Theory Test #3 - Questions and Answers

How can driving in an Eco-safe manner help protect the
environment?

A. Through the legal enforcement of speed regulations
B. By increasing the number of cars on the road
C. Through increased fuel bills
D. By reducing exhaust emissions

Answer - By reducing exhaust emissions

Eco-safe driving is all about becoming a more environmentally-friendly driver. This will make your journeys more comfortable as well as considerably reducing your fuel bills and reducing emissions that can damage the environment.

You are turning right onto a dual carriageway. What should
you do before emerging?

A. Stop, apply the handbrake then select a low gear
B. Position your vehicle well to the left of the side of the road
C. Check that the central reservation is wide enough for
your vehicle
D. Make sure that you leave enough room for a vehicle behind

Answer - Check that the central reservation is wide enough for your vehicle

Before emerging right onto a dual carriageway make sure that the central reserve is deep enough to protect your vehicle. If it’s not, you should treat it as one road and check that it’s clear in both directions before pulling out. Neglecting to do this could place part or all of your vehicle in the path of approaching traffic and cause a collision.

When emerging from junctions, which is most likely to
obstruct your view?

A. Windscreen pillars
B. Steering wheel
C. Interior mirror
D. Windscreen wipers

Answer - Windscreen pillars

Windscreen pillars can block your view, particularly at junctions. Those road users most at risk of not being seen are cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians. Never rely on just a quick glance.

When being followed by an ambulance showing a flashing
blue beacon you should

A. Pull over as soon as safely possible to let it pass
B. Accelerate hard to get away from it
C. Maintain your speed and course
D. Brake harshly and immediately stop in the road

Answers - Pull over as soon as safely possible to let it pass

Pull over in a place where the ambulance can pass safely. Check that there are no bollards or obstructions in the road that will prevent it from doing so.

On a road where trams operate, which of these vehicles will
be most at risk from tram rails?

A. Cars
B. Cycles
C. Buses
D. Use the exterior mirror only
E. Lorries

Answer - Cycles

The narrow wheels of a bicycle can become stuck in the tram rails, causing the cyclist to stop suddenly, wobble or even lose balance altogether. The tram lines are also slippery which could cause a cyclist to slide or fall off.

When approaching this hazard why should you slow down?

A. Because of the bend
B. Because it’s hard to see to the right
C. Because of approaching traffic
D. Because of animals crossing
E.

Answer - Because of the bend, Because of the level crossing

There are two hazards clearly signed in this picture. You should be preparing for the bend by slowing down and selecting the correct gear. You might also have to stop at the level crossing, so be alert and be prepared to stop if necessary.

A flashing green beacon on a vehicle means

A. Police on non-urgent duties
B. Doctor on an emergency call
C. Road safety patrol operating
D. Gritting in progress

Answer - Doctor on an emergency call

If you see a vehicle with a flashing green beacon approaching, allow it to pass when you can do so safely. Be aware that someone’s life could depend on the driver making good progress through traffic.

You should ONLY flash your headlights to other road users

A. To show you are giving way
B. To show that you are about to turn
C. To tell them that you have right of way
D. To let them know that you are there

Answer - To let them know that you are there

You should only flash your headlights to warn others of your presence. Don’t use them to, greet others, show impatience or give priority to other road users. They could misunderstand your signal.

You are approaching an unmarked crossroads. How should
you deal with this type of junction?

A. Accelerate and keep to the middle
B. Slow down and keep to the right
C. Accelerate looking to the left
D. Slow down and look both ways

Answer - Slow down and look both ways

Be extra-cautious, especially when your view is restricted by hedges, bushes, walls and large vehicles etc. In the summer months these junctions can become more difficult to deal with when growing foliage may obscure your view.

'Red Routes' in major cities have been introduced to

A. Raise the speed limits
B. Help the traffic flow
C. Provide better parking
D. Allow lorries to load more freely

Answer - Help the traffic flow

Traffic jams today are often caused by the volume of traffic. However, inconsiderate parking can lead to the closure of an inside lane or traffic having to wait for oncoming vehicles. Driving slowly in traffic increases fuel consumption and causes a build-up of exhaust fumes.

It is essential that tyre pressures be checked regularly.
When should this be done?

A. After any length journey
B. After travelling at high speed
C. When tyres are hot
D. When tyres are cold

Answer - When tyres are cold

When you check the tyre pressures do so when the tyres are cold. This will give you a more accurate reading. The heat generated from a long journey will raise the pressure inside the tyre.

What is the legal minimum insurance cover you must have
to drive on public roads?

A. Third party, fire and theft
B. You will have a more pleasant journey
C. Third party only
D. Personal injury cover

Answer - Third party only

The minimum insurance required by law is third party cover. This covers others involved in a collision but not damage to your vehicle. Basic third party insurance won’t cover theft or fire damage. Check with your insurance company for advice on the best cover for you and make sure that you read the policy carefully.

You need to top up your battery. What level should you fill to?

A. The top of the battery
B. Half-way up the battery
C. Just below the cell plates
D. Just above the cell plates

Answer - Just above the cell plates

Top up the battery with distilled water and make sure each cell plate is covered.

You are on a long, downhill slope. What should you do to
help control the speed of your vehicle?

A. Select neutral
B. Select a lower gear
C. Grip the handbrake firmly
D. Apply the parking brake gently

Answer - Select a lower gear

Selecting a low gear when travelling downhill will help you to control your speed. The engine will assist the brakes and help prevent your vehicle gathering speed.

Anti-lock brakes may not work as effectively if the road
surface is

A. Dry
B. Loose
C. Wet
D. Good
E. Firm

Answer - Loose, Wet

Poor contact with the road surface could cause one or more of the tyres to lose grip on the road. This is more likely to happen when braking in poor weather conditions, when the road surface is uneven or has loose chippings.

The roads are icy. You should drive slowly

A. In the highest gear possible
B. In the lowest gear possible
C. With the handbrake partly on
D. With your left foot on the brake

Answer - In the highest gear possible

Driving at a slow speed in a high gear will reduce the likelihood of wheel-spin and help your vehicle maintain the best possible grip.

You are driving along a wet road. How can you tell if your
vehicle is aquaplaning?

A. The engine will stall
B. The engine noise will increase
C. The steering will feel very heavy
D. The steering will feel very light

Answer - The steering will feel very light

If you drive at speed in very wet conditions your steering may suddenly feel lighter than usual. This means that the tyres have lifted off the surface of the road and are skating on the surface of the water. This is known as aquaplaning. Reduce speed but don’t brake until your steering returns to a normal feel.

A driver pulls out of a side road in front of you. You have to
brake hard. You should

A. Ignore the error and stay calm
B. Flash you lights to show your annoyance
C. Sound your horn to show your annoyance
D. Overtake as soon as possible

Answer - Ignore the error and stay calm

Where there are a number of side roads, be alert. Be especially careful if there are a lot of parked vehicles because they can make it more difficult for drivers emerging to see you. Try to be tolerant if a vehicle does emerge and you have to brake quickly. Don’t react aggressively.

Following a collision someone has suffered a burn. The burn
needs to be cooled. What is the shortest time it should be
cooled for?

A. 5 minutes
B. 10 minutes
C. 15 minutes
D. 20 minutes

Answer - 10 minutes

Check the casualty for shock and if possible try to cool the burn for at least ten minutes. Use a clean, cold non-toxic liquid preferably water.

A casualty is not breathing normally. At what rate should chest
compressions should be given?

A. 50 per minute
B. 100 per minute
C. 200 per minute
D. 250 per minute

Answer - 100 per minute

If a casualty is not breathing normally chest compressions may be needed to maintain circulation. Place two hands on the centre of the chest and press down about 4-5 centimetres, at the rate of 100 per minute.

You have been convicted of driving whilst unfit through drink
of drugs. You will find this is likely to cause the cost of one of
the following to rise considerably. Which one?

A. Road fund licence
B. Insurance premiums
C. Vehicle test certificate
D. Driving licence

Answer - Insurance premiums

You have shown that you are a risk to yourself and others on the road. For this reason insurance companies may charge you a higher premium.

You feel drowsy when driving. You should

A. Stop and rest as soon as possible
B. Turn the heater up to keep you warm and comfortable
C. Make sure you have a good supply of fresh air
D. Continue with your journey but drive more slowly
E. Close the car windows to help you concentrate

Answer - Stop and rest as soon as possible, Make sure you have a good supply of fresh air

You will be putting other road users at risk if you continue to drive when drowsy. Pull over and stop in a safe place. If you are driving a long distance, think about finding some accommodation so you can get some sleep before continuing your journey.

You are taking drugs that are likely to affect you driving.
What should you do?

A. Seek medical advice before driving
B. Limit your driving to essential journeys
C. Only drive if accompanied by a full licence holder
D. Drive only for short distances

Answer - Seek medical advice before driving

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you think that the drugs you’re taking are likely to make you feel drowsy or impair your judgement.

You go to a social event and need to drive a short time
afterwards. What precaution should you take?

A. Avoid drinking alcohol on an empty stomach
B. Drink plenty of coffee after drinking alcohol
C. Avoid drinking alcohol completely
D. Drink plenty of milk before drinking alcohol

Answer - Avoid drinking alcohol completely

This is always going to be the safest option. Just one drink could put you over the limit and dangerously impair your judgement and reactions.

What action would you take when elderly people are crossing
the road?

A. Wave them across so they know that you have seen them
B. Be patient and allow them to cross in their own time
C. Rev the engine to let them know that you are waiting
D. Tap the horn in case they are hard of hearing

Answer - Be patient and allow them to cross in their own time

Be aware that older people might take a long time to cross the road. They might also be hard of hearing and not hear you approaching. Don’t hurry older people across the road by getting too close to them or revving your engine.

How should you react to drivers who appear to be
inexperienced?

A. Sound your horn and warn them of your presence
B. Be patient and prepare for them to react more slowly
C. Flash your headlights to indicate that it is safe for them
to proceed
D. Overtake them as soon as possible

Answer - Be patient and prepare for them to react more slowly

Learners might not have confidence when they first start to drive. Allow them plenty of room and don’t react adversely to their hesitation. We all learn from experience, but new drivers will have had less practice in dealing with all the situations that might occur.

Where would you see this sign?

A. In the window of a car taking children to school
B. At the side of the road
C. At playground areas
D. On the rear of a school bus or coach

Answer - On the rear of a school bus or coach

Vehicles that are used to carry children to and from school will be travelling at busy times of the day. If you’re following a vehicle with this sign be prepared for it to make frequent stops. It might pick up or set down passengers in places other than normal bus stops.

You are on a country road. What should you expect to see
coming towards you on YOUR side of the road?

A. Motorcyclists
B. Bicycles
C. Pedestrians
D. Horse riders

Answer - Pedestrians

On a quiet country road always be aware that there may be a hazard just around the next bend, such as a slow-moving vehicle or pedestrians. Pedestrians are advised to walk on the right-hand side of the road if there is no pavement, so they may be walking towards you on your side of the road.

A horse rider is in the left-hand lane approaching a
roundabout. You should expect the rider to

A. Go in any direction
B. Turn right
C. Turn left
D. Go ahead

Answer - Go in any direction

Horses and their riders will move more slowly than other road users. They might not have time to cut across heavy traffic to take up positions in the offside lane. For this reason a horse and rider may approach a roundabout in the left-hand lane, even though they’re turning right.

You are waiting to emerge from a minor road. A large vehicle
is approaching from the right. You have time to turn, but
you should wait. Why?

A. The large vehicle can easily hide an overtaking vehicle
B. The large vehicle can turn suddenly
C. The large vehicle is difficult to steer in a straight line
D. The large vehicle can easily hide vehicles from the left

Answer - The large vehicle can easily hide an overtaking vehicle

Large vehicles can hide other vehicles that are overtaking, especially motorcycles which may be filtering past queuing traffic. You need to be aware of the possibility of hidden vehicles and not assume that it is
safe to emerge.

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

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

Answer - Drop further back

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

You are driving in heavy traffic on a wet road. Spray makes it
difficult to be seen. You should use your

A. Full beam headlights
B. Rear fog lights if visibility is less than 100 metres (328 feet)
C. Rear fog lights is visibility is more than 100 metres (328 feet)
D. Dipped headlights
E. Side lights only

Answer - Rear fog lights if visibility is less than 100 metres (328 feet), Dipped headlights

You must ensure that you can be seen by others on the road. Use your dipped headlights during the day if the visibility is bad. If you use your rear fog lights, don’t forget to turn them off when the visibility improves.

You are driving on a road with several lanes. You see these
signs above the lanes. What do they mean?

A. The two right lanes are open
B. The two left lanes are open
C. Traffic in the left lanes should stop
D. Traffic in the right lanes should stop

Answer - The two left lanes are open

If you see a red cross above your lane it means that there is an obstruction ahead. You will have to move into one of the lanes which is showing the green light. If all the lanes are showing a red cross, then you must stop.

You are travelling in heavy rain. Your overall stopping distance
is likely to be

A. Doubled
B. Halved
C. Up to ten times greater
D. No different

Answer - Doubled

As well as visibility being reduced, the road will be extremely wet. This will reduce the grip the tyres have on the road and increase the distance it takes to stop. Double your separation distance.

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.

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.

To correct a rear-wheel skid you should

A. Not steer at all
B. Steer away from it
C. Steer into it
D. Apply your handbrake

Answer - Steer into it

Prevention is better than cure, so it’s important that you take every precaution to avoid a skid from starting. If you feel the rear wheels of your vehicle beginning to skid, try to steer in the same direction to recover control. Don’t brake suddenly – this will only make the situation worse.

Using rear fog lights in clear daylight will

A. Be useful when towing a trailer
B. Be useful when towing a trailer
C. Dazzle other drivers
D. Make following drivers keep back

Answer - Dazzle other drivers

Rear fog lights shine brighter than normal rear lights so that they show up in reduced visibility. When the weather is clear they could dazzle the driver behind, so switch them off.

You are allowed to stop on a motorway when you

A. Need to walk and get some fresh air
B. Wish to pick up hitchhikers
C. Are told to do so by flashing red lights
D. Need to use a mobile telephone

Answer - Are told to do so by flashing red lights

You MUST stop if there are red lights flashing above every lane on the motorway. However, if any of the other lanes do not show flashing red lights or red cross you may move into that lane and continue if it is safe to do so.

You are travelling along the left-hand lane of a three-lane
motorway. Traffic is joining from a slip road. You should

A. Race the other vehicles
B. Move to another lane
C. Maintain a steady speed
D. Switch on your hazard lights

Answer - Move to another lane

You should move to another lane if it is safe to do so. This can greatly assist the flow of traffic joining the motorway, especially at peak times.

A basic rule when on motorways is

A. Use the lane that has least traffic
B. Keep to the left hand-lane unless overtaking
C. Overtake on the side that is clearest
D. Try to keep above 50 mph to prevent congestion

Answer - Keep to the left hand-lane unless overtaking

You should normally travel in the left-hand lane unless you are overtaking a slower moving vehicle. When you are past that vehicle move back into the left-hand lane as soon as it’s safe to do so. Don’t cut across in front of the vehicle that you’re overtaking.

In which TWO places should you NOT park?

A. Near a school entrance
B. Near a police station
C. In a side road
D. At a bus stop
E. In a one-way street

Answer - Near a school entrance, At a bus stop

It may be tempting to park where you shouldn’t while you run a quick errand. Careless parking is a selfish act and could endanger other road users.

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.

At a crossroads there are no signs or road markings. Two
vehicles approach. Which has priority?

A. Neither of the vehicles
B. The vehicle travelling the fastest
C. Oncoming vehicles turning right
D. Vehicles approaching from the right

Answer - Neither of the vehicles

At a crossroads where there are no ‘give way’ signs or road markings be very careful. No vehicle has priority, even if the sizes of the roads are different.

You may remove your seat belt when carrying out a
manoeuvre that involves

A. Reversing
B. A hill start
C. An emergency stop
D. Driving slowly

Answer - Reversing

Don’t forget to put your seat belt back on when you’ve finished reversing.

You must not reverse

A. For longer than necessary
B. For more than a car's length
C. Into a side road
D. In built-up areas

Answer - For longer than necessary

You may decide to turn your vehicle around by reversing into an opening or side road. When you reverse, always look behind and all around and watch for pedestrians. Don’t reverse from a side road into a main road. You MUST NOT reverse further than is necessary.

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.

You MUST obey signs giving orders. These signs are mostly in

A. Green rectangles
B. Red Triangles
C. Blue rectangles
D. Red circles

Answer - Red circles

There are three basic types of traffic sign, those that, warn, inform or give orders. Generally, triangular signs warn, rectangular ones give information or directions, and circular signs usually give orders. An exception is the eight-sided ‘STOP’ sign.

A police officer asks to see your documents. You do not have
them with you. You may be asked to take them to the
police station with

A. 5 days
B. 7 days
C. 14 days
D. 21 days

Answer - 7 days

You don’t have to carry the documents for your vehicle around with you. If a police officer asks to see them and you don’t have them with you, you may be asked to produce them at a police station within seven days.

While driving, this warning light on your dashboard comes on.
It means

A. A fault in the braking system
B. The engine oil is low
C. A rear light has failed
D. Your seat belt is not fastened

Answer - A fault in the braking system

Don’t ignore this warning light. A fault in your braking system could have dangerous consequences.