Mock Test #9 – Find Your Weaknesses

#1: You may use hazard warning lights in the following situations, except:

On a motorway to warn of a hazard ahead When your vehicle has broken down When your vehicle is stationary and temporarily obstructing traffic When reversing

Hazard warning lights may be used when your vehicle is stationary and temporarily obstructing traffic. You MUST NOT use hazard warning lights while driving or being towed unless you are on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway and you need to warn drivers behind you of a hazard or obstruction ahead.

Highway code rule: 116.

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

24 mph 8 mph 36 mph 16 mph

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

Highway code rule: 220.

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

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

#4: 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:

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

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

Highway code rule: 283.

#5: 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 will stall The engine noise will increase 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.

#6: You are driving a vehicle fitted with anti-lock brakes. This feature allows you to:

Steer and brake at the same time Drive at higher speeds Pay less attention to road conditions Stop in a much shorter distance

Anti-lock brakes are designed to help drivers maintain some steering ability and avoid skidding while braking. Do not assume that a vehicle with ABS will stop in a shorter distance.

Highway code rule: 120.

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

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

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.

#8: You are driving on a narrow road and holding up a long queue of traffic. What should you do?

Make room by driving on the hard shoulder Put on your hazard warning lights Maintain a steady course and speed Pull over, where safe, and let others pass

Do not hold up a long queue of traffic, especially if you are driving a large or slow-moving vehicle. Check your mirrors frequently, and if necessary, pull in where it is safe and let traffic pass.

Failure to pull over when you have a long queue of traffic behind you could constitute an offence of inconsiderate driving.

Highway code rule: 169.

#9: Which sign tells you there is a quayside or river bank ahead?

Quayside or river bank.

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

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

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

Deaf only Deaf and blind Blind only Physically disabled

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.

#12: 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.

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

40 mph 50 mph 30 mph 60 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.

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

Turn Right Stop Do not enter Give way

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

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

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

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

Police patrols Horse riders Lorry drivers Drivers of small cars

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

Highway code rule: 204.

#17: Signs have different colours and shapes for easy identification. What is the background colour on a tourist destination sign like this?

Yellow Brown Blue Green

Tourist destinations are shown on signs with brown backgrounds.

#18: When approaching this bridge you should give way to.

Cars Buses and lorries Motorcycles Bicycles

High vehicles may need to move to the middle of the road so that they can pass safely under the bridge. You should be ready to stop and give way to oncoming high vehicles in the middle of the road. Remember to look well down the road, through the bridge and be aware you may have to stop.

Highway code rules: 166, 221.

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

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

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

In the left-hand lane In the right-hand lane In the centre 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.

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

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

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

Highway code rule: 98.

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

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

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.

#23: What does this sign mean?

Keep right Do not enter No right turn Left turn only

No right turn.

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

Use your horn Reverse slowly Get out and check 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.

#25: If motorcyclists look over their shoulder it often means that they:

Think you are driving to close Don't have mirrors Need to listen for following traffic Intend to pull out, turn right or change direction

If motorcyclists look over their shoulder it could mean that they intend to pull out, turn right or change direction.

Highway code rule: 212.

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

Bus lane marking Hazard warning Give way marking Cycle lane 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.

#27: You apply light pressure on your brake pedal while driving in low gear. This will help to:

Improve fuel consumption Dry your brakes when wet Cool down the tyres Keep your brakes from overheating

If brakes are wet and not fully effective, gently apply light pressure while driving slowly. This will help to dry them out.

Highway code rule: 121.

#28: 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.

#29: 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:

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

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.

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

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

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.

#31: While driving on a motorway you have to slow down quickly due to a hazard. What should you do in such a situation?

Switch on your interior light Switch on your hazard lights Switch on your headlights Sound your horn

Warn other traffic by using your hazard warning lights as soon as your vehicle may cause an obstruction.

Highway code rules: 277, 274.

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

Yellow Brown Green Blue

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

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

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

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.

#34: 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.

#35: This sign means:

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

Roundabout ahead.

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

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

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

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.

#37: The main purpose of traffic calming measures is to:

Slow traffic down Reduce air pollution Allow for street cleaning Simplify parking

Traffic calming measures such as road humps, chicanes and narrowings are intended to slow you down. When you approach these features reduce your speed.

Highway code rule: 153.

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

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

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.

#39: Which of the following is most likely to take an unusual course at roundabouts?

A horse rider A milk float A delivery van A fast sports car

Give plenty of room to cyclists and horse riders who may stay in the left-hand lane and signal right if they intend to continue round the roundabout. Allow them to do so.

Highway code rule: 187.

#40: When must you stop on a motorway?

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

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.

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

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

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.

#42: 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.

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

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

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

Highway code rule: 93.

#44: 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.

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

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

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

Highway code rules: 182, 212.

#46: Red reflective road studs mark:

The right-hand edge of the road Driving lanes going in the same direction The left-hand edge of the road 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.

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

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

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

Highway code rule: 275.

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

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

#49: You plan to turn left into a side road ahead. What hazards should you be especially aware of?

Traffic congestion Pedestrians Parked vehicles Road humps

Watch out for pedestrians crossing a road into which you are turning. If they have started to cross they have priority, so give way.

Highway code rule: 170.

#50: 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.

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.