Driving test questions

When can you overtake on the left?

When you want to go straight ahead & the driver in front of you has moved out & signalled that they intend to turn right; when you have signalled that you intend to turn left; when traffic in both lanes is moving slowly & traffic in the left-hand lane is moving more quickly than the right-hand lane.

What is meant by a solid white line in the centre of the road?

You must stay to the left & must not cross the line unless it is for access or in an emergency.

What does a broken yellow line mean?

The road contains a hard shoulder which is normally only for pedestrians & cyclists but may be used briefly to allow faster traffic to overtake if it is safe to do so.

What do double broken white lines along the centre of the road mean?

These alert the driver to continuous white lines a short distance ahead. You must not cross them unless it is safe to do so.

Where should you stop at a stop sign that has no white line?

You must stop at the sign.

What should you obey when there is a continuous & a broken white line along the centre of the road?

You must obey the line that is nearest you.

Who has priority at a roundabout?

You must give right of way to traffic already on a roundabout.

When should you dip your headlights?

When meeting other traffic, following close behind another vehicle, on continuously lit roads, in snow, fog, dusk/dawn, and generally to avoid inconveniencing other traffic.

What should you do if dazzled by another vehicle’s headlights?

Slow down & stop if necessary. Always watch for pedestrians or cyclists on the side of the road. If dazzle is from an oncoming vehicle, look towards the left verge until it has passed. If the dazzle is from behind, operate the night-driving mode on your mirror.

What restrictions are there in relation to the use of the horn?

Do not use a horn in a built-up area between 11.30pm & 7.00am, unless there is a traffic emergency.

How far should you park from the kerb?

45cm.

Where should you not overtake?

Near a bend, the brow of a hill, a hump back bridge, a continuous white line, where your vehicle would obstruct a sign, at an entrance, opposite another vehicle on a narrow road, a taxi rank.

What is the sequence of traffic lights?

Green, Amber, Red.

What does a clearway mean?

No parking during specified times or stopping unless waiting in a line of traffic.

What rules apply to a box junction?

You must not enter a yellow box junction unless you can clear it without stopping. An exception is when you want to turn right.

What is the difference between a pelican crossing & a zebra crossing?

A pelican crossing is controlled by lights. A zebra crossing has flashing orange beacons & is controlled by the presence of pedestrians.

What does an island in the centre of a pedestrian crossing mean?

Zebra crossings with a central island should be treated as two separate crossings. Pelican crossings count as one unless staggered.

What do the white zig-zag lines at a zebra crossing mean?

No overtaking or parking.

What is the speed limit on national roads (primary & secondary) and on motorways?

National roads: 100km/h; Motorways: 120 km/h.

What are the speed limits in built-up areas?

Usually 50km/h unless special speed limits apply, which are generally 30km/h or 60km/h.

What is the minimum tread depth on tyres?

1.6mm over their main treads.

What are the rules regarding bus lanes?

With-flow bus lanes can be used by bicyclists & taxis during specified times. Contra-flow bus lanes are reserved only for buses.

How far should you park from a junction?

Over 5 metres.

What position would you take up for a right turn in a one-way street?

Drive as close as possible to the right-hand side.

What are hatched markings?

Diagonal or chevron markings used for merging traffic, diverging traffic, & separating traffic travelling in opposite directions.

What does a yield sign mean?

You must give way to traffic on a major road ahead or on the roundabout & not proceed unless it is safe.

What is a filter light?

An arrow light, green or amber, you may proceed in the direction of the arrow if it is safe.

What action should you take when traffic lights change to amber?

Stop unless it is unsafe to do so.

What does a flashing amber traffic light mean?

Proceed if the crossing is clear but pedestrians have priority.

What do flashing red traffic lights mean?

Stop, train approaching.

What does a continuous yellow line at the side of a road mean?

No parking during certain hours.

What do double continuous yellow lines at the side of the road mean?

No parking at any time.

Where would you never park?

Near bends, the brow of a hill, hump back bridges, opposite single or continuous white lines, obstructing a sign, at entrances, narrow roads, taxi ranks, junctions, bus stops, on footpaths.

Within what distance from a pedestrian crossing should you not park?

15 metres before or 5 metres after.

What procedure must you adopt if crossing a dual carriageway with a narrow central median?

Wait until you can complete the crossing.

What are the differences between a motorway and a dual carriageway?

Motorways have exits to the left only, no traffic lights, no junctions, no roundabouts, 120Kph speed limits.

Who has priority at an unmarked crossroads with roads of equal importance?

Give priority to traffic on the junction & traffic approaching from your right.

What are the road markings for no entry?

A continuous & a broken white line with the words 'NO ENTRY'.

What should you look out for on country roads?

Pedestrians, animals, muddy surfaces, concealed entrances, & slow moving farm machinery.

What must you not do when being overtaken?

Increase your speed.

Where would you never make a U-turn?

In a one-way street, where a continuous white line exists, or where a sign directs you not to.

What is meant by tailgating?

Driving too close to a vehicle in front, not keeping a safe distance.

What human factors can affect your driving?

Alcohol, drugs (prescription and non-prescription), tiredness, road rage, attitude.

What is coasting & why is it potentially dangerous?

Coasting is when the vehicle is not driven by the engine, reducing control.

Who is responsible for seat belts?

The driver is responsible for passengers under 17; passengers 17 and over are responsible for themselves.

When following the road ahead on a multi-lane dual carriageway, which lane would you normally use?

Lane 1 or the left-hand driving lane, unless road markings indicate otherwise.

What is the '2 second rule'?

A measure of a safe following distance of at least 2 seconds in dry conditions, doubled in wet conditions, and extended further in icy conditions.