Theory Test Rules of the Road - Questions and Answers

There is a tractor ahead of you. You wish to overtake but
you are not sure if it is safe to do so. You should

A. follow another overtaking vehicle through
B. sound your horn to the slow vehicle to pull over
C. speed through but flash your lights to oncoming traffic
D. not overtake if you are in doubt

Answer - not overtake if you are in doubt

Never overtake if you’re not sure whether it’s safe. Can you see far enough down the road to ensure that you can complete the manoeuvre safely? If the answer is no, DON’T GO.

Which THREE of the following are most likely to take an
unusual course at roundabouts?

A. Horse riders
B. Milk floats
C. Delivery vans
D. Long vehicles
E. Estate cars
F. Cyclists

Answer -

Horse riders

Long vehicles

Cyclists

Long vehicles might have to take a slightly different position when approaching the roundabout or going around it. This is to stop the rear of the vehicle cutting in and mounting the kerb. Horse riders and cyclists might stay in the left-hand lane although they are turning right. Be aware of this and allow them room.

On a clearway you must not stop

A. at any time
B. when it is busy
C. in the rush hour
D. during daylight hours

Answer - at any time

Clearways are in place so that traffic can flow without the obstruction of parked vehicles. Just one parked vehicle will cause an obstruction for all other traffic. You MUST NOT stop where a clearway is in force, not even to pick up or set down passengers.

You can park on the right-hand side of a road at night

A. in a one-way street
B. with your sidelights on
C. more than 10 metres (32 feet) from a junction
D. under a lamp-post

Answer - in a one-way street

Red rear reflectors show up when headlights shine on them. These are useful when you are parked at night but will only reflect if you park in the same direction as the traffic flow. Normally you should park on the left, but if you’re in a one-way street you may also park on the right-hand side.

You are approaching a busy junction. There are several lanes
with road markings. At the last moment you realise that you
are in the wrong lane. You should

A. continue it that lane
B. force your way across
C. stop until the area has cleared
D. use clear arm signals to cut across

Answer - continue it that lane

There are times where road markings can be obscured by queuing traffic, or you might be unsure which lane you need to be in. If you realise that you’re in the wrong lane, don’t cut across lanes or bully other drivers to let you in. Follow the lane you’re in and find somewhere safe to turn around if you need to.

Where may you overtake on a one-way street?

A. Only on the left-hand side
B. Overtaking is not allowed
C. Only on the right-hand side
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 might 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.

You must stop when signalled to do so by which THREE of
these?

A. A police officer
B. A pedestrian
C. A school crossing patrol
D. A bus driver
E. A red traffic light

Answer -

A police officer

A school crossing patrol

A red traffic light

Looking well ahead and ‘reading’ the road will help you to anticipate hazards. This will enable you to stop safely at traffic lights or if ordered to do so by an authorised person.

You are intending to turn right at a crossroads. An oncoming
driver is also turning right. It will normally be safer to

A. keep the other vehicle to your RIGHT and turn behind
it (offside to offside)

B. keep the other vehicle to your LEFT and turn in front of
it (nearside to nearside)

C. carry on and turn at the next junction instead

D. hold back and wait for the other driver to turn first

Answer - keep the other vehicle to your RIGHT and turn behind it (offside to offside)

At some junctions the layout may make it difficult to turn offside to offside. If this is the case, be prepared to pass nearside to nearside, but take extra care as your view ahead will be obscured by the vehicle turning in front of you.

You meet an obstruction on your side of the road. You should

A. carry on, you have priority
B. give way to oncoming traffic
C. wave oncoming vehicles through
D. accelerate to get past first

Answer - give way to oncoming traffic

Take care if you have to pass a parked vehicle on your side of the road. Give way to oncoming traffic if there isn’t enough room for you both to continue safely.

Which THREE places must you not park?

A. Near the brow of a hill
B. At or near a bus stop
C. Where there is no pavement
D. Within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction
E. On a 40 mph road

Answer -

Near the brow of a hill

At or near a bus stop

Within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction

Other traffic will have to pull out to pass you. They may have to use the other side of the road, and if you park near the brow of a hill, they may not be able to see oncoming traffic. It’s important not to park at or near a bus stop as this could inconvenience passengers, and may put them at risk as they get on or off the bus. Parking near a junction could restrict the view for emerging vehicles.

You are travelling on a well-lit road at night in a built-up
area. By using dipped headlights you will be able to

A. see further along the road
B. go at a much faster speed
C. switch to main beam quickly
D. be easily seen by others

Answer - be easily seen by others

You may be difficult to see when you’re travelling at night, even on a well lit road. If you use dipped headlights rather than sidelights other road users will see you more easily.

When you are NOT sure that it is safe to reverse your
vehicle you should

A. use your horn
B. rev your engine
C. get out and check
D. reverse slowly

Answer - get out and check

If you can’t see all around your vehicle get out and have a look. You could also ask someone reliable outside the vehicle to guide you. A small child could easily be hidden directly behind you. Don’t take risks.

When may you reverse from a side road into a main road?

A. Only if both roads are clear of traffic
B. Not at any time
C. At any time
D. Only if the main road is clear of traffic

Answer - Not at any time

Don’t reverse into a main road from a side road. The main road is likely to be busy and the traffic on it moving quickly. Cut down the risks by reversing into a quiet side road.