Theory Test #4 - Questions and Answers

You are driving at dusk. You should switch your lights on

A. Even when streetlights are not lit
B. So others can see you
C. Only when others have done so
D. Only when streetlights are lit

Answer - Even when streetlights are not lit, So others can see you

Your headlights and tail lights help others on the road to see you. It may be necessary to turn on your lights during the day if visibility is reduced, for example due to heavy rain. In these conditions the light might fade before the street lights are timed to switch on. Be seen to be safe.

You are most likely to lose concentration when driving if you

A. Use a mobile phone
B. Listen to very loud music
C. Switch on the heated rear window
D. Look at the door mirrors

Answer - Use a mobile phone, Listen to very loud music

Distractions which cause you to take your hands off the steering wheel or your eyes off the road are potentially dangerous. You must be in full control of your vehicle at all times.

You lose your way on a busy road. What is the best action
to take?

A. Stop at traffic lights and ask pedestrians
B. Shout to other drivers to ask them the way
C. Turn into a side road, stop and check a map
D. Check a map, and keep going with the traffic flow

Answer - Turn into a side road, stop and check a map

It’s easy to lose your way in an unfamiliar area. If you need to check a map or ask for directions, first find a safe place to stop.

What does the term 'blind spot' mean for a driver?

A. An area covered by your right-hand mirror
B. An area not covered by your headlights
C. An area covered by your left-hand mirror
D. An area not covered by your mirrors

Answers - An area not covered by your mirrors

Modern vehicles provide the driver with well-positioned mirrors which are essential to safe driving. However, they cannot see every angle of the scene behind and to the sides of the vehicle. This is why it is essential that you check over your shoulder, so that you are aware of any hazards not reflected in your mirrors.

Using a hands-free phone is likely to

A. Improve your safety
B. Increase your concentration
C. Reduce your view
D. Divert your attention

Answer - Divert your attention

Unlike someone in the car with you, the person on the other end of the line is unable to see the traffic situations you are dealing with. They will not stop speaking to you even if you are approaching a hazardous situation. You need to be concentrating on your driving all of the time, but especially so when dealing with a hazard.

You are travelling at the legal speed limit. A vehicle comes
up quickly behind, flashing its headlights. You should

A. Accelerate to make a gap behind you
B. Touch the brakes sharply to show your brake lights
C. Maintain your speed to prevent the vehicle from overtaking
D. Allow the vehicle to overtake

Answer - Allow the vehicle to overtake

Don’t enforce the speed limit by blocking another vehicle’s progress. This will only lead to the other driver becoming more frustrated. Allow the other vehicle to pass when you can do so safely.

You wish to make a right turn ahead. Why should you take
up the correct position in good time?

A. To allow other drivers to pull out in front of you
B. To give a better view into the road that you are joining
C. To help other road users know what you intend to do
D. To allow other drivers to pass you on the right

Answer - To help other road users know what you intend to do

If you wish to turn right into a side road take up your position in good time. Move to the centre of the road when it’s safe to do so. This will allow vehicles to pass you on the left. Early planning will show other traffic what you intend to do.

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 your headlights: other road users may misunderstand your signal. Don’t harass them by creeping forward or revving your engine.

At a puffin crossing, which colour follows the green signal?

A. Steady red
B. Flashing amber
C. Steady amber
D. Flashing green

Answer - Steady amber

Puffin crossings have infra-red sensors which detect when pedestrians are crossing and hold the red traffic signal until the crossing is clear. The use of a sensor means there is no flashing amber phase as there is with a pelican crossing.

When the traffic lights change to green the white car should

A. Wait for the cyclist to pull away
B. Move off quickly and turn in front of the cyclist
C. Move close up to the cyclist to beat the lights
D. Sound the horn to warn the cyclist

Answer - Wait for the cyclist to pull away

If you are waiting at traffic lights, check all around you before you move away, as cyclists often filter through waiting traffic. Allow the cyclist to move off safely.

Any load that is carried on a roof rack should be

A. Securely fastened when driving
B. Loaded towards the rear of the vehicle
C. Visible in your exterior mirror
D. Covered with plastic sheeting

Answer - Securely fastened when driving

The safest way to carry items on the roof is in a specially designed roof box. This will help to keep your luggage secure and dry, and also has less wind resistance than loads carried on a roof rack.

You are carrying a child in your car. They are under three
years of age. Which of these is a suitable restraint?

A. A child seat
B. An adult holding a child
C. An adult seat belt
D. An adult lap belt

Answer - A child seat

It’s your responsibility to ensure that all children in your car are secure. Suitable restraints include a child seat, baby seat, booster seat or booster cushion. It’s essential that any restraint used should be suitable for the child’s size and weight, and fitted to the manufacturers instructions.

A trailer must stay securely hitched up to the towing vehicle.
What additional safety device can be fitted to the trailer
braking system?

A. Stabiliser
B. Jockey wheel
C. Corner steadies
D. Breakaway cable

Answer - Breakaway cable

In the event of a towbar failure the cable activates the trailer brakes, then snaps. This allows the towing vehicle to get free of the trailer and out of danger.

Are passengers allowed to ride in a caravan that is being
towed?

A. Yes, if they are over fourteen
B. No, not at any time
C. Only if all the seats in the towing vehicle are full
D. Only if a stabiliser is fitted

Answer - No, not at any time

Riding in a towed caravan is highly dangerous. The safety of the entire unit is dependent on the stability of the trailer. Moving passengers would make the caravan unstable and could cause loss of control.

You are driving through a tunnel. There has been a collision
and the car in front is on fire and blocking the road. What
should you do?

A. Overtake and continue as quickly as you can
B. Lock all the doors and windows
C. Switch on the hazard warning lights
D. Stop and then reverse out of the tunnel

Answer - Switch on the hazard warning lights

If the vehicle in front is on fire, you should pull over to the side and stop. Switch on your warning lights and switch off your engine. If you can locate a fire extinguisher use it to put out the fire, taking great care. Do NOT open the bonnet. Always call for help from the nearest emergency point and if possible give first aid to anyone who is injured.

You have a collision whilst your car is moving. What is the
FIRST thing you must do?

A. Stop only if someone waves at you
B. Call the emergency services
C. Stop at the scene of the accident
D. Call your insurance company

Answer - Stop at the scene of the accident

If you are in a collision that causes damage or injury to any other person, vehicle, animal or property, by law you MUST STOP. Give your name, the vehicle owner’s name and address, and the vehicle’s registration number to anyone who has reasonable grounds for requiring them.

Your vehicle has broken down on an automatic railway level
crossing. What should you do FIRST?

A. Get everyone out of the vehicle and clear of the crossing
B. Telephone your vehicle recovery service to move it
C. Walk along the track to give warning to any
approaching trains
D. Try to push the vehicle clear of the crossing as soon
as possible

Answer - Get everyone out of the vehicle and clear of the crossing

Firstly get yourself and anyone else well away from the crossing. If there’s a railway phone use that to get instructions from the signal operator. Then if there’s time move the vehicle clear of the crossing.

Your engine catches fire what should you do first?

A. Lift the bonnet and disconnect the battery
B. Lift the bonnet and warn other traffic
C. Call a breakdown service
D. Call the fire brigade

Answer - Call the fire brigade

If you suspect a fire in the engine compartment you should pull up as safely and as quickly as possible. DO NOT open the bonnet as this will fuel the fire further. Get any passengers out of the vehicle and dial 999 immediately to contact the fire brigade.

You see a horse rider as you approach a roundabout. They are
signalling right but keeping well to the left. You should

A. Proceed as normal
B. Keep close to them
C. Cut in front of them
D. Stay well back

Answer - Stay well back

Allow the horse rider to enter and exit the roundabout in their own time. They may feel safer keeping to the left all the way around the roundabout. Don’t get up close behind or alongside them. This is very likely to upset the horse and create a dangerous situation.

Your tyre bursts whilst you are driving. Which TWO things
should you do?

A. Pull on the handbrake
B. Brake as quickly as possible
C. Pull up slowly at the side of the road
D. Hold the steering wheel firmly to keep control
E. Continue on at a normal pace

Answer - Pull up slowly at the side of the road, Hold the steering wheel firmly to keep control

A tyre bursting can lead to a loss of control, especially if you’re travelling at high speed. Using the correct procedure should help you to stop the vehicle safely.

At an incident a casualty has stopped breathing. You should

A. Remove anything that is blocking the mouth
B. Keep the head tilted forward as far as possible
C. Raise the legs to help with circulation
D. Try to give the casualty something to drink
E. Tilt the head back gently to clear the airway

Answer - Remove anything that is blocking the mouth, Tilt the head back gently to clear the airway

It’s important to ensure that the airways are clear before you start mouth to mouth resuscitation. Gently tilt their head back and use your finger to check for and remove any obvious obstruction in the mouth.

There has been a collision. A motorcyclist is lying injured and
unconscious. Unless it's essentially why should you usually
NOT attempt to remove their helmet?

A. Because they may not want you to
B. This could result in more serious injury
C. They will get too cold if you do this
D. Because you could scratch the helmet

Answer - This could result in more serious injury

When someone is injured, any movement which is not absolutely necessary should be avoided since it could make injuries worse. Unless it is essential, it’s generally safer to leave a motorcyclist’s helmet in place.

At an incident it is important to look after any casualties.
When the area is safe you should

A. Get them out of the vehicle
B. Give them a drink
C. Give them something to eat
D. Keep them in the vehicle

Answer - Keep them in the vehicle

When the area is safe and there’s no danger from other traffic or fire it’s better not to move casualties. Moving them may cause further injury.

New drivers can take further training after passing the
practical driving test. A Pass Plus course will help to

A. Improve your basic skills
B. Widen your experience
C. Increase your insurance premiums
D. Get cheaper road tax

Answer - Improve your basic skills, Widen your experience

Novice drivers are in much more danger than experienced drivers. They can often be involved in collisions soon after passing their test, sometimes with tragic results. The Pass Plus scheme gives structured training to help new drivers improve basic skills and widen their experience. Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) will be able to advise of the benefits.

For which of these must you show your motor
insurance certificate?

A. When you are taking your driving test
B. When buying or selling a vehicle
C. When a police office asks for it
D. When having an MOT inspection

Answer - When a police office asks for it

When you take out motor insurance you’ll be issued with a certificate. This contains details explaining who and what is insured. If a police officer asks to see your insurance certificate you must produce it at the time or at a police station within a specified period. You also need to have current valid insurance when renewing your vehicle excise duty (road tax).

Motor cars must first have an MOT certificate when they are

A. One year old
B. Three years old
C. Five years old
D. Seven years old

Answer - Three years old

The vehicle you drive MUST be roadworthy and in good condition. If it’s over three years old it MUST have a valid MOT test certificate. The MOT test ensures that a vehicle meets minimum legal standards in terms of safety, components and environmental impact at the time it is tested.

Vehicle excise duty is often called 'Road Tax' or 'The Tax Disc'.
You must

A. Keep it with your registration document
B. Display it clearly on your vehicle
C. Keep it concealed safely in your vehicle
D. Carry it on you at all times

Answer - Display it clearly on your vehicle

The tax disc should be displayed at the bottom of the windscreen on the nearside (left-hand side). This allows it to be easily seen from the kerbside. It must be current, and you can’t transfer the disc from vehicle to vehicle.

A newly qualified driver must

A. Display green L-Plates
B. Not exceed 40 mph for 12 months
C. Be accompanied on a motorway
D. Have valid motor insurance

Answer - Have valid motor insurance

It is your responsibility to make sure you are properly insured for the vehicle you are driving.

To drive on the road learners MUST

A. Have no penalty points on their licence
B. Have taken professional instruction
C. Have a signed, valid provisional licence
D. Apply for a driving test within 12 months

Answer - Have a signed, valid provisional licence

Before you drive on the road you MUST have a valid provisional licence, for the category of vehicle that you’re driving. It must show your signature, it isn’t valid without it.

You are towing a small caravan on a dual carriageway. You
must not exceed

A. 50 mph
B. 40 mph
C. 70 mph
D. 60 mph

Answer - 60 mph

The speed limit is reduced for vehicles towing caravans and trailers, to lessen the risk of the outfit becoming unstable. Due to the increased weight and size of the vehicle and caravan combination, you should plan well ahead. Be extra-careful in windy weather, as strong winds could cause a caravan or large trailer to snake from side
to side.

Why should you make sure your indicators are cancelled
after turning?

A. To avoid flattening the battery
B. To avoid misleading other road users
C. To avoid damage to the indicator relay
D. To avoid dazzling other road users

Answer - To avoid misleading other road users

Leaving your indicators on could confuse other road users and may even lead to a crash. Be aware that if you haven’t taken a sharp turn your indicators may not self cancel and you will need to turn them off manually.

You are driving in busy traffic. You want to pull up on the left
just after a junction on the left. When should you signal?

A. As you are passing or just after the junction
B. Just before you reach the junction
C. Well before you reach the junction
D. It would be better not to signal at all

Answer - As you are passing or just after the junction

You need to signal to let other drivers know your intentions. However, if you indicate too early they may think you are turning left into the junction. Correct timing of the signal is very important to avoid misleading others.

There is a police car following you. The police officer flashes
the headlights and points to the left. What should you do?

A. Turn left at the next junction
B. Pull up on the left
C. Stop immediately
D. Move over to the left

Answer - Pull up on the left

You must pull up on the left as soon as it’s safe to do so and switch off your engine.

You are signalling to turn right in busy traffic. How would
you confirm your intention safely?

A. Sound the horn
B. Give an arm signal
C. Flash your headlights
D. Position over the centre line

Answer - Give an arm signal

In some situations you may feel your indicators cannot be seen by other road users. If you think you need to make your intention more clearly seen, give the arm signal shown in The Highway Code.

You are parked in a busy high street. What is the safest way
to turn your vehicle around so you can go the opposite way?

A. Find a quiet side road to turn around in
B. Drive into a side road and reverse into the main road
C. Get someone to stop the traffic
D. Do a U-turn

Answer - Find a quiet side road to turn around in

Make sure you carry out the manoeuvre without causing a hazard to other vehicles. Choose a place to turn which is safe and convenient for you and for other road users.

To help keep your vehicle secure at night where should
you park?

A. Near a police station
B. In a quiet road
C. On a red route
D. In a well-lit area

Answer - In a well-lit area

Whenever possible park in an area which will be well lit at night.

Signals are normally given by direction indicators and

A. Brake lights
B. Sidelights
C. Fog lights
D. Interior lights

Answer - Brake lights

Your brake lights will give an indication to traffic behind that you’re slowing down. Good anticipation will allow you time to check your mirrors before slowing.

Which sign means ‘no through road’?

A. Sign A
B. Sign B
C. Sign C
D. Sign D

Answer - Sign C

This sign is found at the entrance to a road that can only be used for access.

Where may you overtake on a one-way street?

A. Only on the left-hand side
B. Overtaking is not allowed
C. Are told to do so by flashing red lights
D. Either on the right or the left

Answer - Either on the right or the left

You can overtake other traffic on either side when travelling in a one-way street. Make full use of your mirrors and ensure that it’s clear all around before you attempt to overtake. Look for signs and road markings and use the most suitable lane for your destination.

When going straight ahead at a roundabout you should

A. Indicate left before leaving the roundabout
B. Not indicate at any time
C. Indicate right when approaching the roundabout
D. Indicate left when approaching the roundabout

Answer - Indicate left before leaving the roundabout

When you want to go straight on at a roundabout, don’t signal as you approach it, but indicate left just after you pass the exit before the one you wish to take.

Which vehicle may have to use a different course to normal
at roundabouts?

A. Sports car
B. Van
C. Estate car
D. Long vehicle

Answer - Long vehicle

A long vehicle may have to straddle lanes either on or approaching a roundabout so that the rear wheels don’t cut in over the kerb. If you’re following a long vehicle, stay well back and give it plenty of room.

When MUST you use dipped headlights during the day?

A. All the time
B. Along narrow streets
C. In poor visibility
D. When parking

Answer - In poor visibility

You MUST use dipped headlights and/or fog lights in fog when visibility is seriously reduced to 100 metres (328 feet) or less. You should use dipped headlights, but NOT fog lights, when visibility is poor, such as in heavy rain.

You are driving down a long steep hill. You suddenly notice
that your brakes are not working as well as normal. What
is the usual cause of this?

A. The brakes overheating
B. Air in the brake fluid
C. Oil on the brakes
D. Badly adjusted

Answer - The brakes overheating

This is more likely to happen on vehicles fitted with drum brakes but can apply to disc brakes as well. Using a lower gear will assist the braking and help you to keep control of your vehicle.

You are driving past parked cars. You notice a bicycle wheel
sticking out between them. What should you do?

A. Accelerate past quickly and sound your horn
B. Slow down and wave the cyclist across
C. Brake sharply and flash your headlights
D. Slow down and be prepared to stop for a cyclist

Answer - Slow down and be prepared to stop for a cyclist

Scan the road as you drive. Try to anticipate hazards by being aware of the places where they are likely to occur. You’ll then be able to react in good time, if necessary.

Where should you take particular care to look out for
motorcyclists and cyclists?

A. On dual carriageways
B. At junctions
C. At zebra crossings
D. On one-way streets

Answer - At junctions

Motorcyclists and cyclists are often more difficult to see on the road. This is especially the case at junctions. You may not be able to see a motorcyclist approaching a junction if your view is blocked by other traffic. A motorcycle may be travelling as fast as a car, sometimes faster. Make sure that you judge speeds correctly before you emerge.

When should you use hazard warning lights?

A. When you are double-parked on a two way road
B. When your direction indicators are not working
C. When warning oncoming traffic that you intend to stop
D. When your vehicle has broken down and is causing
an obstruction

Answer - When your vehicle has broken down and is causing
an obstruction

Hazard warning lights are an important safety feature and should be used if you have broken down and are causing an obstruction. Don’t use them as an excuse to park illegally such as when using a cash machine or post box. You may also use them on motorways to warn traffic behind you of danger ahead.

Which of the following types of glasses should NOT be worn
when driving at night?

A. Half-moon
B. Round
C. Bi-focal
D. Tinted

Answer - Tinted

If you are driving at night or in poor visibility, tinted lenses will reduce the efficiency of your vision, by reducing the amount of available light reaching your eyes.

You are carrying a child using a rear-facing baby seat. You
want to put it on the front passenger seat. What MUST
you do before setting off?

A. Deactivate all front and rear airbags
B. Make sure any front passenger airbag is deactivated
C. Make sure all the child safety locks are off
D. Recline the front passenger seat

Answer - Make sure any front passenger airbag is deactivated

You MUST deactivate any frontal passenger airbag when using a rear-facing baby seat in a front passenger seat. It is ILLEGAL if you don’t. If activated in a crash it could cause serious injury or death. Ensure you follow the manufacturers instructions. In some cars this is now done automatically.

You have too much oil in your engine. What could this cause?

A. Low oil pressure
B. Engine overheating
C. Chain wear
D. Oil leaks

Answer - Oil leaks

Too much oil in the engine will create excess pressure and could damage engine seals and cause oil leaks. Any excess oil should be drained off.

When may you cross a double solid white line in the middle
of the road?

A. To pass traffic that is queuing back at a junction
B. To pass a car signalling to turn left ahead
C. To pass a road maintenance vehicle travelling at 10 mph
or less
D. To pass a vehicle that is towing a trailer

Answer -

You may cross the solid white line to pass a stationary vehicle, pedal cycle, horse or road maintenance vehicle if they are travelling at 10 mph or less. You may also cross the solid line to enter into a side road or access a property.