Mock Test #9 – Find Your Weaknesses

#1: Motorway emergency telephones are normally linked to the police. In some areas they may be linked to:

The Driving Standards Agency The local Vehicle Registration Office The Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency The Highways Agency Control Centre

A motorway telephone gives you a free and direct connection to the police motorway desk or the Highways Agency.

Highway code rule: 275.

#2: When approaching a zebra crossing and pedestrians are waiting to cross, you should normally:

Give way to the elderly and infirm only Slow down and prepare to stop Wave at them to cross the road Move to the middle of the road and proceed

As you approach a zebra crossing, look out for pedestrians waiting to cross and be ready to slow down or stop to let them cross. Do not wave or use your horn to invite pedestrians across - this could be dangerous if another vehicle is approaching. Those with disabilities or walking difficulties require more time to cross the road. Be patient and allow them to cross in their own time. Do not hurry them by revving your engine or edging forward.

Highway code rules: 194, 195.

#3: If you need to use arm signals, how would you signal a slowdown?

For slowing down, extend the right hand at shoulder level with palm facing downward, and wave it downwards and upwards.

Use an arm signal to emphasise or reinforce your signal lights if necessary.

Highway code rule: 103.

#4: What is the national speed limit for cars and motorcycles in built-up areas?

30 mph 60 mph 50 mph 40 mph

National speed limits for cars and motorcycles are: 30 mph (48 km/h) in built-up areas, 60 mph (96 km/h) on single carriageways, and 70 mph (112 km/h) on dual carriageways and motorways.

The 30 mph limit usually applies to all traffic on all roads with street lighting unless signs show otherwise.

Highway code rules: 124, 125.

#5: You see this sign partly covered by snow. What does it mean?

Give way Do not enter Turn Right Stop

The eight-sided shape is exclusively used for stop signs.

#6: When must you stop on a motorway?

When red lights show above every lane When signalled by another driver When you are tired and need a rest When your mobile phone rings

You MUST NOT stop except in an emergency, when told to do so by the police or HA traffic officers, or when red lights on the overhead signals flash above all lanes.

Highway code rule: 270.

#7: From top to bottom, traffic lights are:

Red, green, yellow Red, yellow, green Yellow, green, red Green, yellow, red

The correct order is: red, yellow, green.

Highway code rule: 109.

#8: You are driving at 50 mph. Road conditions are ideal. Your overall stopping distance is approximately

122 metres (400 feet) 260 metres (853 feet) 12 metres (39 feet) 53 metres (175 feet)

Typical stopping distances are for general information only. The stopping distance will depend on your attention (thinking distance), the road surface, weather conditions, and the condition of your car.

Highway code rule: 126.

#9: You are in the right-hand lane at traffic lights. You are waiting to turn right. At which of these traffic lights must you not move on?

You may proceed in the direction of the green arrow when it, or the full green light shows. Read and amber mean stop.

Highway code rule: 177.

#10: This sign means:

Two-way traffic ahead Roundabout ahead Junction on a bend ahead Bend ahead

Roundabout ahead.

The roundabout warning sign is used only for true roundabouts. Slow down and be prepared to give way.

#11: You are approaching a motorcycle from behind. Which sign tells you to use extra caution in this situation?

Side winds can suddenly move a motorcycle from one side of the lane to the other. If you are following a motorcycle in this situation give yourself extra room to account for the unexpected movements of the cycle. The side winds sign is used where vehicles are suddenly exposed to risk from strong winds. Such locations may include exposed bridges or places where vehicles emerge from cuttings in areas which are particularly prone to high winds.

#12: Which sign gives you advance warning of a double bend ahead?

Double bend first to the right. The sign is used where bends of similar severity follow in close proximity.

#13: You are approaching a junction with traffic lights. Red and amber are showing. This means:

Stop and wait for the green light The lights are about to change to red Pass the lights if the road is clear Slow down and prepare to give way

Red and amber mean stop. Do not pass through or start until the green light shows.

Highway code rules: 175, 176, 109.

#14: You carry a load on a roof rack. The load must be:

Covered with plastic sheeting Securely fastened Visible in your exterior mirror Loaded to the rear

You must secure your load. If you cover your load, make sure that the cover is also securely fitted.

Highway code rule: 98.

#15: Keeping an unused roof rack fitted to your car will

Affect the suspension Waste fuel Make your car faster Affect your braking

The heavier your car is, the more fuel you will waste.

Highway code rule: 98.

#16: You are upset by an impatient driver who weaves in and out of traffic. What is the best thing to do?

Speed up and block the way Try not to react Flash your headlights several times Sound your horn sharply

You should not allow yourself to become agitated or involved if someone is behaving badly on the road. This will only make the situation worse. Try not to react.

If you get too upset, pull over and calm down and.

Highway code rule: 147.

#17: You approach this road sign. What should you expect ahead?

Road humps A humpback bridge A tunnel entrance Road works

Traffic calming schemes can employ a variety of measures, including road humps and narrowings. Warning signs often indicate the type of measure to be expected.

Highway code rule: 153.

#18: The hard shoulder of a motorway could be used for:

Stopping in an emergency Stopping when you are tired Joining the motorway Leaving the motorway

You may only stop in an emergency or breakdown.

Do not stop on the hard shoulder to either make or receive mobile phone calls.

Highway code rules: 269, 270.

#19: When turning right across a line of slow-moving or stationary traffic, you should be especially alert for:

Horse riders Lorries with a heavy load Cyclists and motorcyclists Police patrols

When turning right across a line of slow-moving or stationary traffic, look out for cyclists or motorcyclists on the inside of the traffic you are crossing. Be especially careful when turning, and when changing direction or lane. Be sure to check mirrors and blind spots carefully.

Highway code rules: 170, 211, 212.

#20: You are towing a caravan along a motorway. The caravan begins to swerve from side to side. What is the best thing to do?

Ease off the accelerator and slow down gently Steer off the road Brake hard and firm Move closer to the centre of the road

Ease off the accelerator and reduce speed gently to regain control. Braking or steering heavily can make matters worse.

To avoid swerving or snaking, you should properly distribute the weight in your caravan or trailer with heavy items mainly over the axle(s).

Highway code rule: 98.

#21: You carry a 5 year-old child in the back seat of your car for a short distance. The child is under 1.35 metres (4 feet 5 inches) and a correct child restraint is not available. The child must:

Sit in the lap of an adult Share a belt with an adult Use an adult belt Sit behind the driver seat

Correct child restraint must be used where seat belts fitted.

If correct child restraint is not available in a licensed taxi or private hire vehicle, or for reasons of unexpected necessity over a short distance, or if two occupied restraints prevent fitment of a third, adult belt must be used.

Highway code rules: 99, 100.

#22: You are driving at daytime. When MUST you use dipped headlights?

When parking Along narrow streets All the time In poor visibility

Use dipped headlights, or dim-dip if fitted, in dull daytime weather, to ensure that you can be seen.

Highway code rules: 113, 226.

#23: You approach this sign. What must you do?

Stop, ONLY if you must give way to pedestrians Stop, ONLY if a red light is showing Stop, even if the road is clear Stop, ONLY if traffic is approaching

You must stop behind the line at a junction with a stop sign and a solid white line across the road. Wait for a safe gap in the traffic before you proceed.

Highway code rule: 171.

#24: You are following a moped. You wish to turn left just ahead. You should:

Stay behind until the moped has passed the junction Use your horn and carefully overtake the moped before the junction Pull alongside the moped and stay level until after the junction Go around the moped on the junction

Do not overtake just before you turn left and watch out for traffic coming up on your left before you make the turn.

Highway code rules: 182, 212.

#25: You see a pedestrian with a red and white striped cane. This means that the person is:

Deaf and blind Physically disabled Deaf only Blind only

Particularly vulnerable pedestrians include deafblind people who may be carrying a white cane with a red band or using a dog with a red and white harness. They may not see or hear instructions or signals.

Highway code rule: 207.

#26: You are driving in town. There is a bus at the bus stop on the other side of the road. Why should you adjust your speed and pass carefully?

Pedestrians may come from behind the bus The bus may move off suddenly The bus may signal you to stop The bus may have broken down

If you see a bus ahead watch out for pedestrians. If the bus is on the other side, pedestrians may cross from behind the bus and the may not be able to see you.

Highway code rule: 223.

#27: You are travelling on this one-way street. You wish to turn left ahead. How should you position yourself?

In the centre lane In the right-hand lane In the left-hand lane In either lane, it doesn't matter

Unless road signs or markings indicate otherwise, you should use

the left-hand lane when going left
the right-hand lane when going right
the most appropriate lane when going straight ahead.

Highway code rule: 143.

#28: Which of the following is a likely effect of drinking alcohol?

Slower reactions Improved co-ordination Better judgement of speed Increased concentration

Any amount of alcohol affects your ability to drive safely. It affects judgement of speed, distance and risk. It reduces co-ordination and slows down reactions. It also gives a false sense of confidence.

Highway code rule: 95.

#29: Where should you take extra care and look out for motorcyclists?

On one-way streets In no-overtaking zones At junctions On dual carriageways

Take extra care at junctions. You should watch out for cyclists, motorcyclists, powered wheelchairs/mobility scooters and pedestrians as they are not always easy to see. Junctions are the most likely places for car/motorcycle collisions to occur. This usually is the result of a car driver not seeing the motorcycle and turning into the motorcycle's path.

Highway code rule: 170.

#30: You are in the centre lane on a motorway. You see these overhead signs. What must you do?

Leave the motorway at the next exit Move to the lane on your left Move to the lane on your right Adjust your speed to no more than 50 mph

Change lane and reduce speed to no more than 50 mph.

Amber flashing lights may indicate a temporary maximum speed limit, lanes that are closed or a message such as Fog.

Highway code rule: 257.

#31: This sign indicates a mandatory cycle lane. It shows no hours of operation. What does it mean?

It is not in operation at all It is only in operation during peak hours It is only in operation during daytime It is in operation at all times

When hours of operation are not shown the lane is in operation at all times.

Highway code rule: 140.

#32: You approach a school crossing patrol officer giving this signal. What does it mean?

Ready to cross pedestrians Barrier to stop pedestrians crossing. All vehicles must stop Not ready to cross pedestrians

This signal means all vehicles must stop.

You must obey signals given by police officers, traffic officers, traffic wardens, and signs used by school crossing patrols.

You can download the pdf version of Signals by Authorised Persons here.

Highway code rules: 105, 210.

#33: A speed limit sign like this may be placed ahead of what?

Staggered crossroads Low bridges Bus lanes Road works

Where a mandatory speed limit is imposed at a road works site, advance warning may be given, especially on motorways and high-speed dual carriageway roads.

#34: Who has priority at unmarked junctions?

The faster vehicle Any vehicle using its horn The larger vehicle Nobody

In side roads and country lanes you should look out for unmarked junctions where nobody has priority.

Highway code rule: 146.

#35: What is a green filter light?

A light for pedestrians An arrow light A flashing green light A light for pedal cycles

A green filter arrow indicates a filter lane only. Do not enter that lane unless you want to go in the direction of the arrow.

Highway code rule: 177.

#36: Which road marking indicates that overtaking is not allowed?

Double white lines where the line nearest you is solid. This means you must not cross or straddle it unless it is safe and you need to enter adjoining premises or a side road. You may cross the line if necessary, provided the road is clear, to pass a stationary vehicle, or overtake a pedal cycle, horse or road maintenance vehicle, if they are travelling at 10 mph (16 km/h) or less.

Highway code rule: 129.

#37: Car skids are mainly caused by

Slow speed Vehicle weight Driver mistakes Bad tyres

Skidding is usually caused by the driver braking, accelerating or steering too harshly or driving too fast for the road conditions. A road that is normally safe can become dangerous when it is slippery. Slow down to a speed at which you can control the car.

Highway code rule: 119.

#38: At puffin crossings, the green signal is followed by:

Flashing amber Steady red Flashing green Steady amber

Toucan, puffin and equestrian crossings are similar to pelican crossings, but there is no flashing amber phase. The light sequence for traffic at these three crossings is the same as at traffic lights.

If the signal-controlled crossing is not working, proceed with extreme caution.

Highway code rule: 199.

#39: You are travelling along a motorway. Which sign indicates reduced visibility ahead?

Reduced visibility ahead. Amber flashing lights may indicate a temporary maximum speed limit, lanes that are closed or a message such as Fog.

Highway code rule: 257.

#40: Two elderly pedestrians are crossing the road in front of you. You should:

Edge forward to let them know that you are waiting. Speed up and drive around them Be patient and allow them to cross in their own time Rev the engine in case they are hard of hearing

Older pedestrians may need more time to cross the road. Be patient and allow them to cross in their own time. Do not hurry them by revving your engine or edging forward.

Highway code rule: 207.

#41: While driving, this warning light on your instrument panel comes on. What should you do?

Stop and investigate the problem Switch off all lights and reduce speed Continue with your full beam headlights on Continue quickly to your local garage

Make sure that you understand the meaning of all warning displays on the vehicle instrument panel. An exclamation mark in a circle could indicate that there is a fault within the braking system.

#42: Which of these may use motorways?

Tanker lorries Agricultural vehicles Learner motorcyclists Racing cyclists

Motorways MUST NOT be used by:

pedestrians
holders of provisional motorcycle or car licences
riders of motorcycles under 50 cc
cyclists
horse riders
certain slow-moving vehicles and those carrying oversized loads (except by special permission)
agricultural vehicles
powered wheelchairs/powered mobility scooters.

Highway code rule: 253.

#43: At the scene of a traffic accident you should do the following, except:

Call the emergency services Offer someone a cigarette to calm them down Switch on your hazard warning lights Ask drivers to switch off their engines

Further collisions and fire are the main dangers following a crash. Approach any vehicle involved with care. Switch off all engines and, if possible, warn other traffic. Stop anyone from smoking.

Highway code rule: 283.

#44: You are in an Active Traffic Management area on a motorway. You can use the hard shoulder as a running lane:

If all other lanes are congested If you drive slower than normal If a red cross is shown above the hard shoulder If a speed limit sign is shown above the hard shoulder

In areas where an Active Traffic Management (ATM) Scheme is in force, the hard shoulder may be used as a running lane. You will know when you can use this because a speed limit sign will be shown above all open lanes, including the hard shoulder.

Highway code rule: 269.

#45: If you aren’t sure that it is safe to reverse your car, you should:

Reverse slowly Use your horn Turn on hazard lights Get out and check

Look carefully before you start reversing. You should use all your mirrors, check the blind spot behind you, and check there are no pedestrians (particularly children), cyclists, other road users or obstructions in the road behind you. Get out and check, if necessary.

Highway code rule: 202.

#46: Another road user drives up by your side and behaves aggressively. It may be a good idea to do the following, except:

Give them room Speed up and block the way Avoid eye contact Keep calm

Do not make the situation worse. Try to be understanding if other road users cause problems. Do not allow yourself to become agitated or involved if someone is behaving badly on the road.

Highway code rule: 147.

#47: The flashing amber light at a pelican crossing means:

Stop at all times Proceed, even if pedestrians are still on the crossing Stop when pedestrians are waiting to cross Give way to any pedestrians on the crossing

Pelican crossings are signal-controlled crossings where flashing amber follows the red light.

You must stop when the red light shows.

When the amber light is flashing, you must give way to any pedestrians on the crossing. If the amber light is flashing and there are no pedestrians on the crossing, you may proceed with caution.

Highway code rule: 196.

#48: When you approach traffic signal with a steady red light:

You must always stop completely After stopping, you may turn right After stopping, you may turn left

A red traffic signal means Stop. Wait behind the stop line on the carriageway.

Highway code rules: 175, 176, 109.

#49: What does this sign mean?

Country park ahead Farm traffic Zoo ahead Wild animals

Wild animals are likely to be found in the road.

#50: What is the purpose of the yellow criss-cross lines on the road in this junction?

To show you where to stop To make you more aware of the traffic lights To guide you into position as you turn To prevent the junction from becoming blocked

Box junctions have criss-cross yellow lines painted on the road. They tell you that you must not enter the box until your exit road or lane is clear.

Highway code rule: 174.

Continue

Rethink Your Weaknesses and Identify Your Areas for Improvement

This mock test is a full-length car theory test with 50 questions and answers, randomly drawn from a pool of 100 questions. You’ll find the answers at the end of the test.

Topics You Should Focus on

The car theory questions picked for our mock tests cover all areas of the DVSA examination. They help you find your weaknesses and help you determine if you are ready for the final exam or not.

If you are uncertain about answers or miss 8 or more questions, start by identifying your weaknesses. There are always areas that we more or less about.

If you don’t really know your weak spots, look at these three major topics:

Vulnerable road users: Most accidents happen at junctions. Vulnerable road users like children, pedestrians, older or disabled people, cyclists and motorcyclists are often involved. You must be aware the risks and what you can do to avoid accidents.
Give Way: Understand that laws don’t give you the right of way in any situation. They only advise you when you should give way to others. Signalling and other proper actions at junctions are extremely important. Learn how to read different situations when you get reach a junction or roundabout.
Fit to Drive: A driver must always be fit to drive when he or she is behind the wheel. It is your responsibility to make sure that you are fit to drive safely. Understand that medical conditions, alcohol, drugs, and even emotions can negatively affect your driving. It all boils down to that you need to protect yourself, your passengers, and other road users.

Next Step: Scan the Highway Code

Look at the three topics above and scan the Highway Code for every rule that fits into these the categories. How many can you find? What do you think that DVSA is likely to ask on an exam that covers these topics. Write down your own questions and answers.

This is strategic learning. You should now be off to a good start for passing the next mock test.