Mock Test #9 – Find Your Weaknesses

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

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

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.

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

In the right-hand lane In the centre 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.

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

Wave at them to cross the road Give way to the elderly and infirm only Slow down and prepare to stop 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.

#4: 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.

#5: 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 Police patrols Cyclists and motorcyclists

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.

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

When your vehicle has broken down On a motorway to warn of a hazard ahead 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.

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

Oncoming traffic Traffic facing the sign

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

#8: Red reflective road studs mark:

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

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.

#9: 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.

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

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

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

Highway code rule: 216.

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

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

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

Highway code rule: 98.

#12: Your vehicle is fitted with anti-lock brakes. When pressing firmly on the brake pedal you hear a rumble and the brake pedal vibrates. What should you do?

Immediately remove your foot from the brake pedal Apply the handbrake Start pumping the brake pedal Keep firm pressure on the brake pedal

When the ABS engages, you may hear a rumble from the brakes and the brake pedal will vibrate under your foot. Resist the temptation to take your foot off the brake when ABS is engaged. Removing firm pressure from the brake pedal or pumping the brakes will disengage or turn off the ABS.

Highway code rule: 120.

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

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

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.

#14: What are the advance stop lines and the marked area at this junction used for?

To allow turning vehicles to position in front of other traffic To let pedestrians cross when the lights change To allow cyclists to position in front of other traffic To prevent traffic from jumping the lights

Some signal-controlled junctions have advanced stop lines to allow cycles to be positioned ahead of other traffic.

Motorists, including motorcyclists, must stop at the first white line reached if the lights are amber or red and should avoid blocking the way or encroaching on the marked area at other times, e.g. if the junction ahead is blocked.

Highway code rule: 178.

#15: 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.

#16: 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.

#17: What does this sign mean?

Zoo ahead Farm traffic Wild animals Country park ahead

Wild animals are likely to be found in the road.

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

Deaf and blind Blind only Physically disabled Deaf 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.

#19: 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. Check the motorcyclist's airways Try to stop the bleeding Remove the motorcyclist's helmet

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

Highway code rule: 283.

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

Pedestrians Traffic congestion Road humps Parked vehicles

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.

#21: 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.

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

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.

#23: 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:

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

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

Highway code rules: 91, 262.

#24: On right-hand bends you should:

Position in the centre of the road Keep well to the left Keep well to the right

Keep well to the left on right-hand bends. This will improve your view of the road and help avoid the risk of colliding with traffic approaching from the opposite direction.

Highway code rule: 160.

#25: Which of the following may apply when dealing with this hazard?

Accelerate and keep to the right Use a low gear and drive slowly Use a high gear to prevent wheel spin Always switch on fog lamps

In winter, streams are likely to flood. In extremely cold weather, they could ice over. Assess the situation carefully before you drive through. Be aware that water may hide a depth gauge. After this hazard, test your brakes at the first safe opportunity by pushing gently on the brake pedal to make sure that they work. If they are not fully effective, gently apply light pressure while driving slowly. This will help to dry them out.

Highway code rule: 121.

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

Quayside or river bank.

#27: 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 Adjust your speed to no more than 50 mph Move to the lane on your right

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.

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

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

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.

#29: 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 move off suddenly The bus may signal you to stop Pedestrians may come from behind the bus 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.

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

Lorry drivers Drivers of small cars Horse riders Police patrols

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

Highway code rule: 204.

#31: 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 tyres will make a thumping sound The steering will feel very light The engine will stall

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Highway code rule: 263.

#34: Near schools, you should:

Keep up your speed and sound the horn Come to a full stop at all crossings Speed up to clear the area quickly Drive slowly and be particularly aware of young cyclists and pedestrians

Drive slowly and be particularly aware of young cyclists and pedestrians.

Highway code rule: 208.

#35: 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.

#36: Who has priority at unmarked junctions?

Nobody The larger vehicle 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.

#37: Which sign tells you there is a steep hill downwards ahead?

Steep hill downwards.

#38: When joining a motorway it is important to make full use of the slip road. Why is this?

To see and to be seen by others To build up a speed To access to the overtaking lanes directly To be able to turn round if you need to

Use the slip road (acceleration lane) to build up speed. Check the traffic on the motorway and match your speed to fit safely into the traffic flow in the left-hand lane.

Highway code rule: 259.

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

Yellow Brown Green Blue

Tourist destinations are shown on signs with brown backgrounds.

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

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

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

Highway code rules: 182, 212.

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

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

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.

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

Try not to react Sound your horn sharply 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.

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

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

#44: What is a green filter light?

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

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.

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

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

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

Highway code rule: 93.

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

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

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.

#47: 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 speed limit sign is shown above the hard shoulder If a red cross 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.

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

Road works Bus lanes Low bridges Staggered crossroads

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.

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

Flashing green Steady amber Flashing amber Steady red

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.

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

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

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.

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.