Theory Test Vehicle Handling - Questions and Answers

In which THREE of these situations may you overtake
another vehicle on the left?

A. When you are in a one-way street

B. When approaching a motorway slip road where you will
be turning off

C. When the vehicle in front is signalling to turn right

D. When a slower vehicle is travelling in the right-hand lane
of a dual carriageway

E. in slow-moving traffic queues when traffic in the
right-hand lane is moving more slowly

Answer -

When you are in a one-way street

When the vehicle in front is signalling to turn right

in slow-moving traffic queues when traffic in the right-hand lane is moving more slowly

At certain times of the day, traffic might be heavy. If traffic is moving slowly in queues and vehicles in the right-hand lane are moving more slowly, you may overtake on the left. Don’t keep changing lanes to try and beat the queue.

Traffic calming measures are used to

A. stop road rage
B. help overtaking
C. slow traffic down
D. help parking

Answer - slow traffic down

Traffic calming measures are used to make the roads safer for vulnerable road users, such as cyclists, pedestrians and children. These can be designed as chicanes, road humps or other obstacles that encourage drivers and riders to slow down.

You are on a road which has speed humps. A driver in front
is travelling slower than you. You should

A. sound your horn
B. overtake as soon as you can
C. flash your headlights
D. slow down and stay behind

Answer - slow down and stay behind

Be patient and stay behind the car in front. Normally you should not overtake other vehicles in traffic-calmed areas. If you overtake here your speed may exceed that which is safe along that road, defeating the purpose of the traffic calming measures.

You are overtaking a car at night. You must be sure that

A. you flash your headlights before overtaking
B. you select a higher gear
C. you have switched your lights to full beam before overtaking
D. you do not dazzle other road users

Answer - you do not dazzle other road users

To prevent your lights from dazzling the driver of the car in front, wait until you’ve overtaken before switching to full beam.

You have to make a journey in foggy conditions. You should

A. follow other vehicles' tail lights closely
B. avoid using dipped headlights
C. leave plenty of time for your journey
D. keep two seconds behind other vehicles

Answer - leave plenty of time for your journey

If you’re planning to make a journey when it’s foggy, listen to the weather reports on the radio or television. Don’t travel if visibility is very poor or your trip isn’t necessary. If you do travel, leave plenty of time for your journey. If someone is expecting you at the other end, let them know that you’ll be taking longer than normal to arrive.

Areas reserved for trams may have

A. metal studs around them
B. white line markings
C. zigzag markings
D. a different coloured surface
E. yellow hatch markings
F. a different surface texture

Answer -

white line markings

a different coloured surface

a different surface texture

Trams can run on roads used by other vehicles and pedestrians. The part of the road used by the trams is known as the reserved area and this should be kept clear. It has a coloured surface and is usually edged with white road markings. It might also have different surface texture.

You see a vehicle coming towards you on a single-track
road. You should

A. go back to the main road
B. do an emergency stop
C. stop at a passing place
D. put on your hazard warning lights

Answer - stop at a passing place

You must take extra care when on single track roads. You may not be able to see around bends due to high hedges or fences. Proceed with caution and expect to meet oncoming vehicles around the next bend. If you do, pull into or opposite a passing place.

You are driving on a motorway in windy conditions. When
passing high-sided vehicles you should

A. increase your speed
B. be wary of a sudden gust
C. drive alongside very closely
D. expect normal conditions

Answer - be wary of a sudden gust

The draught caused by other vehicles could be strong enough to push you out of your lane. Keep both hands on the steering wheel to maintain full control.

Whilst driving, the fog clears and you can see more clearly.
You must remember to

A. switch off the fog lights
B. reduce your speed
C. switch off the demister
D. close any open windows

Answer - switch off the fog lights

Bright rear fog lights might be mistaken for brake lights and could be misleading for the traffic behind.

You are driving at night. You are dazzled by headlights
coming towards you. You should

A. pull down your sun visor
B. slow down or stop
C. switch on your main beam headlights
D. put your hand over your eyes

Answer - slow down or stop

You will have additional hazards to deal with at night. Visibility may be very limited and the lights of oncoming vehicles can often dazzle you. When this happens don’t close your eyes, swerve or flash your headlights, as this will also distract other drivers. It may help to focus on the left kerb, verge or lane line.

Chains can be fitted to your wheels to help prevent

A. damage to the road surface
B. wear to the tyres
C. skidding in deep snow
D. the brakes locking

Answer - skidding in deep snow

Snow chains can be fitted to your tyres during snowy conditions. They can help you to move off from rest or to keep moving in deep snow. You will still need to adjust your driving according to the road conditions at the time.

You are on the motorway at night. You must have your
headlights switched on unless

A. there are vehicles close in front of you
B. you are travelling below 50 mph
C. the motorway is lit
D. your vehicle is broken down on the hard shoulder

Answer - your vehicle is broken down on the hard shoulder

Always use your headlights at night on a motorway unless you have stopped on the hard shoulder. If you break down and have to stop on the hard shoulder, switch off the headlights but leave the sidelights on so that other road users can see your vehicle.

You will feel the effects of engine braking when you

A. only use the handbrake
B. only use neutral
C. change to a lower gear
D. change to a higher gear

Answer - change to a lower gear

When going downhill, prolonged use of the brakes can cause them to overheat and lose their effectiveness. Changing to a lower gear will assist your braking.

Daytime visibility is poor but not seriously reduced. You
should switch on

A. headlights and fog lights
B. front fog lights
C. dipped headlights
D. rear fog lights

Answer - dipped headlights

Only use your fog lights when visibility is seriously reduced. Use dipped headlights in poor conditions.

Why are vehicles fitted with rear fog lights?

A. To be seen when driving at high speed
B. To use if broken down in a dangerous position
C. To make them more visible in thick fog
D. To warn drivers following closely to drop back

Answer - To make them more visible in thick fog

Rear fog lights make it easier to spot a vehicle ahead in foggy conditions. Avoid the temptation to use other vehicles’ lights as a guide, as they may give you a false sense of security.

When snow is falling heavily you should

A. only drive with your hazard lights on
B. not drive unless you have a mobile phone
C. only drive when your journey is short
D. not drive unless it is essential

Answer - not drive unless it is essential

Consider if the increased risk is worth it. If the weather conditions are bad and your journey isn’t essential, then stay at home.

What are TWO main reasons why coasting downhill is wrong?

A. Fuel consumption will be higher
B. The vehicle will get faster
C. It puts more wear and tear on the tyres
D. You have less braking and steering control
E. It damages the engine

Answer -

The vehicle will get faster

You have less braking and steering control

Coasting is when you allow the vehicle to freewheel in neutral or with the clutch pedal depressed. Doing this gives you less control over the vehicle. It’s especially important not to let your vehicle coast when approaching hazards such as junctions and bends and when travelling downhill.

Which THREE of the following will affect your stopping
distance?

A. How fast you are going
B. The tyres on your vehicle
C. The time of day
D. The weather
E. The street lighting

Answer -

How fast you are going

The tyres on your vehicle

The weather

There are several factors that can affect the distance it takes to stop your vehicle. Adjust your driving to take account of how the weather conditions could affect your tyres’ grip on the road.

You are on a motorway at night with other vehicles ahead
of you. Which lights should you have on?

A. Front fog lights
B. Main beam headlights
C. Sidelights only
D. Dipped headlights

Answer - Dipped headlights

If you’re driving behind other traffic at night on the motorway, leave a two-second time gap and use dipped headlights. Full beam will dazzle the other drivers. Your headlights’ beam should fall short of the vehicle in front.

Hills can affect the performance of your vehicle. Which TWO
apply when driving up steep hills?

A. Higher gears will pull better
B. You will slow down sooner
C. Overtaking will be easier
D. The engine will work harder
E. The steering will feel heavier

Answer -

You will slow down sooner

The engine will work harder

The engine will need more power to pull the vehicle up the hill. When approaching a steep hill you should select a lower gear to help maintain your speed. You should do this without hesitation, so that you don’t lose too much speed before engaging the lower gear.