Rules of the Road Category

To learn all about the Rules of the Road category watch the video or read the article below.

The theory test featuring all the questions from this category is at the bottom of the page.

Topics Include

  • Speed Limits – Knowing the different speed limits and when to use these speed limits.
  • Lighting – using car lighting effectively and safely to see and be seen when driving.
  • Lane Discipline – know and understanding lane rule regulations.
  • Parking – where to safely park and knowing the different parking restrictions and regulations.

Again, safety is a theme that dominates many questions.

Many questions present every day road situations where the correct answer is always the safest options, for example:

You are on a busy main road and find that you are travelling in the wrong direction. What should you do?

1. Turn into a side road on the right and reverse into the main road

2. Make a U-turn in the main road

3. Make a ‘three-point’ turn in the main road

4. Turn round in a side road

The correct answer, the safest, is 4.

No question will require an answer such as ‘speed up’, ‘sound your horn’ or ‘flash your lights’

Facts to Know

  • The national speed limit for cars and motorcycles on single carriageway roads is 60 mph.
  • The national speed limit for cars and motorcycles on motorways and dual carriageways is 70 mph.
  • The speed limit for cars towing a trailer on single carriageway roads is 50 mph.
  • The speed limit for cars towing a small caravan on motorways and dual carriageways is 60 mph.
  • On a road with street lights, but no speed limit signs, the speed limit is usually 30 mph.
  • At an unmarked crossroads no one has priority.
  • The nearest you can park to a junction is 10 metres (32 feet).
  • You may drive over a footpath to get to a property.
  • You must not drive in a cycle lane marked by a solid white line during its period of operation.
  • A cycle lane marked by a broken white line means you should not drive in, or park in the lane unless it is unavoidable.
  • You must not drive in a bus lane during its hours of operation. The hours of operation will be marked on the bus lane road sign.
  • You must not stop where an urban clearway is in force.
  • When waiting at a level crossing if the red lights continue to flash after a train has passed you must continue to wait.
  • Never park in an disabled only parking space unless permitted i.e. you are a blue badge holder.
  • If a car overtakes you at night and you have your headlights on full beam you should switch them to dipped as soon as the vehicle passes you.
  • Zebra Crossing – if someone is waiting to cross you should stop and let them cross.
  • Toucan Crossings – can be use by cyclists and pedestrians.
  • Pelican Crossings – a flashing amber light means you must give way to pedestrians still crossing. If the light changes to red and people are still crossing then you must continue to wait and let them cross
  • You can only drive in a bus lane outside its hours of operation.
  • Never reverse for longer than you have to, or from a side road into a main road.

Box Junctions

  • You may only wait in a box junction when you’re turning right and your exit lane is clear but you can’t complete the turn because of oncoming traffic. For further information see our box Junctions Video Tutorial.

Parking at Night

  • If you park at night on a road where the speed limit is above 30 mph you must leave your parking lights (sidelights) on.
  • Always park facing the flow of traffic

Where Not to Park

  • On the pavement
  • At a bus stop
  • In front of someone’s drive
  • Opposite a traffic island
  • Near a school entrance
  • On a pedestrian crossing (or inside the zigzag lines either side of it)
  • Near a junction
  • On a clearway
  • On a motorway

Roundabouts

  • Going left – signal left as you approach the roundabout. Keep signalling until you have left the roundabout.
  • Going straight ahead – signal left just after you pass the exit before the one you will take.
  • Going right – signal right as you approach the roundabout. Signal left just after you pass the exit before the one you will take. Roundabouts Video Tutorial.
  • Cyclists and horse riders may stay in the left-hand lane even if they are turning right.
  • Long vehicles may take up a different position to stop the rear of the vehicle hitting the kerb.

Reversing

  • You must not reverse for longer than is necessary.
  • Never reverse from a side road onto a main road
  • When reversing into a side road, the main hazard to oncoming traffic, is when the front of your vehicle swings out.

Key Signs

Park in a bay and pay during the times shown

Markers that indicate a concealed level crossing

End of minimum speed limit

National speed limit applies

No waiting at any time

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Rules of the Road Theory Test

All the Questions in the Category

Explanation

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.

1 / 70

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

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

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.

2 / 70

Which vehicle is most likely to take an unusual course at a roundabout?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Toucan crossings are similar to pelican crossings but there's no flashing amber phase. Cyclists share the crossing with pedestrians and are allowed to cycle across when the green cycle symbol is shown.

3 / 70

Who can use a toucan crossing?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Where signs or road markings show lanes are for cyclists only, leave them free. Don’t drive or park in a cycle lane unless it is unavoidable.

4 / 70

You're driving on a road that has a cycle lane. The lane is marked by a broken white line. This means that

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

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.

5 / 70

On a clearway you must not stop

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

If there is no-one on the crossing when the amber light is flashing, you may proceed over the crossing. You don’t need to wait for the green light to show.

6 / 70

At a pelican crossing, what does a flashing amber light mean?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Pull into the nearest passing place on the left if you meet another vehicle in a narrow road. If the nearest passing place is on the right, wait opposite it.

7 / 70

You are on a road that is only wide enough for one vehicle. There is a car coming towards you. What should you do?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

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.

8 / 70

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

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Travel slowly and carefully near parked vehicles. Beware of
• vehicles pulling out, especially bicycles and motorcycles
• pedestrians, especially children, who may run out from between cars
• drivers opening their doors.

9 / 70

You're driving along a street with parked vehicles on the left-hand side. Why should you keep your speed down?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

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.

10 / 70

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?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

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.

11 / 70

Where may you overtake on a one-way street?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

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.

12 / 70

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

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

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

13 / 70

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

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Parking restrictions apply in a variety of places and situations. Make sure you know the rules and understand where and when restrictions apply. Controlled parking areas will be indicated by signs and road markings. Parking in the wrong place could cause an obstruction and danger to other traffic. It can also result in a fine.

14 / 70

You want to park and you see this sign. On the days and times shown you should

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

You MUST NOT park or stop on a road marked with double white lines (even where one of the lines is broken) except to pick up or set down passengers.

15 / 70

When can you park on the left opposite these road markings?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Leave the lane free for cyclists. At other times, when the lane is not in operation, you should still be aware that there may be cyclists about. Give them room and don’t pass too closely.

16 / 70

You are driving along a road that has a cycle lane. The lane is marked by a solid white line. This means that during its period of operation

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

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.

17 / 70

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

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

The cycle lanes are there for a reason. Keep them free and allow cyclists to use them. It is illegal to drive or park in a cycle lane, marked by a solid white line, during its hours of operation. Parking in a cycle lane will obstruct cyclists and they may move into the path of traffic on the main carriageway as they ride around the obstruction. This could be hazardous for both the cyclist and other road users.

18 / 70

A cycle lane is marked by a solid white line. You must not drive or park in it

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

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.

19 / 70

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

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

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

20 / 70

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

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

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.

21 / 70

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

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

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.

22 / 70

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

(mark THREE answers)

Explanation

Practise good observation in all directions before you emerge or make a turn. Proceed only when you’re sure it’s safe to do so.

23 / 70

Who has priority at an unmarked crossroads?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

The use of cycles is being encouraged and more toucan crossings are being installed. These crossings enable pedestrians and cyclists to cross the path of other traffic. Watch out as cyclists will approach the crossing faster than pedestrians.

24 / 70

At toucan crossings, apart from pedestrians you should be aware of

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Don’t swing out into the centre of the road in order to make the turn. This could endanger oncoming traffic and may cause other road users to misunderstand your intentions.

25 / 70

While driving, you intend to turn left into a minor road. On the approach you should

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

If you aren’t sure of the speed limit a good indication is the presence of street lights. If there is street lighting the speed limit will be 30 mph unless otherwise indicated.

26 / 70

You are on a road that has no traffic signs. There are street lights. What is the speed limit?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

To go straight ahead at a roundabout you should normally approach in the left-hand lane. You will not normally need to signal, but look out for the road markings. At some roundabouts the left lane on approach is marked as ‘left turn only’, so make sure you use the correct lane to go ahead. Signal before you leave as other road users need to know your intentions.

27 / 70

You are going straight ahead at a roundabout. How should you signal?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

You can move into the box junction to wait as long as your exit is clear. The oncoming traffic will stop when the traffic lights change, allowing you to proceed.

28 / 70

You want to turn right at a box junction. There is oncoming traffic. You should

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

At a level crossing flashing red lights mean you must stop. If the train passes but the lights keep flashing, wait. There may be another train com

29 / 70

You are waiting at a level crossing. The red warning lights continue to flash after a train has passed by. What should you do?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

When the central reservation is narrow you should treat a dual carriageway as one road. Wait until the road is clear in both directions before emerging to turn right. If you try to treat it as two separate roads and wait in the middle, you are likely to cause an obstruction and possibly a collision.

30 / 70

The dual carriageway you are turning right onto has a very narrow central reservation. What should you do?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Keep a look-out for traffic signs. If you’re directed to change lanes, do so in good time. Don’t
• push your way into traffic in another lane
• leave changing lanes until the last moment.

31 / 70

You are in the right-hand lane of a dual carriageway. You see signs showing that the right-hand lane is closed 800 yards ahead. You should

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

If you have a garage, use it. Your vehicle is less likely to be a victim of car crime if it’s in a garage. Also in winter the windows will be free from ice and snow.

32 / 70

Where is the safest place to park your vehicle at night?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Some bus lanes only operate during peak hours and other vehicles may use them outside these hours. Make sure you check the sign for the hours of operation before driving in a bus lane.

33 / 70

When may you drive a motor car in the bus lane?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

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.

34 / 70

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

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

You'll find traffic officers on motorways in England and Wales as well as some primary routes. They work in partnership with the police, helping to keep traffic moving and helping to make your journey as safe as possible. It's an offence not to comply with the directions given by a traffic officer.

35 / 70

You're travelling on a motorway in England. You must stop when signalled to do so by which of these?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

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.

36 / 70

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

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

This light allows time for the pedestrians already on the crossing to get to the other side in their own time, without being rushed. Don’t rev your engine or start to move off while they are still crossing.

37 / 70

You are waiting at a pelican crossing. The red light changes to flashing amber. This means you must

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Urban clearways may be in built-up areas and their times of operation will be clearly signed. You should stop only for as long as is reasonable to pick up or set down passengers. You should ensure that you are not causing an obstruction for other traffic.

38 / 70

You are driving on an urban clearway. You may stop only to

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

If the lights at a level crossing continue to flash after a train has passed, you should still wait as there might be another train coming. Time seems to pass slowly when you’re held up in a queue. Be patient and wait until the lights stop flashing.

39 / 70

You are waiting at a level crossing. A train has passed but the lights keep flashing. You must

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

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.

40 / 70

You MUST NOT park

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Always check road and traffic conditions in all directions before reversing into a side road. Keep a good look-out throughout the manoeuvre. Act on what you see and wait if necessary.

41 / 70

You are reversing your vehicle into a side road. When would the greatest hazard to passing traffic occur?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

You MUST stop your vehicle when signalled to do so by a
• police or traffic officer
• traffic warden
• school crossing patrol
• red traffic light.
You must also stop if you're involved in an incident which causes damage or injury to any other person, vehicle, animal or property.

42 / 70

When MUST you stop your vehicle?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

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.

43 / 70

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

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

When parking at night, park in the direction of the traffic. This will enable other road users to see the reflectors on the rear of your vehicle. You MUST use your sidelights when parking on a road, or in a lay-by on a road, where the speed limit is over 30 mph.

44 / 70

Your vehicle is parked on the road at night. When must you use sidelights?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

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.

45 / 70

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

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

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.

46 / 70

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

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

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.

47 / 70

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

(mark THREE answers)

Explanation

By standing on the pavement, the pedestrian is showing an intention to cross. If you are looking well down the road you will give yourself enough time to slow down and stop safely. Don’t forget to check your mirrors before slowing down.

48 / 70

Someone is waiting to cross at a zebra crossing. They are standing on the pavement. You should normally

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

If there is a bend just before the level crossing you may not be able to see the level crossing barriers or waiting traffic. These signs give you an early warning that you may find these hazards just around the bend.

49 / 70

You will see these red and white markers when approaching

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

This sign indicates that there are waiting restrictions. It is normally accompanied by details of when restrictions are in force. Details of most signs which are in common use are shown in The Highway Code and a more comprehensive selection is available in Know Your Traffic Signs.

50 / 70

What is the meaning of this sign?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

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.

51 / 70

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

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Don’t turn round in a busy street or reverse from a side road into a main road. Find a quiet side road and choose a place where you won’t obstruct an entrance or exit. Look out for pedestrians and cyclists as well as other traffic.

52 / 70

You are on a busy main road and find that you are travelling in the wrong direction. What should you do?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Normally you should travel in the left-hand lane and only use the right-hand lane for overtaking or turning right. Move back into the left lane as soon as it’s safe but don’t cut in across the path of the vehicle you’ve just passed.

53 / 70

You're on a two-lane dual carriageway. Why would you use the right-hand lane?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

On full beam your lights could dazzle the driver in front. Make sure that your light beam falls short of the vehicle in front.

54 / 70

You are driving at night with full beam headlights on. A vehicle is overtaking you. You should dip your lights

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Don’t park within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction (unless in an authorised parking place). This is to allow drivers emerging from, or turning into, the junction a clear view of the road they are joining. It also allows them to see hazards such as pedestrians or cyclists at the junction.

55 / 70

What is the nearest you may park to a junction?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Yellow box junctions are marked on the road to prevent the road becoming blocked. Don’t enter one unless your exit road is clear. You may only wait in the yellow box if your exit road is clear but oncoming traffic is preventing you from completing the turn.

56 / 70

You may only enter a box junction when

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

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.

57 / 70

Which THREE places must you not park?

(mark THREE answers)

Explanation

Where there are extra hazards such as roadworks, it’s often necessary to slow traffic down by imposing a temporary speed limit. These speed limits aren’t advisory, they must be obeyed.

58 / 70

You are entering an area of roadworks. There is a temporary speed limit displayed. You should

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

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.

59 / 70

Signals are normally given by direction indicators and

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

A red slash through this sign indicates that the restriction has ended. In this case the restriction was a minimum speed limit of 30 mph.

60 / 70

What does this sign mean?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

There is usually a 30 mph speed limit where there are street lights unless there are signs showing another limit.

61 / 70

There are no speed limit signs on the road. How is a 30 mph limit indicated?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

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.

62 / 70

You must not reverse

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

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.

63 / 70

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

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Leave the lane free for cyclists. At other times, when the lane is not in operation, you should still be aware that there may be cyclists about. Give them room and don’t pass too closely.

64 / 70

You are driving along a road that has a cycle lane. The lane is marked by a solid white line. This means that during its period of operation

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

This sign indicates that there are waiting restrictions. It is normally accompanied by details of when restrictions are in force.
Details of most signs which are in common use are shown in The Highway Code and a more comprehensive selection is available in Know Your Traffic Signs.

65 / 70

What is the meaning of this sign?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

It is illegal to park in a parking space reserved for disabled users. These spaces are provided for people with limited mobility, who may need extra space to get in and out of their vehicle.

66 / 70

You are looking for somewhere to park your vehicle. The area is full EXCEPT for spaces marked ‘disabled use’. You can

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

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.

67 / 70

When going straight ahead at a roundabout you should

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

It is against the law to drive on or over a footpath, except to gain access to a property. If you need to cross a pavement, watch for pedestrians in both directions.

68 / 70

You may drive over a footpath

(mark ONE answer)

69 / 70

What must you have to park in a disabled space?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

If there are no road signs or markings do not assume that you have priority. Remember that other drivers may assume they have the right to go. No type of vehicle has priority but it’s courteous to give way to large vehicles. Also look out in particular for cyclists and motorcyclists.

70 / 70

At a busy unmarked crossroads, which of the following has priority?

(mark ONE answer)

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