Motorway Rules Category

To learn all about the Motorway Rules 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

Lane Rules – using the left-hand lane unless overtaking. How to join and exit a motorway.
Time of Day – when and where to use lights to see and be seen.
Speed – knowing motorway speed restrictions.
Breakdowns – knowing that you can only stop on a motorway in an emergency and how to use hard shoulder emergency phones.

For more detailed information on driving safely on motorways and what motorway signs mean see our motorway page.

Facts To Know

The national speed limit on motorways for cars and motorcycles 70 mph.
When joining a motorway, give way to traffic already on the motorway.
Vehicles towing trailers cannot travel in the right-hand lane of a motorway (unless all other lanes are closed). The maximum speed limit for them is 60 mph.
The left-hand lane can be used by any vehicle.
The left-hand lane should be used for normal driving. Use the centre and right-hand lanes for overtaking.
Green studs run between a motorway and its slip road.
White studs run between the lanes on a motorway.
Amber studs run between the central reservation and the carriageway.
Red studs run between the carriageway and the hard shoulder.
The hard shoulder should normally only be used for stopping in an emergency. You can however travel on the hard shoulder when signs direct you to do so.
An Emergency Refuge Area is an area on a motorway for use in cases of emergency or breakdown.
If you breakdown but can’t get to the hard shoulder you should turn on your hazard warning lights.
When leaving the hard shoulder to rejoin the main carriageway you should gain speed on the hard shoulder before moving out into the carriageway.
If you breakdown on a motorway and need to call for help it may be better to use one of the emergency roadside phones , as this way your location will be accurately known. If you use a mobile phone you can check your location from the marker posts on the left.
Most of the emergency phones are linked to the Highways Agency Control Centre.
Marker posts at 100-metre intervals point you in the direction of the nearest phone.
Highways Agency Traffic Officers are able to stop and direct anyone on a motorway.
A red cross displayed above a lane means do not travel in the lane.
A crawler lane on a motorway is found on a steep gradient.
A number displayed above a lane i.e. 50 means the speed limit for the lane is 50 mph.
If you get puncture on the motorway you should use an emergency phone to call for assistance.
Continuous high speeds make vehicle breakdowns more likely.
If traffic ahead of you slows or stops suddenly you can turn on your hazard warning lights for a short time to warn traffic behind you.
In a contraflow system there are likely to be lower speed limits.
When going through a contraflow: don’t switch lanes, don’t get too close to the vehicle in front.

You Should Stop on a Motorway

If red lights show above every lane
When told to by the police
When signalled by a Highways Agency Officer

If you have to stop on the hard shoulder:

Turn on your hazard lights
Switch on your side lights if visibility is poor
Don’t open the offside, those nearest the carriageway, doors
you and your passengers should leave the car from the nearside doors and wait on the embankment.

The following cannot use the motorway

Farm tractors and other slow-moving vehicles
Cyclists
Learner motorcyclists
Motorcycles under 50cc
Horse riders

Active Traffic Management (ATM)

ATM tries to reduce congestion and make journey times more reliable. Where in use, mandatory speed limit signs will show on the gantries above the motorway lanes.

In ATM area, the hard shoulder is sometimes used as a normal traffic lane. If a speed limit sign is active above the hard shoulder, then the hard shoulder can be used as a normal lane.
If A red cross shows above the hard shoulder, it cannot be used as a normal lane.

For more detailed information on driving safely on motorways and what motorway signs mean see out motorway page.

Take the Test

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Motorway Rules Theory Test

All the Questions in the Category

Explanation

It is against the law to reverse, cross the central reservation or drive against the traffic flow on a motorway. If you have missed your exit ask yourself if your concentration is fading. It could be that you need to take a rest break before completing your journey.

1 / 68

You are driving on a motorway. By mistake, you go past the exit that you wanted to take. You should

(mark ONE answer)

carefully reverse on the hard shoulder

carry on to the next exit

carefully reverse in the left-hand lane

make a U-turn at the next gap in the central reservation

Explanation

The controller will ask you
• the make and colour of your vehicle
• whether you are a member of an emergency breakdown service
• the number shown on the emergency telephone casing
• whether you are travelling alone.

2 / 68

Motorway emergency telephones are usually linked to the police. In some areas they are now linked to

(mark ONE answer)

the local ambulance service

a Highways Agency control centre

the local fire brigade

a breakdown service control centre

Explanation

Active Traffic Management schemes are intended to reduce congestion and make journey times more reliable. In these areas the hard shoulder may be used as a running lane to ease congestion at peak times or in the event of an incident. It may appear that you could travel faster for a short distance, but keeping traffic flow at a constant speed may improve your journey time.

3 / 68

The aim of an Active Traffic Management scheme on a motorway is to

(mark ONE answer)

reduce congestion

reduce rest stops

prevent tailgating

prevent overtaking

Explanation

The studs between the carriageway and the hard shoulder are normally red. These change to green where there is a slip road. They will help you identify slip roads when visibility is poor or when it is dark.

4 / 68

What colour are the reflective studs between a motorway and its slip road?

(mark ONE answer)

Amber

White

Green

Red

Explanation

The national speed limit for a car or motorcycle on the motorway is 70 mph. Lower speed limits may be in force, for example at roadworks, so look out for the signs. Variable speed limits operate in some areas to control very busy stretches of motorway. The speed limit may change depending on the volume of traffic.

5 / 68

You are travelling on a motorway. Unless signs show a lower speed limit you must NOT exceed

(mark ONE answer)

50 mph

60 mph

70 mph

80 mph

Explanation

A vehicle with a trailer is restricted to 60 mph. For this reason it isn’t allowed in the right-hand lane as it might hold up the faster-moving traffic that wishes to overtake in that lane.

6 / 68

Which of these is not allowed to travel in the right-hand lane of a three-lane motorway?

(mark ONE answer)

A small delivery van

A motorcycle

A vehicle towing a trailer

A motorcycle and sidecar

Explanation

On a motorway it is best to use a roadside emergency telephone so that the emergency services are able to locate you easily. The nearest telephone is shown by an arrow on marker posts at the edge of the hard shoulder. If you use a mobile, they will need to know your exact location.
Before you call, find out the number on the nearest marker post. This number will identify your exact location.

7 / 68

You break down on a motorway. You need to call for help. Why may it be better to use an emergency roadside telephone rather than a mobile phone?

(mark ONE answer)

It connects you to a local garage

It allows easy location by the emergency services

Using a mobile phone will distract other drivers

Mobile phones do not work on motorways

Explanation

Congestion can be reduced by keeping traffic at a constant speed. At busy times maximum speed limits are displayed on overhead gantries. These can be varied quickly depending on the amount of traffic. By keeping to a constant speed on busy sections of motorway overall journey times are normally improved.

8 / 68

On a motorway what is used to reduce traffic bunching?

(mark ONE answer)

Variable speed limits

Contraflow systems

National speed limits

Lane closures

Explanation

Motorways mustn’t be used by pedestrians, cyclists, motorcycles under 50 cc, certain slow-moving vehicles without permission, and powered wheelchairs/mobility scooters.

9 / 68

Which vehicles are prohibited from using the motorway?

(mark ONE answer)

Powered mobility scooters

Motorcycles over 50cc

Double-deck buses

Cars with automatic transmission

Explanation

Collisions can often happen at roadworks. Be aware of the speed limits, slow down in good time and keep your distance from the vehicle in front.

10 / 68

You are approaching roadworks on a motorway. What should you do?

(mark ONE answer)

Speed up to clear the area quickly

Always use the hard shoulder

Obey all speed limits

Stay very close to the vehicle in front

Explanation

Active Traffic Management schemes are being introduced on motorways. Within these areas at certain times the hard shoulder will be used as a running lane. A red cross above the hard shoulder shows that this lane should NOT be used, except for emergencies and breakdowns.

11 / 68

You are on a motorway. A red cross is displayed above the hard shoulder. What does this mean?

(mark ONE answer)

Pull up in this lane to answer your mobile phone

Use this lane as a running lane

This lane can be used if you need a rest

You should not travel in this lane

Explanation

The colours of the reflective studs on the motorway and their locations are
• red – between the hard shoulder and the carriageway
• white – lane markings
• amber – between the edge of the carriageway and the central reservation
• green – along slip road exits and entrances
• bright green/yellow – roadworks and contraflow systems.

12 / 68

You are on a three-lane motorway. There are red reflective studs on your left and white ones to your right. Where are you?

(mark ONE answer)

In the right-hand lane

In the middle lane

On the hard shoulder

In the left-hand lane

Explanation

Mandatory speed limit signs above all lanes including the hard shoulder, show that you are in an Active Traffic Management (ATM) area. In this case you can use the hard shoulder as a running lane. You must stay within the speed limit shown. Look out for any vehicles that may have broken down and be blocking the hard shoulder.

13 / 68

You are on a three-lane motorway and see this sign. It means you can use

(mark ONE answer)

any lane except the hard shoulder

the hard shoulder only

the three right hand lanes only

all the lanes including the hard shoulder

Explanation

White studs are found between the lanes on motorways. The light from your headlights is reflected back and this is especially useful in bad weather, when visibility is restricted.

14 / 68

What colour are the reflective studs between the lanes on a motorway?

(mark ONE answer)

Green

Amber

White

Red

Explanation

Don’t use the hard shoulder for stopping unless it is an emergency. If you want to stop for any other reason go to the next exit or service station.

15 / 68

What should you use the hard shoulder of a motorway for?

(mark ONE answer)

Stopping in an emergency

Leaving the motorway

Stopping when you are tired

Joining the motorway

Explanation

Emergency Refuge Areas may be found at the side of the hard shoulder about 500 metres apart. If you break down you should use them rather than the hard shoulder if you are able. When re-joining the motorway you must remember to take extra care especially when the hard shoulder is being used as a running lane within an Active Traffic Management area. Try to match your speed to that of traffic in the lane you are joining.

16 / 68

An Emergency Refuge Area is an area

(mark ONE answer)

on a motorway for use in cases of emergency or breakdown

for use if you think you will be involved in a road rage incident

on a motorway for a police patrol to park and watch traffic

for construction and road workers to store emergency equipment

Explanation

A mandatory speed limit sign above the hard shoulder shows that it can be used as a running lane between junctions. You must stay within the speed limit. Look out for vehicles that may have broken down and could be blocking the hard shoulder.

17 / 68

You are on a motorway in an Active Traffic Management (ATM) area. A mandatory speed limit is displayed above the hard shoulder. What does this mean?

(mark ONE answer)

You should not travel in this lane

The hard shoulder can be used as a running lane

You can park on the hard shoulder if you feel tired

You can pull up in this lane to answer a mobile phone

Explanation

18 / 68

On a motorway what is used to reduce traffic bunching?

(mark ONE answer)

Variable speed limits

Contraflow systems

National speed limits

Lane closures

Explanation

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.

19 / 68

You are allowed to stop on a motorway when you

(mark ONE answer)

need to walk and get fresh air

wish to pick up hitchhikers

are told to do so by flashing red lights

need to use a mobile phone

Explanation

If you are towing a caravan or trailer you must not use the right-hand lane on a motorway with three or more lanes, except in certain circumstances, such as lane closures.

20 / 68

You are on a three-lane motorway towing a trailer. You may use the right-hand lane when

there are lane closures

there is slow moving traffic

you can maintain a high speed

large vehicles are in the left and centre lanes

Explanation

Due to the danger from passing traffic you should park as far to the left as you can and leave the vehicle by the nearside door. Do not attempt even simple repairs. Instead walk to an emergency telephone on your side of the road and phone for assistance. While waiting for assistance to arrive wait near your car, keeping well away from the carriageway and hard shoulder.

21 / 68

You get a puncture on the motorway. You manage to get your vehicle onto the hard shoulder. You should

(mark ONE answer)

change the wheel yourself immediately

use the emergency telephone and call for assistance

try to wave down another vehicle for help

only change the wheel if you have a passenger to help you

Explanation

When approaching a contraflow system reduce speed in good time and obey all speed limits. You may be travelling in a narrower lane than normal with no permanent barrier between you and the oncoming traffic. Be aware that the hard shoulder may be used for traffic and the road ahead could be obstructed by slow- moving or broken down vehicles.

22 / 68

You are on a motorway. There is a contraflow system ahead. What would you expect to find?

(mark ONE answer)

Temporary traffic lights

Lower speed limits

Wider lanes than normal

Speed humps

Explanation

If you can’t get your vehicle onto the hard shoulder, use your hazard warning lights to warn others. Leave your vehicle only when you can safely get clear of the carriageway. Do not try to repair the vehicle or attempt to place any warning device on the carriageway.

23 / 68

Your vehicle has broken down on a motorway. You are not able to stop on the hard shoulder. What should you do?

(mark ONE answer)

Switch on your hazard warning lights

Stop following traffic and ask for help

Attempt to repair your vehicle quickly

Stand behind your vehicle to warn others

Explanation

Traffic is passing you at speed. If the draught from a large lorry catches you by surprise it could blow you off balance and even onto the carriageway. By facing the oncoming traffic you can see approaching lorries and so be prepared for their draught. You are also in a position to see other hazards approaching.

24 / 68

How should you use the emergency telephone on a motorway?

(mark ONE answer)

Stay close to the carriageway

Face the oncoming traffic

Keep your back to the traffic

Stand on the hard shoulder

Explanation

If the left-hand lane is free you should use it, regardless of the speed you’re travelling.

25 / 68

You are driving at 70 mph on a three-lane motorway. There is no traffic ahead. Which lane should you use?

(mark ONE answer)

Any lane

Middle lane

Right lane

Left lane

Explanation

Wait for a safe gap in the traffic before you move out. Indicate your intention and use the hard shoulder to gain speed but don’t force your way into the traffic.

26 / 68

After a breakdown you need to rejoin the main carriageway of a motorway from the hard shoulder. You should

(mark ONE answer)

move out onto the carriageway then build up your speed

move out onto the carriageway using your hazard lights

gain speed on the hard shoulder before moving out onto the carriageway

wait on the hard shoulder until someone flashes their headlights at you

Explanation

On motorways reflective studs are located into the road to help you in the dark and in conditions of poor visibility. Amber-coloured studs are found on the right-hand edge of the main carriageway, next to the central reservation.

27 / 68

On a motorway the amber reflective studs can be found between

(mark ONE answer)

the hard shoulder and the carriageway

the acceleration lane and the carriageway

the central reservation and the carriageway

each pair of the lanes

Explanation

A red cross above the hard shoulder shows it is closed as a running lane and should only be used for emergencies or breakdowns. At busy times within an Active Traffic Management (ATM) area the hard shoulder may be used as a running lane. This will be shown by a mandatory speed limit on the gantry above.

28 / 68

You are on a three-lane mororway. A red cross is shown above the hard shoulder and mandatory speed limits above all other lanes. This means

(mark ONE answer)

the hard shoulder can be used as a rest area

the hard shoulder is for emergency or breakdown uses only

the hard shoulder can be used as a normal running lane

the hard shoulder has a speed limit of 50 mph

Explanation

If you feel tired stop at the nearest service area. If it’s too far away leave the motorway at the next exit and find a safe place to stop. You must not stop on the carriageway or hard shoulder of a motorway except in an emergency, in a traffic queue, when signalled to do so by a police or enforcement officer, or by traffic signals. Plan your journey so that you have regular rest stops.

29 / 68

You are travelling on a motorway. You decide you need a rest. You should

(mark ONE answer)

stop on the hard shoulder

pull in at the nearest service area

pull up on a slip road

park on the central reservation

Explanation

Before you start your journey make sure that your vehicle can cope with the demands of high-speed driving. You should check a number of things, the main ones being oil, water and tyres. You also need to plan rest stops if you’re going a long way.

30 / 68

Why is it particularly important to carry out a check on your vehicle before making a long motorway journey?

(mark ONE answer)

You will have to do more harsh braking on motorways

Motorway service stations do not deal with breakdowns

The road surface will wear down the tyres faster

Continuous high speeds may increase the risk of your vehicle breaking down

Explanation

On a three-lane motorway you should travel in the left-hand lane unless you’re overtaking. This applies regardless of the speed at which you’re travelling.

31 / 68

On a three-lane motorway which lane should you normally use?

(mark ONE answer)

Left

Right

Centre

Either the right or centre

Explanation

32 / 68

You are on a motorway. There is a contraflow system ahead. What would you expect to find?

(mark ONE answer)

Temporary traffic lights

Lower speed limits

Wider lanes than normal

Speed humps

Explanation

When traffic travels at a constant speed over a longer distance, journey times normally improve. You may feel that you could travel faster for short periods but this won’t generally improve your overall journey time. Signs will show the maximum speed at which you should travel.

33 / 68

Why can it be an advantage for traffic speed to stay constant over a longer distance?

(mark ONE answer)

You will do more stop-start driving

You will use far more fuel

You will be able to use more direct routes

Your overall journey time will normally improve

Explanation

There are some occasions when you may have to stop on the carriageway of a motorway. Those include when being signalled by the police or a Highways Agency Traffic Officer, when flashing red lights show above every lane and in traffic jams.

34 / 68

When may you stop on a motorway?

(mark THREE answers)

If you have to read a map

When you are tired and need a rest

If red lights show above every lane

When told to by the police

If your mobile phone rings

When signalled by a Highways Agency Traffic Officer

Explanation

In some areas motorway telephones are now linked to a Highways Agency control centre, instead of the police. Highways Agency Traffic Officers work in partnership with the police and assist at motorway emergencies and incidents. They are recognised by a high-visibility orange and yellow jacket and high-visibility vehicle with yellow and black chequered markings.

35 / 68

Motorway emergency telephones connect to the police or which other organisation?

(mark ONE answer)

The Highways Agency.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.

The Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency.

The local Vehicle Registration Office.

Explanation

A vehicle with a trailer is restricted to 60 mph. For this reason it isn’t allowed in the right-hand lane as it might hold up the faster-moving traffic that wishes to overtake in that lane.

36 / 68

Which of these IS NOT allowed to travel in the right-hand lane of a three-lane motorway?

(mark ONE answer)

A small delivery van

A motorcycle

A vehicle towing a trailer

A motorcycle and side-car

Explanation

Traffic officers don't have enforcement powers but are able to stop and direct people on motorways and some 'A' class roads. They operate in England and Wales and work in partnership with the police at incidents, providing a highly trained and visible service. They're recognised by an orange-and-yellow jacket and their vehicle has yellow-and-black markings.

37 / 68

Traffic officers operate on motorways and some primary routes in England and Wales. What are they authorised to do?

(mark ONE answer)

Stop and arrest drivers who break the law

Repair broken-down vehicles on the motorway

Issue fixed penalty notices

Stop and direct anyone on a motorway

Explanation

38 / 68

You are on a three-lane motorway. There are red reflective studs on your left and white ones to your right. Where are you?

(mark ONE answer)

In the right-hand lane

In the middle lane

On the hard shoulder

In the left-hand lane

Explanation

Wait for a safe gap in the traffic before you move out. Indicate your intention and use the hard shoulder to gain speed but don’t force your way into the traffic.

39 / 68

After a breakdown you need to rejoin the main carriageway of a motorway from the hard shoulder. You should

(mark ONE answer)

move out onto the carriageway then build up your speed

move out onto the carriageway using your hazard lights

gain speed on the hard shoulder before moving out onto the carriageway

wait on the hard shoulder until someone flashes their headlights at you

Explanation

The exit from a motorway is indicated by countdown markers. These are positioned 90 metres (100 yards) apart, the first being 270 metres (300 yards) from the start of the slip road. Move into the left-hand lane well before you reach the start of the slip road.

40 / 68

What do these motorway signs show?

(mark ONE answer)

They are countdown markers to a bridge

They are distance markers to the next telephone

They are countdown markers to the next exit

They warn of a police control ahead

Explanation

Slow-moving, large vehicles might slow down the progress of other traffic. On a steep gradient this extra lane is provided for these slow-moving vehicles to allow the faster-moving traffic to flow more easily.

41 / 68

A crawler lane on a motorway is found

(mark ONE answer)

on a steep gradient

before service area

before a junction

along the hard shoulder

Explanation

At roadworks, and especially where a contraflow system is operating, a speed restriction is likely to be in place. Keep to the lower speed limit and don't

• switch lanes
• get too close to the vehicle in front of you.

Be aware that there will be no permanent barrier between you and the oncoming traffic.

42 / 68

When going through a contraflow system on a motorway you should

(mark ONE answer)

Ensure you do not exceed 30 mph

Keep a good distance from the vehicle ahead

Switch lanes to keep the traffic flowing

Stay close to the vehicle ahead to reduce queues

Explanation

If the vehicle in front shows its hazard lights there may be an incident or queuing traffic ahead. As well as keeping a safe distance, look beyond it to help you get an early warning of any hazards and a picture of the situation ahead.

43 / 68

You are driving on a motorway. The car ahead shows its hazard lights for a short time. This tells you that

(mark ONE answer)

the driver wants you to overtake

the other car is going to change lanes

traffic ahead is slowing or stopping suddenly

there is a police speed check ahead

Explanation

You won't be able to drive unaccompanied until you've passed your practical driving test. When you’ve passed, it's a good idea to ask your instructor to take you for a lesson on the motorway. Alternatively, you could take part in the Pass Plus scheme. This has been created for new drivers and includes motorway driving. Ask your instructor for details.

44 / 68

What restrictions apply to new drivers holding a provisional driving licence?

(mark ONE answer)

They can't drive over 30 mph

They can't drive at night

They can't drive unaccompanied

They can't drive with more than one passenger

Explanation

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.

45 / 68

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

(mark ONE answer)

race the other vehicles

move to another lane

maintain a steady speed

switch on your hazard flashers

Explanation

Only overtake on the left if traffic is moving slowly in queues and the traffic on your right is moving more slowly than the traffic in your lane.

46 / 68

On motorways you should never overtake on the left unless

(mark ONE answer)

you can see well ahead that the hard shoulder is clear

the traffic in the right-hand lane is signalling right

you warn drivers behind by signalling left

there is a queue of slow-moving traffic to your right that is moving more slowly than you are

Explanation

47 / 68

You are on a three-lane motorway and see this sign. It means you can use

(mark ONE answer)

any lane except the hard shoulder

the hard shoulder only

the three right hand lanes only

all the lanes including the hard shoulder

Explanation

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.

48 / 68

A basic rule when on motorways is

(mark ONE answer)

use the lane that has least traffic

keep to the left-hand lane unless overtaking

overtake on the side that is clearest

try to keep above 50 mph to prevent congestion

Explanation

Using your hazard lights, as well as brake lights, will give following traffic an extra warning of the problem ahead. Only use them for long enough to ensure that your warning has been seen.

49 / 68

You are driving on a motorway. You have to slow down quickly due to a hazard. You should

(mark ONE answer)

switch on your hazard lights

switch on your headlights

sound your horn

flash your headlights

Explanation

When an Active Traffic Management (ATM) scheme is operating on a motorway you MUST follow the mandatory instructions shown on the gantries above each lane. This includes the hard shoulder.

50 / 68

You are in an Active Traffic Management area on a motorway. When the Actively Managed mode is operating

(mark ONE answer)

speed limits are only advisory

the national speed limit will apply

the speed limit is always 30 mph

all speed limit signals are set

Explanation

Normally you should only use the hard shoulder for emergencies and breakdowns, and at roadworks when signs direct you to do so. Active Traffic Management (ATM) areas are being introduced to ease traffic congestion. In these areas the hard shoulder may be used as a running lane when speed limit signs are shown directly above.

51 / 68

You should not normally travel on the hard shoulder of a motorway. When can you use it?

(mark ONE answer)

When taking the next exit

When traffic is stopped

When signs direct you to

When traffic is slow moving

Explanation

You should keep to the left-hand lane whenever possible. Only use the other lanes for overtaking or when directed by signals. Using other lanes when the left- hand lane is empty can frustrate drivers behind you.

52 / 68

The left-hand lane of a motorway should be used for

(mark ONE answer)

breakdowns and emergencies only

overtaking slower traffic in the other lanes

slow vehicles only

normal driving

Explanation

Traffic on motorways usually travels faster than on other roads. You need to be looking further ahead to give yourself more time to react to any hazard that may develop.

53 / 68

When using a motorway it’s important that you

(mark ONE answer)

look much further ahead than you would using other roads

drive much faster than you would on other roads

clean your windscreen more often than you would on other roads

concentrate more than you would on other roads

Explanation

54 / 68

Why can it be an advantage for traffic speed to stay constant over a longer distance?

(mark ONE answer)

You will do more start-stop driving

You will use far more fuel

You will be able to use more direct routes

Your overall journey distance time will normally improve

Explanation

55 / 68

The aim of an Active Traffic Management scheme on a motorway is to

(mark ONE answer)

prevent overtaking

reduce rest stops

prevent tailgating

reduce congestion

Explanation

You should give way to traffic already on the motorway. Where possible they may move over to let you in but don’t force your way into the traffic stream. The traffic may be travelling at high speed so you should match your speed to fit in.

56 / 68

When joining a motorway you must always

(mark ONE answer)

use the hard shoulder

stop at the end of the acceleration lane

come to a stop before joining the motorway

give way to traffic already on the motorway

Explanation

Don’t forget that you’re towing a trailer. If you’re towing a small, light, trailer, it won’t reduce your vehicle’s performance by very much. However, strong winds or buffeting from large vehicles might cause the trailer to snake from side to side. Be aware of your speed and don’t exceed the lower limit imposed.

57 / 68

You are towing a trailer on a motorway. What is your maximum speed limit?

(mark ONE answer)

40 mph

50 mph

60 mph

70 mph

Explanation

Red studs are placed between the edge of the carriageway and the hard shoulder. Where slip roads leave or join the motorway the studs are green.

58 / 68

You are on a motorway. What colour are the reflective studs on the left of the carriageway?

(mark ONE answer)

Green

Red

White

Amber

Explanation

Try to join the motorway without affecting the progress of the traffic already travelling on it. Always give way to traffic already on the motorway. At busy times you may have to slow down to merge into slow-moving traffic.

59 / 68

You are joining a motorway. Why is it important to make full use of the slip road?

(mark ONE answer)

Because there is space available to turn round if you need to

To allow you direct access to the overtaking lanes

To build up a speed similar to traffic on the motorway

Because you can continue on the hard shoulder

Explanation

The right-hand lane of the motorway is for overtaking. Sometimes you may be directed into a right-hand lane as a result of roadworks or a traffic incident. This will be indicated by signs or officers directing the traffic.

60 / 68

For what reason may you use the right-hand lane of a motorway?

(mark ONE answer)

For keeping out of the way of lorries

For travelling at more than 70 mph

For turning right

For overtaking other vehicles

Explanation

Stay in the left-hand lane long enough to get used to the higher speeds of motorway traffic.

61 / 68

Immediately after joining a motorway you should normally

(mark ONE answer)

try to overtake

re-adjust your mirrors

position your vehicle in the centre lane

keep in the left-hand lane

Explanation

On a motorway all traffic should use the left-hand lane unless overtaking. Use the centre or right-hand lanes if you need to overtake. If you’re overtaking a number of slower vehicles move back to the left-hand lane when you’re safely past. Check your mirrors frequently and don’t stay in the middle or right-hand lane if the left-hand lane is free.

62 / 68

The left-hand lane on a three-lane motorway is for use by

(mark ONE answer)

any vehicle

large vehicles only

emergency vehicles only

slow vehicles only

Explanation

Travelling at the national speed limit doesn’t allow you to hog the right-hand lane. Always use the left-hand lane whenever possible. When leaving a motorway get into the left-hand lane well before your exit. Reduce your speed on the slip road and look out for sharp bends or curves and traffic queuing at roundabouts.

63 / 68

What is the national speed limit on motorways for cars and motorcycles?

(mark ONE answer)

30 mph

50 mph

60 mph

70 mph

Explanation

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.

64 / 68

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

(mark ONE answer)

race the other vehicles

move to another lane

maintain a steady speed

switch on your hazard flashers

Explanation

In cases of breakdown or emergency try to get your vehicle into an Emergency Refuge Area. This is safer than just stopping on the hard shoulder as it gives you greater distance from the main carriageway. If you are able to re-join the motorway you must take extra care, especially when the hard shoulder is being used as a running lane.

65 / 68

What is an Emergency Refuge Area on a motorway for?

(mark ONE answer)

An area to park in when you want to use a mobile phone

To use in cases of emergency or breakdown

For an emergency recovery vehicle to park in a contra-flow system

To drive in when there is queuing traffic ahead

Explanation

You’ll see the first advance direction sign one mile from the exit. If you’re travelling at 60 mph in the right-hand lane you’ll only have about 50 seconds before you reach the countdown markers. There will be another sign at the half-mile point. Move in to the left-hand lane in good time. Don’t cut across traffic at the last moment and don’t risk missing your exit.

66 / 68

You are intending to leave the motorway at the next exit. Before you reach the exit you should normally position your vehicle

(mark ONE answer)

in the middle lane

in the left-hand lane

on the hard shoulder

in any lane

Explanation

Only overtake on the left if traffic is moving slowly in queues and the traffic on your right is moving more slowly than the traffic in your lane.

67 / 68

On motorways you should never overtake on the left unless

(mark ONE answer)

you can see well ahead that the hard shoulder is clear

the traffic in the right-hand lane is signalling right

you warn drivers behind by signalling left

there is a queue of slow-moving traffic to your right that is moving more slowly than you are

Explanation

If the left-hand lane is free you should use it, regardless of the speed you’re travelling.

68 / 68

You are driving at 70 mph on a three-lane motorway. There is no traffic ahead. Which lane should you use?

(mark ONE answer)

Any lane

Middle lane

Right lane

Left lane

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