date it was issued
B. 10,000 miles
C. One year after the date it was issued
D. 30,000 miles

Answer - One year after the date it was issued

Make a note of the date your MOT certificate expires. Some garages remind you that your vehicle is due an MOT but not all do. You may take your vehicle for MOT up to one month in advance and have the certificate post-dated.

You are at the scene of an accident. Someone is suffering
from shock. You should

A. Reassure then constantly
B. Offer them a cigarette
C. Keep them warm
D. Avoid moving them if possible
E. Avoid leaving them alone
F. Give them a warm drink

Answer - Reassure then constantly, Keep them warm, Avoid moving them if possible, Avoid leaving them alone

The signs of shock may not be immediately obvious. Prompt treatment can help to minimise the effects. Lay the casualty down, loosen tight clothing, call an ambulance and check their breathing and pulse.

How can you stop a caravan snaking from side to side?

A. Turn the steering wheel slowly to each side
B. Accelerate to increase your speed
C. Stop as quickly as you can
D. Slow down very gradually

Answer - Slow down very gradually

Keep calm and don't brake harshly or you could lose control completely. Ease off the accelerator until the unit is brought back under control. The most dangerous time is on long downhill gradients.

Overloading your vehicle can seriously affect the

A. Gearbox
B. Steering
C. Handling
D. Battery life
E. Journey time

Answer - Steering, Handling

Any load will have an effect on the handling of your vehicle and this becomes worse as you increase the load. Any changes in the centre of gravity or weight the vehicle is carrying will affect its braking and handling on bends.

You need to be aware of this when carrying passengers, heavy load, fitting a roof rack or towing a trailer.