Vehicle Handling and Motorway Rules

Question 1

On wet roads, what vulnerable road users should you look out for and why?

Answer 1

Motorcyclists - they may suddenly change direction to avoid slippery drain covers.

Question 2

When visibility is poor but not seriously reduced during the day, what headlights should you use to help other road users see you?

Answer 2

Dipped headlights

Question 3

In winter, a ford is more likely to flood, making it difficult to cross. There may be a depth gauge, which will help you decide whether you should go through.

If you decide to continue, what should you do?

Answer 3

Use a low gear
Drive through slowly
Test your brakes afterwards (wet brakes are less effective)

Question 4

What light MUST you use when visibility is seriously reduced? (Under 100m)

Answer 4

Headlights or fog lights if you have them

Question 5

Don’t use fog lights when they’re not needed…because…

Answer 5

You may be breaking the law
They can dazzle other drivers
Drivers behind you won’t be able to see your brake lights as clearly, or they may think you’re braking when you’re not

Question 6

What do the reflective studs on the motorway mark?

Answer 6

The red studs mark the left-hand edge of the carriageway

The amber study mark the central reservation

Question 7

What should you make sure before driving in deep fog or heavy snow?

Answer 7

Your lights are working

Your windows are clean

Question 8

What are snow chains?

Answer 8

They are attached to your wheels for deep snow to help grip and prevent skidding

Question 9

Where can a sudden gust catch your vehicle?

Answer 9

When passing a high-sided vehicle on the motorway

When driving on an exposed stretch of road

Question 10

On a motorway (at night), what should you use?

Answer 10

Use dipped headlights, even if the road is well lit.

Use sidelights if you’ve broken down and are parked on the hard shoulder.

Question 11

What should you do when driving down a steep hill?

Answer 11

Select a lower gear. This can be especially important as your brakes may become less effective due to overheating.

Question 12

If you don’t have anti-lock brakes and the vehicle begins to skin when you’re braking on a wet road, what should you do?

Answer 12

Release the foot brake.

Question 13

What are rumble devices used for?

Answer 13

They alert you of a hazard, such as a roundabout

They encourage you to reduce speed

Question 14

Am I allowed to wait in a box junction?

Answer 14

Yes, if you want to turn right and your exit’s clear but you’re prevented from turning by oncoming traffic

Question 15

Do I need to leave sidelights on when I park on a two-way road?

Answer 15

Leave your sidelights on if the speed limit is more than 30mph or if it’s foggy

Question 16

What should you do when you’re joining the motorway from a slip road?

Answer 16

Adjust your speed to match the speed of the traffic already on the motorway
Always give way to traffic already on the motorway
Keep to the left-hand lane while you get used to the higher speeds of motorway traffic

Question 17

How is the left-hand lane of the motorway used?

Answer 17

All traffic should normally use it, unless you’re overtaking, which the middle and right-hand lanes can be used for only.

Question 18

When may you overtake on the left?

Answer 18

If traffic is moving slowly in queues and the queue on your right is moving more slowly than the one you’re in.

Question 19

What’s a crawler lane?

Answer 19

It’s a lane located near a steep uphill gradient which helps slow-moving vehicles like trucks and moves traffic to flow more easily.

Question 20

If you’re travelling in the left-hand lane and traffic is joining from a slip road, what should you do?

Answer 20

Move to another lane if possible.

Question 21

What are countdown markers?

Answer 21

They are signs with white lines to show in hundreds of yards distance from the exit.

Question 22

What is the national speed limit for cars and motorcycles on a motorway?

Answer 22

70mph

Question 23

What is the national speed limit for vehicles towing trailers? And is there another rule?

Answer 23

60mph

The vehicle cannot travel in the right-hand lane of a three-lane motorway unless there are lane closures

Question 24

If you see a queue form ahead on the motorway, what should you do?

Answer 24

Switch on your hazard lights

Question 25

What is ATM?

Answer 25

Active traffic management (aimed to reduce congestion) with gantries that show speed limits and let you know if you can use the hard shoulder lane (if there is no red cross)

Question 26

What do traffic officers do on a motorway?

Answer 26

They cover motorways and ‘A’ class roads, stopping/directing people on them or respond to calls made on roadside emergency telephones.

Question 27

Lane markings - colours, and what they mean?

Answer 27

Red - between the hard shoulder and the carriageway
Amber - between the edge of the carriageway and the central reservation
White - between lanes
Green - between the carriageway and slip roads
Fluorescent green/yellow - at contraflow systems and roadworks

Question 28

When should you only stop on a motorway?

Answer 28

If flashing red lights show above every lane
When told to do so by the police or traffic officers
When in a traffic jam
When in an emergency or breakdown

Question 29

When should you stop on a hard shoulder?

Answer 29

In an emergency - but for any other reason you should leave at the next exit or go to a service area.

Question 30

If your vehicle breaks down or has a puncture on the motorway, what should you do?

Answer 30

Get onto the hard shoulder and call for help - you can use the phones (the phones are at 1 mile intervals)

Question 31

What should you do while using an emergency phone?

Answer 31

Stand and face oncoming traffic (to see if hazards are approaching)
Check your location and give it to the emergency services if you have your mobile phone

Question 32

How do you rejoin the carriageway from the hard shoulder?

Answer 32

Wait for a safe gap and then gain speed on the hard shoulder before moving out onto the main carriageway.

Question 33

What should you do if you’re not able to get onto the hard shoulder when you break down?

Answer 33

Switch on your hazard warning lights

Leave your vehicle only when you can get clear of the carriageway safely

Question 34

Can I drive on a motorway with a provisional car licence?

Answer 34

Yes - learner drivers may have driving lessons on motorways but only with an approved driving instructor (ADI) and in a car fitted with dual controls that’s clearly displaying L plates.

Question 35

Can I drive on a motorway with a provisional motorcycle licence?

Answer 35

No

Question 36

How should I negotiate a contraflow system?

Answer 36

Keep a good distance from the vehicle in front, and observe the lower speed restriction.

Take care, as the lanes are likely to be narrower and there may be no permanent barrier between you and oncoming traffic.

Keep to your lane - don’t switch unnecessarily

Question 37

What vehicles aren’t allowed on the motorway?

Answer 37

Bicycles
Motorcycles under 50cc
Most powered wheelchairs or mobility scooters
Agricultural vehicles
Certain slow-moving vehicles