Motorway rules

Question 1

What colour are the reflective studs between a motorway and a slip road?

A. Amber
B. White
C. Green
D. Red

Answer 1

C. Green

The studs between the carriageway and the hard shoulder are normally red. These change to green where there’s a slip road, helping you to identify slip roads when visibility is poor or when it’s dark.

Question 2

When would you use the right-hand lane on a three-lane motorway?

A. When you’re turning right
B. When you’re overtaking
C. When you’re travelling above the speed limit
D. When you’re trying to save fuel

Answer 2

B. When you’re overtaking

The right-hand lane of the motorway is for overtaking. Sometimes you may be directed into a right-hand lane as a result of roadworks or a traffic incident. This will be indicated by signs or officers directing the traffic.

Question 3

You’re on a motorway. What does it mean if a red cross is showing above the hard shoulder and mandatory speed limits above all other lanes?

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A. The hard shoulder can be used as a rest area if you feel tired
B. The hard shoulder is for emergency or breakdown use only
C. The hard shoulder can be used as a normal running lane
D. The hard shoulder has a speed limit of 50 mph

Answer 3

B. The hard shoulder is for emergency or breakdown use only

A red cross above the hard shoulder shows that it’s closed as a running lane and should only be used for emergencies or breakdowns. On some motorways, the hard shoulder may be used as a running lane at busy times. This will be shown by a mandatory speed limit on the gantry above the hard shoulder.

Question 4

Why is it important to make full use of the slip road as you join a motorway?

A. Because there’s space available to turn round if you need to
B. To allow you direct access to the overtaking lanes
C. To allow you to fit safely into the traffic flow in the left-hand lane
D. Because you can continue on the hard shoulder

Answer 4

C. To allow you to fit safely into the traffic flow in the left-hand lane

Try to join the motorway without affecting the progress of the traffic in the left-hand lane and always give way to traffic already on the motorway. At busy times, you may have to slow down to merge into slow-moving traffic.

Question 5

What’s the national speed limit for a car or motorcycle on a motorway?

A. 50 mph
B. 60 mph
C. 70 mph
D. 80 mph

Answer 5

C. 70 mph

The national speed limit for a car or motorcycle on a motorway is 70 mph. Lower speed limits may be in force; for example, at roadworks. Variable speed limits also operate in some areas when the motorway is very busy. Cars or motorcycles towing trailers are subject to a lower speed limit.

Question 6

On a three-lane motorway, which lane should you use if there’s no traffic ahead?

A. Left
B. Right
C. Centre
D. Either the right or centre

Answer 6

A. Left

On a three-lane motorway, you should travel in the left-hand lane unless you’re overtaking. This applies regardless of the speed at which you’re travelling.

Question 7

What would you expect to find at a contraflow system on a motorway?

A. Temporary traffic lights
B. Lower speed limits
C. Wider lanes than normal
D. Road humps

Answer 7

B. Lower speed limits

When approaching a contraflow system, reduce speed in good time and obey all speed limits. You may be travelling in a narrower lane than normal, with no permanent barrier between you and the oncoming traffic. Be aware that the hard shoulder may be used for traffic and the road ahead could be obstructed by slow-moving or broken-down vehicles.