Mock Test #9 – Find Your Weaknesses

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

#4: 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 Keep your eyes still and focused Increase speed to find a rest area quickly 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.

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

Covered with plastic sheeting Visible in your exterior mirror Securely fastened 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.

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

In poor visibility All the time When parking Along narrow streets

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

Highway code rules: 113, 226.

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

Better judgement of speed Slower reactions Improved co-ordination 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.

#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: Who has priority at unmarked junctions?

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

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

Highway code rule: 146.

#11: Red reflective road studs mark:

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

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

Traffic congestion Road humps Parked vehicles Pedestrians

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

#15: 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 daytime It is only in operation during peak hours 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.

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

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

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.

#17: When must you stop on a motorway?

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

A humpback bridge Road works A tunnel entrance Road humps

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.

#21: 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.

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

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

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

Highway code rule: 93.

#23: 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.

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

Steep hill downwards.

#25: 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 hazard lights Switch on your interior light 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.

#26: 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 Check the motorcyclist's airways Remove the motorcyclist's helmet Call the emergency services.

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

Highway code rule: 283.

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

A fast sports car A delivery van A milk float 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.

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

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

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.

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

Yellow Blue Brown Green

Tourist destinations are shown on signs with brown backgrounds.

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

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

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

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 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.

#32: 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.

#33: 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?

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

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.

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

Staggered crossroads Road works Low bridges Bus lanes

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.

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

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

#36: What is a green filter light?

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

#37: 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 Stay in your vehicle and wait for the police Switch on hazard warning lights and call for help 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.

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

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

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.

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

Quayside or river bank.

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

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

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

Highway code rule: 216.

#41: On right-hand bends you should:

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

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.

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

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

#43: 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 Stop on the shoulder until it is safe to reverse Make a U-turn on the hard shoulder Continue driving

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

Highway code rule: 263.

#44: 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 Use an adult belt Sit in the lap of an adult 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.

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

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

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.

#46: 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.

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

Only on motorways Only if it is safe to do so Always on motorways and single carriageways 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.

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

Blind only Physically disabled Deaf only 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.

#49: What does this sign mean?

Zoo ahead Country park ahead Wild animals Farm traffic

Wild animals are likely to be found in the road.

#50: 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.

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.