Theory Questions Flashcards
What should you do before changing lanes?
Check your mirrors, signal in good time, and check your blind spot before moving.
Who has the right of way at an uncontrolled junction?
Traffic on the right and vehicles already on the main road.
What should you do if an emergency vehicle is approaching with flashing lights?
Safely move to the left and allow them to pass.
When should you use your hazard warning lights?
When your vehicle is stopped and causing an obstruction or in an emergency situation.
What is the maximum speed limit on a national road?
100 km/h unless otherwise stated.
What should you do if you miss your exit on a motorway?
Continue to the next exit—never reverse or stop.
How far should you stay behind the vehicle in front?
At least a two-second gap in dry conditions, and a four-second gap in wet conditions.
What should you do if your car breaks down on a motorway?
Pull into the hard shoulder, turn on hazard lights, and call for assistance.
What does a broken white line on the road mean?
It separates lanes and may be crossed if it is safe to do so.
What does a double yellow line mean?
No parking at any time.
What does a single yellow line mean?
Parking restrictions apply at certain times (check nearby signs).
What does a sign with a red circle and a number inside mean?
It indicates a speed limit.
What does a zigzag line before a pedestrian crossing mean?
No parking or overtaking near the crossing.
When is overtaking prohibited?
At junctions, bends, pedestrian crossings, continuous white lines, and when visibility is poor.
What should you do if another driver is trying to overtake you?
Maintain a steady speed or slow down to allow them to pass safely.
What lane should you use on a motorway when not overtaking?
The left-hand lane.
What is the stopping distance at 100 km/h on a dry road?
Approximately 70 metres.
What is the speed limit in built-up areas?
50 km/h unless otherwise stated.
What is the speed limit in a school zone when children are present?
30 km/h in designated school safety zones.
What is the speed limit on a motorway?
120 km/h unless otherwise stated.
What does a flashing amber traffic light mean?
Proceed with caution, giving way to pedestrians.
What should you do at a green filter light?
You may proceed in the direction indicated, but still check for pedestrians and other traffic.
If traffic lights are not working, what should you do?
Treat the junction as an uncontrolled one and proceed carefully.
What should you do if your vehicle starts to aquaplane?
Ease off the accelerator and avoid braking or sudden steering movements.
What should you do when driving in fog?
Use dipped headlights and fog lights if visibility is reduced.
What should you do when driving on icy roads?
Reduce speed, increase stopping distances, and avoid sudden movements.
What should you do when approaching a pedestrian crossing?
Slow down and be prepared to stop if pedestrians are waiting or crossing.
Who has priority at a zebra crossing?
Pedestrians.
How should you approach cyclists when overtaking?
Give at least 1.5 metres of space when passing.
What should you do if you see a school bus with flashing amber lights?
Slow down and be prepared to stop as children may be crossing.
What should you do if you are dazzled by oncoming headlights?
Look slightly to the left and use the road markings as a guide.
When can you use the horn?
Only to warn other road users of danger, and not between 11:30 pm and 7:00 am in a built-up area unless there’s an emergency.
What is the penalty for driving without insurance?
A fine, penalty points, and potential disqualification from driving.
What is hydroplaning?
when a vehicle’s tyres lose contact with the road surface due to a layer of water, causing a loss of control. reduce speed in wet weather, avoid breaking and ensure your tyres have proper tread depth.
At a crossroads of equal importance, how would you proceed?
At a crossroads where all roads are of equal importance:
- Yield to traffic coming from the right.
- Approach slowly and be prepared to stop.
- If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the left should yield.
- Always check for pedestrians and cyclists before proceeding.
How would you check if your tyres are roadworthy?
- Tread Depth: Minimum legal depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre.
- Tyre Pressure: Check using a pressure gauge (found in the owner’s manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s door).
- Damage Inspection: Look for cuts, bulges, or excessive wear.
Name three instances where you can overtake on the left.
- When the vehicle ahead is turning right, and there is space to pass on the left safely.
- When driving in slow-moving traffic where the left lane is moving faster than the right lane.
- When directed to do so by road signs or markings (e.g., a filter lane).
How would you check your brake lights are working?
- Turn on the ignition (without starting the engine).
- Press the brake pedal.
- Check the reflection in a window, wall, or ask someone to check for you.
- If brake lights don’t work, replace the bulbs or check the fuse.
Who has right of way on a roundabout?
Traffic already on the roundabout has the right of way. You must yield to traffic coming from your right before entering. Always check for cyclists and pedestrians.
What is the purpose of the handbrake, and how would you check if it is working?
- The handbrake (parking brake) holds the car stationary when parked or during hill starts.
- To check if it is working:
- Engage the handbrake on a slope and see if the car remains stationary.
- Release it slowly to check for smooth operation.
- If it pulls up too easily with little resistance, it may need adjusting.
How would you check your brakes are working?
- Before moving off: Press the brake pedal – it should feel firm, not spongy or soft.
- Check warning lights: If the brake warning light is on, the brakes may need servicing.
Explain the rules of the yellow box.
- A yellow box is used to keep junctions clear of stopped traffic.
- You must not enter the yellow box unless your exit is clear.
- The only exception is when turning right and waiting for a gap in oncoming traffic.
- If traffic lights control the junction, only enter if you can fully clear the box before the lights change.
How would you identify a zebra crossing at night?
Flashing amber beacons
What does a continuous white line along the center of the road mean?
Do not cross unless for emergency or access
What does a broken white line at the center of the road mean?
You can cross if its safe to do so
Three tyre check you would do
- Properly inflated
- Adequate tread depth (1.6mm)
- Signs of visible damage (no slices, bulges or cuts to the sidewall)
When do you use your fog lights
Dense fog or falling snow
When do you use dipped headlights
Between dusk and dawn, at night where there’s street lights, when meeting and following other road users, bad weather
When driving at night, when d we dip our headlights
When meeting and following other road users,
What is a clear way
No parking or stopping during the time shown
When are you allowed to overtake on the left
In slow moving traffic, if the car in front is intending to turn right and your going straight or turning left,
What does an amber light mean
Stop unless its unsafe ti do so
What do you do if your dazzled by headlights
Don’t look directly at the lights, slow down and stop if necessary, look to the left hand edge
Where must you not overtake
A bend, a continuous white line, a brow of a hill, a humpback bridge, when there is restricted view
How do you know power steering on wheel is working
When engine is turned on, steering should feel lighter
5 places you can’t park
Brow of a hill, bend, double yellow line, within 5m of a junction, at a taxi rank or bus lane
What are the restrictions to use of the horn
Must not use between 11:30pm to 7am in a built up area except for emergencies
