Good driving practice: 37 theory test questions

All 37 questions, answers and sources

1. You are about to move off from the kerb to the right. Where should your last blind spot check be?

   1. Over your right shoulder
   2. In the interior mirror
   3. Over your left shoulder
   4. In the left door mirror, then go
   Show the answer

   A: Over your right shoulder. Just before moving off, look over the shoulder on the side you are moving towards. Mirrors alone miss the blind spot.

   “…check the blind spot to the relevant side, over the right shoulder if moving off to the right…”

   Read the guide

2. Where should you normally position your car on the road?

   1. Tight to the kerb, inside the cycle lane if there is one
   2. Along the centre line of the road
   3. Wherever the surface is smoothest
   4. Left enough for others to pass, but clear of the cycle lane
   Show the answer

   D: Left enough for others to pass, but clear of the cycle lane. Keep far enough left for traffic to pass on your right, without driving in a cycle lane or crowding cyclists.

   “…far enough to the left to allow traffic to safely pass or overtake on the right…”

3. A bus ahead is signalling to pull out from a stop. What should you do?

   1. Speed up to pass it first
   2. Flash your lights to hold it at the stop
   3. Allow it back into the traffic
   4. Sound your horn and continue
   Show the answer

   C: Allow it back into the traffic. Drivers should let a signalling bus rejoin the traffic after it has let passengers on and off.

   “You should allow signalling buses back into the stream of traffic after they let passengers on and off.”

4. You are driving past a school. What should you always be ready to do?

   1. Overtake
   2. Stop
   3. Use main beam
   4. Change lanes
   Show the answer

   B: Stop. Children near schools can be unpredictable, so drive defensively and be prepared to stop at any moment.

   “When driving near schools, always be prepared to stop.”

5. You are stopped at a junction with an advanced stop line. Cyclists are waiting in front. The lights change. What should you do?

   1. Move off first, as cars clear the junction faster
   2. Let the cyclists move off ahead of you
   3. Sound the horn to warn them
   4. Overtake them before the junction
   Show the answer

   B: Let the cyclists move off ahead of you. An advanced stop line lets cyclists get away first, so give them time to move off ahead of you.

   “If you are at a junction where there is an advanced stop line for cyclists, you should allow cyclists to move off ahead of you.”

6. You plan to turn left at a junction just ahead. A cyclist is in front of you. What should you do?

   1. Stay behind the cyclist and do not overtake
   2. Overtake quickly before the junction
   3. Sound the horn and turn left
   4. Pass the cyclist on the left side as you turn in
   Show the answer

   A: Stay behind the cyclist and do not overtake. The cyclist might be going straight on, so overtaking and then turning left could cut across them.

   “Do not overtake a cyclist as you approach a junction if you are turning left…”

7. You are overtaking a cyclist in a 50 km/h zone. What is the minimum gap you should leave?

   1. 0.5 metres
   2. 2 metres
   3. 1.5 metres
   4. 1 metre
   Show the answer

   D: 1 metre. In speed zones up to 50 km/h, leave at least 1 metre when passing a cyclist.

   “In speed zones of up to 50kmh you should keep a distance of at least 1 metre.”

8. You are overtaking a cyclist on a road with an 80 km/h limit. What is the minimum gap you should leave?

   1. 1 metre
   2. 3 metres
   3. 1.5 metres
   4. 0.75 metres
   Show the answer

   C: 1.5 metres. Above 50 km/h, the minimum passing gap for a cyclist rises to 1.5 metres.

   “In speed zones of over 50kmh you should keep a distance of at least 1.5 metres.”

9. A cyclist ahead moves out to the centre of the lane as you both approach a junction. Why might they do this?

   1. Because they intend to stop soon
   2. To invite you to overtake them
   3. To get the best view of the junction ahead
   4. Because cyclists must always ride in the lane centre
   Show the answer

   C: To get the best view of the junction ahead. Cyclists may take the primary position to see and be seen at junctions, so give them room.

   “…get the best view of the road and junctions ahead.”

10. You want to move into the next lane. A car is already travelling in that lane. Who has priority?

    1. You, once you have signalled
    2. The car already in that lane
    3. Whichever vehicle is faster
    4. You, if you are in the left lane
    Show the answer

    B: The car already in that lane. When changing lanes you must give way to traffic already in the lane you are moving into.

    “You must give way to traffic already in the lane into which you are moving.”

11. You have switched on your indicator to change lanes. What does this give you?

    1. No right of way at all
    2. Priority over traffic behind
    3. Priority over traffic alongside
    4. The right to move after three flashes
    Show the answer

    A: No right of way at all. A signal only shows your intention. You still need to wait until it is clear and safe.

    “Signalling does not give you the right of way.”

12. You are travelling at speed and want to change lanes. How should you check your blind spot?

    1. A long look over your shoulder
    2. Only the interior mirror
    3. Slow right down to look
    4. A quick sideways glance
    Show the answer

    D: A quick sideways glance. At speed, a quick sideways glance checks for a vehicle hidden from your mirror without taking your eyes off the road for long.

    “To check your blind spot when travelling at speed, take a quick sideways glance…”

    Read the guide

13. The car in front of you pulls out to overtake a tractor. What should you do?

    1. Follow it closely to pass as well
    2. Flash your lights to warn the tractor
    3. Overtake both vehicles at once
    4. Wait, and never follow it straight past
    Show the answer

    D: Wait, and never follow it straight past. Never follow another overtaking vehicle directly. Your view of oncoming traffic is blocked.

    “Never directly follow another overtaking vehicle. Give way to faster traffic already overtaking from behind.”

14. A truck ahead shows a LONG VEHICLE sign. What is the minimum length this tells you?

    1. At least 8 metres
    2. At least 18 metres
    3. At least 13 metres
    4. At least 10.5 metres
    Show the answer

    C: At least 13 metres. A LONG VEHICLE sign means the vehicle is at least 13 metres long, so you need extra road to pass it.

    “This means that the vehicle is at least 13 metres long…”

15. You are overtaking a slow vehicle on an 80 km/h road. Can you briefly go over 80 km/h to finish the move?

    1. Yes, for up to 10 seconds
    2. No, you must stay within the limit
    3. Yes, if the road ahead is clear and dry
    4. Yes, by up to 10 km/h
    Show the answer

    B: No, you must stay within the limit. The speed limit still applies while overtaking. If you cannot pass within it, do not overtake.

    “You must not break the speed limit, even when overtaking.”

    Read the guide

16. When may you pass a vehicle on its left?

    1. It has moved out and signalled to turn right
    2. It is driving below the speed limit
    3. It is a bus stopped at a bus stop
    4. It is slowing down on a narrow country road ahead
    Show the answer

    A: It has moved out and signalled to turn right. You may pass on the left if you are going straight ahead and the driver in front has moved out and signalled right.

    “You want to go straight ahead when the driver in front of you has moved out and signalled that they intend to turn right.”

17. Traffic in both lanes is crawling. The left lane is moving a little faster than the right. Is it allowed to pass cars in the right lane?

    1. Yes, in slow stop-start traffic
    2. No, never on the left
    3. Only on a motorway
    4. Only if you signal right before moving over
    Show the answer

    A: Yes, in slow stop-start traffic. In slow-moving queues where the left lane moves faster, passing on the left is allowed.

    “Traffic in both lanes is moving slowly but traffic in the left-hand lane is…”

18. You are in the left lane of a dual carriageway. Traffic is moving at normal speed. A car in the right lane is slower than you. What should you do?

    1. Pass it on the left
    2. Flash it to move over
    3. Use the hard shoulder to pass
    4. Not pass it on the left
    Show the answer

    D: Not pass it on the left. Passing on the left in the left lane of a dual carriageway or motorway is not allowed when traffic is moving normally.

    “You are in the left-hand lane of a dual carriageway or motorway when traffic is moving at normal speed.”

19. Where must you not overtake?

    1. On a straight road with clear view
    2. On a long dual carriageway
    3. At or near a zebra crossing
    4. Past a parked car on a wide road
    Show the answer

    C: At or near a zebra crossing. Overtaking is banned at or near pelican and zebra crossings and pedestrian signals.

    “You are at or near a pelican crossing, zebra crossing or at pedestrian signals.”

20. Another car is overtaking you. What should you do?

    1. Speed up so it can pass faster
    2. Keep your pace and do not accelerate
    3. Brake hard to let it in
    4. Move towards the centre to discourage it
    Show the answer

    B: Keep your pace and do not accelerate. When being overtaken, hold your speed, keep left where safe and do not speed up.

    “Continue at the same pace, unless it becomes unsafe to do so.”

21. Is it allowed to reverse out of a minor road onto a major road?

    1. Yes, if you use your hazard lights
    2. No, it is not allowed
    3. Yes, if the major road is quiet
    4. Yes, with someone guiding you
    Show the answer

    B: No, it is not allowed. Reversing from a minor road onto a major road is unsafe and not allowed. Reverse into the side road instead.

    “You must not reverse from a minor road onto a major road as it is unsafe to do so.”

22. You are parking in a car park. How should you park where possible?

    1. Reverse in so you can drive out
    2. Drive in forwards every time
    3. Drive in forwards, then check behind later
    4. Leave the engine running
    Show the answer

    A: Reverse in so you can drive out. Reversing in means you can drive out forwards later, with a better view of other traffic.

    “When parking in your own driveway or in a car park, you should , where possible, reverse 'in' which enables you to safely drive out.”

23. Which road marking tells you a U-turn is not allowed?

    1. A broken white centre line
    2. A single yellow edge line
    3. White hatched markings at a bus stop
    4. A continuous white centre line
    Show the answer

    D: A continuous white centre line. A continuous centre white line is one example of a marking that prohibits a U-turn.

    “Check there are no signs or road markings prohibiting a U-turn, for example a continuous centre white line.”

24. Your brake lights might not be seen. Which arm signal shows you are slowing down?

    1. Right arm held straight out
    2. Left arm waved in circles
    3. Right arm moved up and down
    4. Right arm pointing upwards
    Show the answer

    C: Right arm moved up and down. Moving your right arm up and down out of the window shows you are slowing or stopping.

    “…moving your right arm up and down outside your vehicle window…”

    Read the guide

25. You are towing a broken-down car. What is the maximum distance allowed between the two vehicles?

    1. 3 metres
    2. 4.5 metres
    3. 6 metres
    4. 7.5 metres
    Show the answer

    B: 4.5 metres. The gap between a towing vehicle and the towed vehicle or trailer must not exceed 4.5 metres.

    “Do not allow a distance of more than 4.5 metres (about 15 feet) between…”

26. The gap between your car and a towed vehicle is more than 1.5 metres. What should you do?

    1. Mark the tow bar with a white flag
    2. Switch on your fog lights
    3. Put a red light on the rope
    4. Drive with hazard lights on for the whole trip
    Show the answer

    A: Mark the tow bar with a white flag. A white flag of at least 30 cm square draws attention to the tow bar when the gap is over 1.5 metres.

    “…use some warning device such as a white flag of at least 30 centimetres squared…”

27. You are towing a car with a rope. Who must be in the towed car?

    1. Nobody, if the steering is locked
    2. Any adult passenger
    3. A learner driver holding a current permit
    4. Someone licensed for that vehicle category
    Show the answer

    D: Someone licensed for that vehicle category. The person steering a towed vehicle must hold a licence for the same category of vehicle.

    “…the person who steers the towed vehicle must hold a licence to drive the same category of vehicle.”

28. Above what Maximum Authorised Mass must a trailer be fitted with brakes?

    1. 500 kg
    2. 1,000 kg
    3. 3,500 kg
    4. 750 kg
    Show the answer

    D: 750 kg. A trailer over 750 kg MAM, or over half the laden weight of the towing vehicle if lower, needs brakes.

    “Make sure a trailer is fitted with brakes if it has a Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of more than 750kg…”

29. A load sticks out more than 1 metre behind your trailer in daylight. How must it be marked?

    1. With a white flag
    2. With a yellow beacon
    3. With a red flag or cloth
    4. With yellow and black hazard tape only
    Show the answer

    C: With a red flag or cloth. By day, a rear overhang over 1 metre needs a red flag or cloth at least 300 mm square. At night it needs a red reflector and light.

    “Loads overhanging to the rear by more than 1 metre must be marked during the day with a red flag or cloth…”

30. What is the most a load may stick out behind a trailer (other than utility poles)?

    1. 1 metre
    2. 3 metres
    3. 2 metres
    4. 4.5 metres
    Show the answer

    B: 3 metres. Ordinary loads must not project more than 3 metres beyond the rear of the trailer.

    “…must not project more than 3 metres beyond the rearmost part of a trailer.”

31. On an unlit road in good conditions, about how far ahead do dipped headlights let you see?

    1. About 30 metres
    2. About 100 metres
    3. About 10 metres
    4. About 60 metres
    Show the answer

    A: About 30 metres. Dipped lights show about 30 metres. At 100 km/h you cover that in about a second, so adjust your speed.

    “Dipped lights will let you see for about 30 metres…”

32. You are driving on an unlit road at night. What speed rule applies?

    1. Stop within the distance your lights show
    2. Keep under 60 km/h on all unlit roads at night
    3. Drive at the posted limit
    4. Match the car ahead
    Show the answer

    A: Stop within the distance your lights show. At night you must be able to stop within the distance lit by your headlights.

    “You must drive at a speed that allows you to stop within the distance covered by your lights.”

33. Your car has no daytime running lights. What should you use when driving in daylight?

    1. Main beam
    2. Front fog lights
    3. Dipped headlights
    4. No lights, as it is daylight
    Show the answer

    C: Dipped headlights. Without daytime running lights, you should drive with dipped headlights on during the day.

    “If your vehicle is not fitted with daytime running lights, you should drive with your dipped headlights on during the daytime.”

34. You are driving at night behind another car. Which headlights should you use?

    1. Main beam
    2. Dipped headlights
    3. Fog lights
    4. Sidelights only, to avoid glare
    Show the answer

    B: Dipped headlights. Use dipped headlights when following another vehicle so you do not dazzle the driver ahead.

    “If you see red vehicle lights in front of you, dip your headlights to avoid dazzling the driver of the vehicle ahead.”

35. You are dazzled by the headlights of an oncoming car. Where should you look?

    1. Towards the verge on your side
    2. Straight at the oncoming lights
    3. Into your rear-view mirror
    4. Towards the centre line
    Show the answer

    A: Towards the verge on your side. Look towards the edge of your side of the road until the dazzle passes, and slow down or stop if needed.

    “…you can avoid this by looking towards the verge (edge of your side of the road) until the effect has passed.”

36. Headlights from a car behind are dazzling you in your mirror. What should you do?

    1. Brake sharply to warn the driver
    2. Switch on your fog lights
    3. Speed up to get away from the glare
    4. Use the mirror's night-driving mode
    Show the answer

    D: Use the mirror's night-driving mode. Most interior mirrors have a night setting that cuts glare from vehicles behind.

    “If the dazzle is from a vehicle behind you and reflected in your mirror, operate the night-driving mode on the mirror.”

37. You are in a built-up area at midnight. When may you sound your horn?

    1. To greet a friend briefly
    2. When a driver is slow at lights
    3. Only in a traffic emergency
    4. Whenever you are moving off
    Show the answer

    C: Only in a traffic emergency. In built-up areas, the horn must not be used from 11.30 pm to 7 am unless there is a traffic emergency.

    “Do not use a horn in a built-up area between 11.30 at night and 7 in the morning unless there is a traffic emergency.”