theory test

Speed limit in a built-up area (unless signs show otherwise)

30 mph

National speed limit for a car on a single carriageway

60 mph

National speed limit for a car on a dual carriageway

70 mph

National speed limit for a car on a motorway

70 mph

Overall stopping distance at 20 mph

12 metres

Overall stopping distance at 30 mph

23 metres

Overall stopping distance at 40 mph

36 metres

Overall stopping distance at 50 mph

53 metres

Overall stopping distance at 60 mph

73 metres

Overall stopping distance at 70 mph

96 metres

Effect of wet road conditions on stopping distance

Increases stopping distance to at least double normal distance.

Effect of icy road conditions on stopping distance

Increases stopping distance up to 10 times greater.

Appropriate driving speed relative to speed limits

Drive at a safe speed appropriate for road and weather conditions, not always the maximum limit.

General shape of road warning signs

Triangular

General meaning of red circular traffic signs

Prohibitions or restrictions

General meaning of blue circular traffic signs

Mandatory instructions

General meaning of rectangular traffic signs

Information or directions

Meaning of an octagonal traffic sign

STOP

Meaning of a red circle containing a number

Maximum speed limit

Meaning of a blue circular sign with a white arrow pointing left

Pass to the left of the sign

Meaning of a red circle with a horizontal white bar

No entry

Appearance of a national speed limit sign

White circle with a black diagonal stripe

Meaning of a red X above a motorway lane

Lane closed; do not use

Required action at a STOP sign

Stop completely behind the stop line

Required action at a GIVE WAY sign

Give way to traffic on the main road

Shape of a GIVE WAY sign

Inverted triangle

Rules regarding a yellow box junction

Do not enter unless the exit is clear, except when turning right and blocked by oncoming traffic.

General meaning of blue motorway signs

Motorway directions and information

General meaning of brown road signs

Tourist destinations and attractions

Meaning of a red traffic light

STOP

Meaning of red and amber traffic lights shown together

Stop; do not proceed until green appears

Meaning of a green traffic light

Proceed if the road is clear

Meaning of an amber traffic light

Stop, unless crossed the stop line or stopping would cause a collision

Action required when traffic lights are out of order

Proceed with caution, follow any signs, and do not assume priority

Meaning of a flashing amber light at a pelican crossing

Proceed only if the crossing is clear of pedestrians

Action if missing a motorway exit

Continue driving to the next exit

Rule on reversing or turning around on a motorway

Strictly prohibited

Permissible reasons for stopping on a motorway

Emergency situations or when required by traffic police or control signs

Definition and purpose of a motorway emergency area

Designated area along smart motorways strictly reserved for emergency stops

Appearance of signs marking motorway emergency areas

Blue background with an orange SOS telephone symbol

Actions following a motorway vehicle breakdown

Move to a safe place, switch on hazard lights, leave vehicle from left doors if safe, and call for help

Action if stranded inside a broken-down vehicle on a motorway

Keep seatbelts fastened and dial emergency services

Procedure for joining a motorway from a slip road

Match traffic speed on slip road and merge smoothly into a safe gap

Priority rules at uncontrolled junctions

No automatically designated priority; proceed cautiously and give way where necessary

Actions required before making a turn at a junction

Check mirrors, signal intention, position vehicle correctly, and check hazards

Meaning of the acronym MSM in driving

Mirrors – Signal – Manoeuvre

Priority rules at roundabouts

Give priority to traffic approaching from the right unless signs indicate otherwise

When to signal left when exiting a roundabout

After passing the exit immediately preceding the intended exit

Correct lane choice for first exit at a standard roundabout

Left lane

Correct lane choice for right turns or full circles at roundabouts

Right lane

Action if missing an exit on a roundabout

Continue around the roundabout again safely

Priority rules at zebra crossings

Pedestrians who have stepped onto or are waiting at the crossing

Driving conduct near school zones

Reduce speed and watch out carefully for children crossing unpredictably

Required clearance when passing cyclists

Pass with at least 1.5 metres clearance at safe speeds

Required conduct when passing horses or horse riders

Pass slowly (under 10 mph), leave plenty of room, avoid revving or sounding the horn

Reason cyclists may occupy the centre of a lane

To increase visibility, avoid road hazards, or prepare for turning

Required driving response in heavy rain

Reduce speed and double following distance

Definition of aquaplaning

Loss of traction caused by a layer of water building up between tyres and the road surface

Action to take if aquaplaning occurs

Ease off accelerator gently without sudden steering or harsh braking

Rule for using rear fog lights

Use when visibility falls below 100 metres; turn off when visibility improves

Reason full-beam headlights should not be used in fog

Light reflects back off the fog, further blinding the driver

Dangers of road bridges in freezing conditions

Bridge surfaces freeze faster than regular roads

Conditions requiring dipped headlights

Nighttime driving, tunnels, and poor visibility weather

When full-beam headlights must be dipped

When following another vehicle or when oncoming traffic approaches

Legal regulations on using hand-held mobile phones while driving

Illegal at all times while driving, including when stopped at traffic lights or queued in traffic

Impact of alcohol on driver performance

Slows reaction times, impairs judgement of speed/distance, and lowers concentration

Correct response to feeling sleepy while driving

Stop at a safe location, rest, and consume caffeine if needed

Impact of prescription medications on driving

Can cause drowsiness and slow reaction times; do not drive if impaired

Pre-journey vehicle inspection checks

Tyre condition/pressure, lights, engine oil, coolant, screenwash, and fuel/charge levels

Minimum legal tread depth for car tyres in the UK

1.6 mm across central 3/4 of tread breadth around entire circumference

Consequences of under-inflated tyres

Impaired handling, increased fuel consumption, and excessive shoulder wear

Consequences of over-inflated tyres

Reduced grip and premature wear along the central tread

The 'Two-Second Rule' definition

Minimum safe distance gap to maintain behind vehicles ahead in dry weather conditions

Action to take when being followed too closely (tailgated)

Increase following distance to the vehicle ahead to allow gradual braking

Definition and purpose of the 'Dutch Reach'

Opening car door with opposite hand to naturally pivot body and check blind spot for cyclists

Response required when emergency vehicles approach with sirens/lights

Stay calm, look for a safe place to pull over, and make room without violating road laws

Definition of a developing hazard in Hazard Perception testing

An event or situation that forces a driver to alter speed, change direction, or stop

Scoring rule for Hazard Perception clip responses

Up to 5 points based on reaction speed; zero points awarded for continuous or rhythmic clicking

Permissible use of vehicle horn

To alert other road users of your presence

Restriction on horn usage in built-up areas

Must not be used between 11:30 pm and 7:00 am except in emergency

Meaning of a solid white center line on the road

Do not cross or straddle unless turning into a side road or passing stationary vehicles/slow horses

Conflict between traffic signals and police officer directions

Always obey instructions given by a police officer directing traffic

Definition of a driver's blind spot

Areas around the vehicle that cannot be seen using interior or exterior mirrors

Function of Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Prevents wheels from locking during emergency braking to preserve steering control

Action to recover from a skid

Release pedals smoothly and steer gently in the direction of the skid