Theory Deck 1 Flashcards
(See Fig.1) What does this curved arrow road marking mean?
. Heavy vehicles should take the next road on the left to avoid a weight limit
. The road ahead bends to the left
. Overtaking traffic should move back to the left
. The road ahead has a camber to the left
A: Overtaking traffic should move back to the left
In this picture, the road marking shows that overtaking drivers or riders need to return to the left. These markings show the direction drivers must pass hatch markings or solid double white lines. They’re also used to show the route that high vehicles should take under a low arched bridge.
(See Fig.3) Which instrument-panel warning light would show that headlights are on main beam?
(See Fig.4)
You’re approaching a red light at a puffin crossing. Pedestrians are on the crossing. When will the red light change?
. When you start to edge forward onto the crossing
. When the pedestrians have cleared the crossing
. When the pedestrians push the button on the far side of the crossing
. When a driver from the opposite direction reaches the crossing
A: When the pedestrians have cleared the crossing
A sensor will automatically detect that the pedestrians have reached a safe position. Don’t drive on until the green light shows and it’s safe for you to do so.
What should you do if your anti-lock brakes (ABS) warning light stays on?
. Check the brake-fluid level
. Check the footbrake free play
. Check that the parking brake is released
. Have the brakes checked immediately
A: Have the brakes checked immediately
Consult the vehicle handbook or a garage before driving the vehicle any further. Only drive to a garage if it’s safe to do so. If you aren’t sure, get expert help.
You’re driving on an open road in dry weather. What distance should you keep from the vehicle in front?
. A two-second time gap
. One car length
. Two metres (6 feet 6 inches)
. Two car lengths
A: A two-second time gap
One way of checking there’s a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front is to use the two-second rule. To check for a two-second time gap, choose a stationary object ahead, such as a bridge or road sign. When the car in front passes the object, say ‘Only a fool breaks the two-second rule’. If you reach the object before you finish saying the phrase, you’re too close and need to increase the gap.
(See Fig.2) What should you do if the vehicle starts reversing off the driveway?
. Move to the opposite side of the road
. Drive through as you have priority
. Sound your horn and be prepared to stop
. Speed up and drive through quickly
A: Sound your horn and be prepared to stop
White lights at the rear of a car show that the driver has selected reverse gear. The driver is hidden from view so can’t see you approaching. Sound your horn to warn of your presence, and be ready to stop if the car reverses into your path.
You’re following two cyclists as they approach a roundabout in the left-hand lane. Where would you expect the cyclists to go?
. Left
. Right
. Any direction
. Straight ahead
A: Any direction
Cyclists approaching a roundabout in the left-hand lane may be turning right but may not have been able to get into the correct lane due to heavy traffic. They may also feel safer keeping to the left all the way around the roundabout. Be aware of them and give them plenty of room.
You’re following a long vehicle approaching a crossroads. What should you do if the driver signals right but moves close to the left-hand kerb?
. Warn the driver about the wrong signal
. Wait behind the long vehicle
. Report the driver to the police
. Overtake on the right-hand side
A: Wait behind the long vehicle
When a long vehicle is going to turn right, it may need to keep close to the left-hand kerb. This is to prevent the rear end of the trailer cutting the corner. You need to be aware of how long vehicles behave in such situations. Don’t overtake the lorry, because it could turn as you’re alongside. Stay behind and wait for it to turn.
What colour are the reflective studs between a motorway and a slip road?
. Amber
. White
. Green
. Red
A: Green (See Fig.5)
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.
What should you do when you park at night on a road that has a 40 mph speed limit?
. Park facing the traffic
. Leave parking lights switched on
. Leave dipped headlights switched on
. Park near a street light
A: Leave parking lights switched on
You must use parking lights when parking at night on a road or in a lay-by on a road with a speed limit greater than 30 mph. You must also park in the direction of the traffic flow and not close to a junction.
You’re approaching traffic lights and the red light is showing. What signal will show next?
. Red and amber
. Green alone
. Amber alone
. Green and amber
A: Red and Amber
If you know which light is going to show next, you can plan your approach accordingly. This can help prevent excessive braking or hesitation at the junction.
(See Fig. 6) What shape are traffic signs giving orders?
A: Circular signs (See Fig.7)
Road signs in the shape of a circle give orders. Those with a red circle are mostly prohibitive. The ‘stop’ sign is octagonal to give it greater prominence. Signs giving orders must always be obeyed.
(See Fig.8) What does this sign mean?
. Ring road
. Mini-roundabout
. No vehicles
. Roundabout
A: Roundabout
As you approach a roundabout, look well ahead and check all signs. Decide which exit you wish to take and move into the correct position as you approach the roundabout, signalling as required.
You may drive over a footpath if
. you are getting to a property.
. you need to overtake a slow-moving vehicle in front.
. no pedestrians are using the footpath.
. it is at a dip in the kerb.
A: you are getting to a property.
You must not reverse your vehicle
. in an area with many buildings, as well as stationary and moving vehicles.
. further than necessary.
. into side roads.
. for longer than the length of one car.
A: further than necessary.
What should the left-hand lane of a motorway be used for?
. Vehicles travelling at the minimum speed limit
. Overtaking traffic in the middle lane
. Normal driving
. Breakdowns only
A: Normal driving
If you see miniature warning lights (two lights aligned vertically), one of which is red, what should you expect ahead?
. A level crossing
. An airfield
. A fire station
. A Bridge
A: A level crossing
The red light means that a train is approaching.
What is the national speed limit for the outside lane of a motorway?
. 60 mph
. 80 mph
. 70 mph
. 50 mph
A: 70 mph
The speed limit is the same on all lanes on the motorway.
You wish to park in a 40-mph zone with traffic flowing in both directions. At night, you should park
. on the right side of the road, with parking lights on.
. on the right side of the road, with dipped headlights on.
. on the left side of the road, without any lights on.
. on the left side of the road, with parking lights on.
A: on the left side of the road, with parking lights on.
When you have parked, some lighting is necessary to ensure that pedestrians and other motorists can see you.
You approach a roundabout and see a pedestrian getting ready to cross. Who must give way?
. Whoever was there last
. You
. No one
. The pedestrian
A: You
If you have been disqualified from driving, in addition to serving your sentence, what must you do to get a driving licence again?
. Resit all tests after the period of disqualification has concluded, applying for a duplicate driving licence.
. Resit all driving tests and examinations of behaviour and skill at a time that suits you.
. Resit all tests after the period of disqualification has concluded, applying as a new driver.
. Pay all remaining fines, apply for a new licence, and resit your test at any time during the disqualification period.
A: Resit all tests after the period of disqualification has concluded, applying as a new driver.
You cannot begin to apply for a licence until your disqualification period has ended.
You are going to reverse into a side road, but you aren’t sure the area is clear. You should
. assume it is and go anyway.
. get out of the car and check.
. check only your side mirrors.
. check only your rear-view mirror.
A: get out of the car and check.
Look carefully everywhere before you start to reverse.
You want to park facing downhill. You should
. park with two wheels up the kerb.
. turn the steering wheel towards the kerb and put on the handbrake.
. park as close as possible to the car in front.
. park with one wheel up the kerb.
A: turn the steering wheel towards the kerb and put on the handbrake.
The kerb can stop your car from rolling.
When travelling on icy roads, how should you drive?
. With the handbrake slightly on
. With the car in the lowest gear possible
. With the car in the highest gear possible
. With your left foot resting on the brake at all times
A: With the car in the highest gear possible
Rely on your gears to drive safely.
The first MOT certificate will need to be acquired __________ after the purchase of a new car.
. two years
. three years
. four years
. a year
A: three years
Things can go wrong after a few years of ownership.
You must hold your full EC/EEA driving licence for ___ year(s) before supervising a learner driver.
. 1
. 3
. 2
. 5
A: 3
The minimum age that any UK driver could supervise would be 21, assuming they passed at the minimum age.
(See Fig.9) You are driving behind a large goods vehicle. It signals right but starts to move left. You should
. overtake it to avoid a collision.
. accelerate and sound your horn.
. carry on and keep to the right.
. slow down and let it turn.
A: slow down and let it turn.
Large goods vehicles cannot turn like cars.
(See Fig.10) When driving through a flooded area, what should you do?
. Check your exhaust.
. Test the function of your brakes at the earliest safe opportunity.
. Stop the vehicle and dry your brakes.
. Stop the vehicle and check your tyres.
A: Test the function of your brakes at the earliest safe opportunity.
When driving through a flooded area, you should pay more attention to your brakes than to your tyres.
Where can you find a crawler lane on a motorway?
. On a slip road
. Before a service station
. On a steep gradient
. Next to the hard shoulder
A: On a steep gradient
A crawler lane is for heavy loads. On a steep gradient this extra lane is provided for these slow-moving vehicles to allow the faster-moving traffic to flow more easily.
You are approaching a roundabout on a main road. Yellow lines are painted across the road
. to let you know how far it is to the roundabout.
. to make you aware of how fast you are driving.
. to help you choose which lane you need to be in.
. to help you keep your distance from the vehicle in front.
A: to make you aware of how fast you are driving.
Taking a roundabout too fast can be dangerous.
It is important that you check tyre pressures regularly. This should be done
. after a long journey.
. when the tyres are cold.
. if you have been driving fast.
. when the tyres are hot.
A: when the tyres are cold.
This should be done before a journey.
What is the typical stopping distance when travelling at 70 mph in good conditions?
. 197 feet (60 metres)
. 315 feet (96 metres)
. 240 feet (73 metres)
. 175 feet (53 metres)
A: 315 feet (96 metres)
Approximately the height of the Big Ben clock tower.
Under what circumstances are you allowed to park on the right-hand side of a road at night?
. If it is a one-way street
. If you park under a lamppost
. Never
. If you leave side lights on
A: If it is a one-way street
Parking on the right-hand side of a road at night will be dangerous if there is oncoming traffic.
Which of these might be badly affected if the tyres are underinflated?
. Changing gears
. The suspension
. Braking
. The speed of the car
A: Braking
Brakes are connected to a car’s wheels.
The head restraint should be adjusted so that the rigid part of it is
. as far away from the back of the head as possible.
. level with your neck.
. as low as the bottom of the ears.
. at least as high as the eyes or top of the ears.
A: at least as high as the eyes or top of the ears. (See Fig. 11)
A head restraint that is properly adjusted for the person sitting in the seat will offer some protection against neck injuries. The head restraint should be adjusted so that the rigid part of it is at least as high as the eyes or top of the ears and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable.
Which of these emergency vehicles has a flashing green beacon?
. A fire engine
. A doctor’s car
. A bomb disposal vehicle
. A blood transfusion vehicle
A: A doctor’s car
Traditional emergency vehicles are fitted with blue beacons.
When are you allowed to wait in a box junction?
. When you wish to turn right but are prevented from doing so by oncoming traffic
. Never
. When you are at a zebra crossing
. When you are stuck in a queue of traffic
A: When you wish to turn right but are prevented from doing so by oncoming traffic (See Fig.12)
Waiting is only allowed for a particular manoeuvre.
If you park on the road at night, you should switch your parking lights on
. if there is a continuous white line in the middle of the road.
. if you park near a bus stop.
. if you park facing oncoming traffic.
. if the speed limit exceeds 30 mph.
A: if the speed limit exceeds 30 mph.
Faster traffic needs to be able to see your vehicle.
You are driving on a motorway in fog. You know where the edge of the left-hand lane is because you can see the reflective studs (cat’s eyes). What colour are they?
. Red
. Amber
. White
. Green
A: Red (See Fig.5)
If you see a tank vehicle displaying a diamond symbol with a 3 in it, it means the vehicle is
. carrying a load overhanging by more than 3 metres.
. carrying dangerous goods (flammable liquid).
. part of the road works equipment.
. not travelling in the right direction.
A: carrying dangerous goods (flammable liquid).
Certain tank vehicles carrying dangerous goods must display hazard information panels. If you see such panel with a diamond symbol with number 3 in it, it means the vehicle is carrying flammable liquid. Other dangerous goods codes include (6) - toxic substance, (5.1) - oxidizing substance, (2) - non-flammable compressed gas, (7) - radioactive substance, (4) - spontaneously combustible substance, (8) - corrosive substance.
You want to make a U-turn in the road. Before you do so, you should
. look over your shoulder to make sure that all is clear.
. choose a lower gear so that you can make the manoeuvre more quickly.
. signal and then begin the manoeuvre so that other drivers will slow down for you.
. use arm signals as well as indicators so that other drivers will be fully aware of what you are about to do.
A: look over your shoulder to make sure that all is clear.
You are driving when you come across a pelican crossing that is flashing an amber light. This means that you
. must stop and wait for the green light to show.
. must stop and give way to pedestrians already on the crossing.
. can continue driving as the pedestrians will yield to you.
. must stop and wait for the amber light to stop flashing.
A: must stop and give way to pedestrians already on the crossing.
You need to drive but it is very foggy. What should you do?
. Keep two seconds behind the vehicle in front.
. Leave more time for your journey.
. Keep your full-beam lights on.
. Follow the taillights of the vehicle in front.
A: Leave more time for your journey.
What is a cover note?
. The document that you receive before you get your registration document
. The document that you receive before you get your insurance certificate
. The document that you receive before you get your MOT
. The document that you receive before you get your driving licence
A: The document that you receive before you get your insurance certificate
Skidding is most often caused by
. driver error.
. worn tyres.
. other people’s actions.
. pedestrians or other drivers.
A: driver error
Where are you likely to see the alternately flashing red lights?
. Airfields or fire stations
. Swing or lifting bridges
. Level crossings
. At all of the above locations
A: At all of the above locations
How long is an MOT certificate usually valid for?
. 6 months
. 12 months
. 100,000 miles
. 20,000 miles
A: 12 months
A long, heavy vehicle is trying to overtake you, but it is taking a long time. What should you do?
. Slow down so that it can overtake you more quickly.
. Change direction or stop so that it can get past you.
. Speed up so that it can pull back in behind you.
. Keep driving at the same speed; it will get past you soon.
A: Slow down so that it can overtake you more quickly.
You are driving along a three-lane motorway while towing a trailer. You must NOT
. tow without having a stabiliser fitted.
. overtake.
. use the right-hand lane.
. drive faster than 50 mph.
A: use the right-hand lane.
When towing a trailer, you must not obstruct the motorway.
If you are driving through a tunnel, you must
. switch on your windscreen wipers.
. keep your eyes open for variable road signs.
. make sure that your rear fog lights are on.
. make sure that your air conditioning is working properly.
A: keep your eyes open for variable road signs.
When driving through a tunnel, you need to be aware of all that is going on around you.
Braking distances change in different weather conditions. In icy conditions, braking distances are
. ten times greater than usual.
. five times greater than usual.
. seven times greater than usual.
. three times greater than usual.
A: ten times greater than usual.
Over 1,200 feet at 50 mph.
If you use a hands-free phone while you are driving, you are likely to
. have better concentration.
. have normal concentration; it’s just like listening to the radio.
. have your attention diverted.
. have your view restricted.
A: have your attention diverted.
Using a mobile phone while driving can make you think about other things.
On a motorway, where can amber reflective studs be found?
. Between the carriageway and the hard shoulder
. Between the acceleration lane and the carriageway
. Between the carriageway and the central reservation
. Between all lanes
A: (See Fig 5) Between the carriageway and the central reservation (See Fig.13)
Why are LRT systems, trams or ‘metros’, considered environmentally friendly?
. They operate completely separately from other traffic
. They use electric power and don’t produce emissions
. They are fixed in the route they follow
. They are faster
A: They use electric power and don’t produce emissions
What makes a toucan crossing different from other crossings?
. It is controlled by a police officer or traffic warden.
. Cyclists can use it.
. Its lights are different from those at other crossings.
. Only children can use it.
A: Cyclists can use it.
What are traffic calming measures used for?
. Helping drivers to park
. Reducing road rage incidents
. Helping drivers to overtake
. Slowing traffic down
A: Slowing traffic down
These are usually found in built-up areas.
It is compulsory for a motor car to have an MOT certificate when
. it is two years old.
. it is sold for the first time.
. it is three years old.
. it first comes off the production line.
A: it is three years old.
An MOT tests certain aspects of a car’s safety and performance, so it is obtained after some activity.
You are driving behind a large vehicle. You should keep well back because
. otherwise, the driver of the large vehicle will not be able to see you in the vehicle’s mirrors.
. you will be protected by the wind in that position.
. you will be able to take corners and bends more quickly.
. the large vehicle will be able to brake safely.
A: otherwise, the driver of the large vehicle will not be able to see you in the vehicle’s mirrors.
Your visibility to others should be maximised at all times.
You have had to use the hard shoulder on a motorway, but now you need to rejoin the carriageway. You should
. indicate your intention and then wait for another driver to flash his or her lights at you.
. build up your speed on the hard shoulder before joining the carriageway.
. pull onto the carriageway with your hazard lights on so that other traffic will be more aware of you.
. wait for a gap in the traffic, pull onto the carriageway, and then build up your speed.
A: build up your speed on the hard shoulder before joining the carriageway.
When pulling onto the carriageway, you should not obstruct the flow of traffic on it.
You are driving on a motorway and are getting tired, so you decide that you need to stop. Where should you do this?
. On the slip road
. On the central reservation
. At a service station
. On the hard shoulder
A: At a service station
Ordinarily, you use dipped headlights at night. When MUST you use dipped headlights in the daytime?
. When you are parallel parking
. When you are driving in a built-up area
. When visibility is poor
. When it is raining
A: When visibility is poor
When you are driving, being seen is as important as being able to see.
It is illegal to overload a vehicle. Who is legally responsible for this?
. The person who loaded the vehicle
. The person to whom the loaded items belong
. The driver of the vehicle
. The registered keeper of the vehicle
A: The driver of the vehicle
To tow a trailer, you must ensure that it is hitched securely to the towing vehicle. What could you use as an extra precaution?
. A breakaway cable
. A jockey wheel
. A liquid gas cylinder
. An extra tow hitch
A: A breakaway cable
If you carry a heavy load on a roof rack, you will have
. improved road holding.
. lighter steering.
. reduced stability.
. heavier steering.
A: Reduced stability
A heavy load on the roof will affect the vehicle’s handling.
You can use the right-hand lane of a three-lane dual carriageway for
. overtaking and turning right.
. driving over 50 mph only.
. overtaking only.
. turning right only.
A: overtaking and turning right.
Unlike motorways, you can turn right off a dual carriageway.
There is an obstruction on your side of the road. You should
. stop and give way to oncoming traffic; they have right of way.
. accelerate; in this situation, the first through has right of way.
. continue driving; you have right of way.
. drive through slowly; whoever is there first has right of way, but you do not want to drive dangerously.
A: stop and give way to oncoming traffic; they have right of way.
An obstruction on your side gives oncoming traffic priority.
You discover that your fuel consumption is higher than it should be. What is the most likely cause of this?
. Steering too sharply
. Driving slowly
. Using high gears
. Driving over 50 mph
A: Driving over 50 mph
Fuel consumption is greater at higher speeds.
(See Fig.14) Once you’re on a zebra crossing, you should
. never stop, unless there is immediate danger to pedestrians, cyclists, or other motorists.
. always sound your horn if you see a pedestrian.
. stop and wave pedestrians across.
. allow pedestrians to cross but rev your engine so that they will hurry up.
A: never stop, unless there is immediate danger to pedestrians, cyclists, or other motorists.
Zebra crossings should be kept clear.
You are driving in very heavy rain when suddenly your car starts to slide. This is called
. water skiing.
. aquaplaning.
. slipstreaming.
. floating.
A: aquaplaning.
One of your passengers is a baby. You are going to place the rear-facing safety seat in the front passenger seat. What must you do first?
. Make sure the child locks are off.
. Deactivate the front passenger airbag.
. Deactivate all the airbags.
. Make sure the child locks are on.
A: Deactivate the front passenger airbag.
You are the first car in a queue waiting to turn right into a side street. Before starting to move, you need to
check your right mirror
. to look for pedestrians.
. to look for traffic that may be emerging.
. to check if any vehicle is trying to overtake you.
. to make sure that there is no traffic in the side road.
A: to check if any vehicle is trying to overtake you.
Make sure no other vehicle is trying to pass.
You are driving in icy conditions when you suddenly go into a rear wheel skid. What should you do?
. Steer away from the skid.
. Brake hard.
. Steer into the skid.
. Don’t steer at all and let your car right itself.
A: Steer into the skid.
What can you expect to see on triangular road signs?
. Warnings
. Information
. Instructions
. Directions
A: Warnings
What is the purpose of an Active Traffic Management scheme on a motorway?
. To prevent dangerous overtaking
. To encourage drivers to make more rest stops
. To prevent congestion
. To reduce the incidence of tailgating
A: To prevent congestion
When you drive at night, which of the following types of eyeglasses should you NOT wear?
. Half moon
. Bifocals
. Tinted
. Designer
A: Tinted
You are attempting to join a dual carriageway. You should
. drive straight onto the dual carriageway; the other drivers will see you and give way to you.
. stop as you would at a T-junction and wait until it is safe for you to join the dual carriageway.
. drive along the hard shoulder until there is a gap in the traffic.
. give way to traffic already on the dual carriageway.
A: give way to traffic already on the dual carriageway.
(See Fig.15) You are driving along when you come across a cyclist. When you overtake, you should give the cyclist as much room as you would a car because
. the cyclist might want to move into another lane.
. the cyclist might want to turn right.
. the cyclist might swerve.
. the cyclist might stop and get off.
A: the cyclist might swerve.
A cyclist is vulnerable and may make involuntary movements.
You need to reverse into a side street. At what point is your car the biggest hazard to passing traffic?
. After you have entered the side road
. When you have completed the manoeuvre
. When you begin the manoeuvre
. As the front of your car swings out
A: As the front of your car swings out
You are involved in a collision in which someone suffers a burn. A burn should be cooled for at least
. 30 minutes.
. 1 hour.
. 20 minutes.
. 5 minutes.
A: 20 minutes.
This is not the shortest length of time.
You should use your horn
. to warn others of danger.
. to let others know that they have annoyed you.
. as a greeting to other drivers or pedestrians whom you recognise.
. to let others know that you are going straight ahead.
A: to warn others of danger.
The hard shoulder of a multi-laned carriageway is for
. reducing your speed so that you can leave the carriageway.
. stopping if you need to rest.
. stopping in an emergency.
. building up your speed to join the carriageway.
A: stopping in an emergency.
What should you do before making a U-turn?
. Activate your indicators, then wave your arms to catch the attention of other road users.
. Flash your lights at oncoming drivers so they will slow down during the manoeuvre.
. Immediately before the U-turn, look behind you to check for obstructions.
. Put your car into fourth or fifth gear.
A: Immediately before the U-turn, look behind you to check for obstructions.
It’s vital to determine whether you can perform the manoeuvre without hitting anything.