Mock Test #9 – Find Your Weaknesses

#1: In winter weather, you must clear ice and snow from your vehicle’s windows, lights, and number plates:

Only if snow can fall off into the path of other road users Before you set off Unless your journey is short Only if you plan to drive outside city limits

Before you set off you MUST be able to see, so clear all snow and ice from all your windows. You MUST also ensure that lights are clean and number plates are clearly visible and legible.

Highway code rule: 229.

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

Steady red Flashing green Steady amber Flashing 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.

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

Road humps A tunnel entrance A humpback bridge 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.

#4: Powered vehicles, such as wheelchairs or scooters, used by disabled people have a maximum speed of

36 mph 8 mph 24 mph 16 mph

These small vehicles travel at a maximum speed of 8 mph (12 km/h).

Highway code rule: 220.

#5: This sign means:

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

Roundabout ahead.

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

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

Low bridges Bus lanes Staggered crossroads 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.

#7: Who has priority at unmarked junctions?

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

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

Highway code rule: 146.

#8: You are following a car driven by an elderly driver. You should:

Stay very close behind but be careful Flash your lights and overtake quickly Be aware that the driver's reactions may not be as fast as yours Expect the driver to drive badly

Older drivers' reactions may be slower than other drivers. Make allowance for this.

Highway code rule: 216.

#9: 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.

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

All the time In poor visibility Along narrow streets When parking

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

Highway code rules: 113, 226.

#11: You are dazzled by headlights coming towards you at night. What should you do?

Slow down or stop Put your hand over your eyes Pull down your sun visor Turn on your full beam headlights

If you are dazzled by oncoming headlights slow down, or stop, if necessary.

Never look directly into the oncoming headlights. Glance toward the right edge of your lane.

Highway code rule: 115.

#12: What is a green filter light?

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

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.

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

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

The correct order is: red, yellow, green.

Highway code rule: 109.

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

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

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.

#15: Skidding is most likely to happen when driving:

On surface water In heavy traffic At night on unlit roads In foggy conditions

A skid usually occurs when there is not enough traction to keep the tyres rolling. On a wet road water can build up between the tyres and the road surface, forcing the tyres to ride on a film of water. On gravel and dirt roads tyres could also loose traction. To avoid getting into a skid, adjust your speed to the conditions, then look well ahead so that you have plenty of time to react smoothly.

Highway code rule: 119.

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

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

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.

#17: Who must give way on a road with this sign?

Traffic facing the sign Oncoming traffic

Priority must be given to vehicles from the opposite direction on a narrow length of road.

#18: You are following a long vehicle approaching a crossroads. The driver signals right but moves close to the left-hand kerb. What should you do?

Overtake on the right-hand side Flash your headlights Stay behind the long vehicle Report the driver to the police

Remember, large vehicles need extra room. Long vehicles may have to use the whole width of the road to make a turn.

Highway code rules: 170, 221.

#19: 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.

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

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

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

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

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.

#22: You should use rear fog lights on when visibility drops below:

Ten car lengths 200 metres (656feet) 100 metres (328 feet) Your overall stopping distance

You MUST use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet). You may also use front or rear fog lights but you MUST switch them off when visibility improves.

Highway code rules: 226, 236.

#23: If anything falls from your vehicle on to the road, you should stop and retrieve it

Only on motorways Always on motorways and single carriageways Only if it is safe to do so Always when it may create a hazard

Stop and retrieve it only if it is safe to do so.

On a motorway you should not try to remove the obstruction yourself. Stop at the next emergency telephone and call the Highways Agency or the police.

Highway code rules: 279, 280.

#24: You are driving along a wet road. How can you tell if your vehicle’s tyres are losing their grip on the surface?

The engine noise will increase The engine will stall The tyres will make a thumping sound The steering will feel very light

If the steering becomes unresponsive, it probably means that water is preventing the tyres from gripping the road. Ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually.

Highway code rule: 227.

#25: You arrive at a serious motorcycle crash. The motorcyclist is unconscious and bleeding. Which of the following should you NOT do, unless it is necessary:

Try to stop the bleeding Call the emergency services. Check the motorcyclist's airways Remove the motorcyclist's helmet

DO NOT remove a motorcyclist's helmet unless it is essential.

Highway code rule: 283.

#26: You are leaving a motorway. You discover that you have taken the wrong exit. What should you do?

Use hazard warning lights and carefully reverse Continue driving Stop on the shoulder until it is safe to reverse Make a U-turn on the hard shoulder

If you have taken the wrong exit, carry on. Never reverse or drive against the traffic flow.

Highway code rule: 263.

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

Blind only Deaf only Physically disabled Deaf and blind

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.

#28: Red reflective road studs mark:

The right-hand edge of the road The left-hand edge of the road Driving lanes going in the same direction A slip road or exit

Red studs mark the left edge of the road. White studs mark the lanes or the middle of the road.

If you see red studs on your right and white studs on your left, you are going the wrong way.

Highway code rule: 132.

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

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

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.

#30: Which of the following road users are most vulnerable?

Police patrols Drivers of small cars Horse riders Lorry drivers

The most vulnerable road users are pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders.

Highway code rule: 204.

#31: Car skids are mainly caused by

Slow speed Bad tyres Driver mistakes Vehicle weight

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.

#32: You are feeling tired when driving. You decide to find a safe place to stop. Until you can stop and rest it is a good idea to:

Decrease your speed by half Open a window to get fresh air Keep your eyes still and focused Increase speed to find a rest area quickly

Open a window to increase fresh airflow. It may help you stay alert until you can stop and rest.

Highway code rules: 91, 262.

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

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

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

Highway code rule: 275.

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

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

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.

#35: Your vehicle breaks down in a tunnel. What is the first thing you should do?

Stand in front of your vehicle to warn oncoming drivers Switch on hazard warning lights and call for help Stay in your vehicle and wait for the police Stand in the lane behind your vehicle to warn others

You should not rely on being found by the police or being seen by a CCTV camera. Remember, the longer your vehicle stays where it is, the more danger it poses to other drivers.

Turn on your hazard warning lights. Leave the vehicle by the left-hand door. Walk to an emergency telephone and call for assistance.

Highway code rules: 274, 275.

#36: You are keeping a steady speed of 55 mph. What should you do when you approach this road sign?

Maintain your speed Take the next left turn Take the next right turn Reduce your speed

Staggered junction ahead.

Driving at speeds too fast for the road and traffic conditions is dangerous. You should always reduce your speed when the road layout or condition presents hazards.

Highway code rules: 125, 146.

#37: What does this sign mean?

Do not enter No right turn Left turn only Keep right

No right turn.

#38: When this line is painted along the centre of the road it is a:

Cycle lane marking Bus lane marking Hazard warning Give way marking

Where forward visibility is restricted or on the approach to some other hazard, the centre line marking lengthens and the gaps shorten. It means that there is a hazard ahead

Highway code rule: 127.

#39: What does this sign mean?

Crossroads Staggered junction T-junction Double bend

Crossroads sign.

Take extra care at road junctions. Make sure there are no vehicles about to cross your path.

#40: 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.

#41: You approach this cyclist from behind. What is the best thing to do?

Slow down and allow the cyclist to turn Overtake before the cyclist gets to the junction Overtake the cyclist on the left-hand side Flash your headlights at the cyclist

Give cyclists time and space. Overtake only when it is safe

Highway code rules: 182, 212.

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

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

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

Highway code rules: 175, 176, 109.

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

Call the emergency services Switch on your hazard warning lights Offer someone a cigarette to calm them down 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 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?

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

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.

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

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

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.

#46: If you are dazzled by bright sunlight, you should:

Turn your head to the side Position over the centre line Switch on your headlights Slow down. Stop, if necessary

Slow down, and if necessary stop, if you are dazzled by bright sunlight.

Highway code rule: 93.

#47: You take some over-the-counter cough medicine. What should you do before driving?

Ask your friend for advice Drink strong coffee Take a short nap Check the label

You must not drive under the influence of drugs or medicine.

Check the instructions or ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Using illegal drugs is highly dangerous. Never take them if you intend to drive - the effects are unpredictable, but can be even more severe than alcohol and may result in fatal or serious road crashes.

Remember, many medicines can affect your ability to drive safely - always read the warning on the label.

Highway code rule: 96.

#48: Why should you not follow this vehicle too closely?

Your view ahead is reduced You will waste fuel Your brakes will overheat Your engine will overheat

Your ability to see and to plan ahead will be improved if you pull back to increase your separation distance. Keeping well back also allows the driver of the lorry to see you in his mirrors.

Highway code rule: 222.

#49: Signs have different colours and shapes for easy identification. Which colour is used for destination signs on motorways?

Blue Brown Yellow Green

Blue is used for information signs and for direction signs on motorways.

#50: If you try to avoid busy times when travelling:

Your journey time will be longer You will travel a much shorter distance You are less likely to be delayed You will use more fuel.

Before setting off, you should ensure that you have planned your route and allowed sufficient time. By avoiding busy times you are not adding to traffic congestion. You will also use less fuel and have a less stressful journey.

Highway code rule: 97.

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.