--- title: "Alertness Quiz: 40 Free Questions | The License Desk" url: https://www.thelicensedesk.com/theory-test/alertness/practice-test/ updated: 2026-09-26 --- > Source: https://www.thelicensedesk.com/theory-test/alertness/practice-test/ — last reviewed 2026-09-26. Markdown version generated at build time from the same content the page serves. Free · 50 questions in the real test · Pass mark 43/50 # Alertness quiz: 40 free theory test questions DVSA-style multiple-choice questions with explained answers and Highway Code references. The real test is 50 questions in 57 minutes — you need 43 correct to pass. Quick answer Below is a free Alertness mock test for the UK DVSA car theory test: multiple-choice questions in the official four-option format, each with the correct answer, a plain-English explanation and a Highway Code reference. Observation, anticipation, concentration, distraction and fatigue at the wheel. ## Alertness practice questions Checked against [The Highway Code](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code) as amended 22 October 2025 · last reviewed 26 September 2026. Spotted an error? [Report it](/corrections/). Or study below: tap any question to see its options, answer and Highway Code rule. **Q1. You're driving on a motorway and begin to feel drowsy. What should you do?** A. Open a window and continue to your destination B. Stop on the hard shoulder for a short rest C. Leave at the next exit or services and take a break D. Increase your speed to finish the journey sooner **Answer: C.** You must not stop on the hard shoulder to rest. Leave the motorway at the next exit or services, then stop somewhere safe and rest. On long journeys, plan a break of at least 15 minutes every two hours. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 91 and 262 **Q2. Why should you check your mirrors before signalling?** A. To make sure your signals are working B. So you know how your manoeuvre will affect traffic behind you C. Because it is only required on motorways D. To see whether the road ahead is clear **Answer: B.** The Mirrors–Signal–Manoeuvre routine starts with mirrors so you understand the position and speed of traffic behind before you commit to signalling or changing course. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 161 **Q3. Before moving off from the side of the road, what should you do just before pulling away?** A. Sound your horn to warn other road users B. Look round to check your blind spot C. Switch on your hazard warning lights D. Select a higher gear **Answer: B.** Mirrors don't cover everything. A final look over your shoulder into the blind spot catches cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians your mirrors miss before you move off. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 159 **Q4. Using a hands-free phone while driving is likely to do what?** A. Improve your reaction times B. Distract your attention from the road C. Be illegal in all circumstances D. Have no effect on your driving **Answer: B.** Even hands-free calls divide your attention and slow your reactions. It's far safer to let calls go to voicemail and return them when you're safely parked. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 149 **Q5. What effect can tinted glasses or a dirty windscreen have when driving at night?** A. They reduce glare and improve your view B. They restrict your view and make hazards harder to see C. They have no effect if your headlights are on D. They only matter in fog **Answer: B.** At night your eyes need every bit of available light. Tinted lenses and dirt or condensation on the windscreen cut the light reaching your eyes and hide developing hazards. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 94 and Annex 6: Vehicle maintenance, safety and security **Q6. When may you use a hand-held mobile phone while driving?** A. When stopped in a traffic queue B. When waiting at traffic lights C. To call 999 or 112 in a genuine emergency when it's unsafe or impractical to stop D. When driving below 20 mph **Answer: C.** Holding and using a phone is illegal whenever you're driving — including in queues and at red lights, where you're still driving in law. The emergency exception is calling 999 or 112 when it's unsafe or impractical to stop. The only other exceptions are making a contactless payment while your vehicle is stationary (for example, at a drive-through) and using the device to park remotely. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 149 **Q7. You need to change the destination in your sat-nav. What should you do?** A. Update it while driving slowly B. Stop somewhere safe and legal before reprogramming it C. Ask a rear passenger to lean over and do it D. Update it at the next red light **Answer: B.** Programming a sat-nav demands eyes and attention that belong on the road. Stop somewhere safe first — and position the unit where it doesn't block your view of the road. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 150 **Q8. Why should you glance over your shoulder before changing lanes on a dual carriageway?** A. To check your rear seat belt is fastened B. Mirrors leave blind spots where a whole vehicle can hide C. It's only required when towing D. To make eye contact with the driver behind **Answer: B.** Even correctly adjusted mirrors have blind spots large enough to hide a car or motorcycle alongside you. A quick sideways glance before committing to a lane change closes that gap. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 133 **Q9. How often should you use your mirrors while driving?** A. Frequently, so you always know what's behind and to each side B. Only just before you change lanes C. Only when you're about to slow down D. Every minute or so on motorways, but hardly ever in town traffic **Answer: A.** Rule 161 says use your mirrors frequently so you always know what's behind and to each side of you, and use them in good time before you signal or change direction or speed. Mirrors don't cover every area, so look round when needed. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 161 **Q10. What is a 'blind spot' when you're driving?** A. The area just in front of your bonnet that headlights don't reach B. A stretch of road with no street lighting C. A part of the road where overtaking is banned D. An area around your vehicle you can't see in your mirrors **Answer: D.** Rule 159 describes blind spots as the areas you are unable to see in the mirrors. Even correctly adjusted mirrors leave them, so look round before moving off, changing lanes or turning, when another road user could be hidden there. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 159 and 161 **Q11. You're waiting to turn right into a side road and a safe gap appears in the oncoming traffic. What should you do just before turning?** A. Flash your headlights to thank the oncoming driver B. Check your mirror and right blind spot for anyone overtaking C. Cancel your signal so nobody is misled D. Sound your horn to warn any pedestrians crossing the side road **Answer: B.** Rule 180 says check your mirrors and blind spot again to make sure you are not being overtaken, then make the turn. A motorcyclist or impatient driver could be passing on your right just as you start to turn across the road. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 180 **Q12. You can see thick fog on the road ahead. What should you do before you slow down?** A. Switch on your hazard warning lights B. Switch on your main-beam headlights C. Check your mirrors D. Close up to the vehicle in front so you can follow its lights **Answer: C.** Rule 234 says check your mirrors, then slow down, before entering fog, so you know how close the traffic behind is. Rule 235 warns that following another vehicle's rear lights can give a false sense of security, so keep a safe distance. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 234 and 235 **Q13. You plan to stop at a postbox just beyond a side road on your left. Why should you wait until you're passing the side road before signalling left?** A. An earlier signal could suggest you're turning into it B. Signals are only allowed within 10 metres of where you stop C. Signalling close to a junction is against the law D. You only need to signal when there's traffic behind you **Answer: A.** Rule 103 says don't signal until you're passing the side road. Signalling earlier could give the impression you intend to turn into it and confuse other road users. Your brake lights will warn traffic behind that you're slowing down. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 103 **Q14. You've signalled right to change lanes on a dual carriageway. What does your signal give you?** A. Priority over traffic already in the right-hand lane B. The right to move across once you've signalled for three seconds C. Legal protection if a collision happens D. No priority — it only tells others what you intend to do **Answer: D.** Rule 103 reminds you that signalling does not give you priority. Signals warn and inform others of your intentions; you must still check your mirrors and move over only when it's safe, without forcing anyone to change course or speed. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 103 and 133 **Q15. You're running late and plan to eat your breakfast at the wheel on the way to work. What does the Highway Code say about this?** A. Avoid it, as eating and drinking are distractions B. It's fine on quiet roads if one hand stays on the wheel C. It only matters if you're driving on a motorway D. It's fine while you're moving slowly in queuing traffic **Answer: A.** Rule 148 says safe driving needs concentration and lists eating and drinking among the distractions to avoid, along with loud music, trying to read maps, adjusting the radio and arguing with passengers. Eat before you set off, or stop somewhere safe and legal first. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 148 **Q16. You're supervising a learner driver on a quiet road when your phone rings. Can you answer it on the hand-held handset?** A. Yes, because you aren't the one driving B. Yes, as long as the learner has already passed their theory test C. No — the hand-held phone ban also applies to supervisors D. Yes, as long as the call is kept under a minute **Answer: C.** Rule 149 says you must not use a hand-held mobile phone or similar device when driving or when supervising a learner driver. The supervisor needs to watch the road and be ready to help, so let the call go to voicemail. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 149 **Q17. Your phone is switched to flight mode and has no signal. Can you hold it to change the music while driving?** A. Yes, because it can no longer make calls or send any data B. Yes, if you're driving below 20 mph C. Yes, provided you only glance at it briefly D. No — the ban applies even when the phone is offline **Answer: D.** Rule 149 says the ban covers all use of a hand-held interactive device and applies even when its communication capability is turned off or unavailable. Set up your music before you set off, or use a system you don't need to hold. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 149 **Q18. You're at a drive-through and want to pay with your phone. When is it legal to hold it to pay?** A. At any time while you're in the queue, even when rolling forward B. When your car is stationary at the payment point C. Only if the engine is switched off D. Never — you must pay with a card instead **Answer: B.** Rule 149 allows a hand-held phone for a contactless payment at a payment terminal, but only when your vehicle is stationary and the goods or services are received at the same time as, or after, the payment. Holding it while moving isn't covered. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 149 **Q19. What's the penalty for holding and using a phone while driving?** A. 6 penalty points and a £200 fine B. 3 penalty points and a £100 fine C. A warning letter for a first offence D. 3 penalty points and a £60 fine **Answer: A.** You can get 6 penalty points and a £200 fine for holding and using a phone, sat nav, tablet or similar device while driving. If the case goes to court, you could also be banned and fined up to £1,000 (£2,500 for lorry or bus drivers). Reference: GOV.UK — Using a phone, sat nav or other device when driving **Q20. You passed your driving test 18 months ago and are caught holding your phone while driving. What happens?** A. You're allowed one warning in your first year B. You receive 3 points, the same as other drivers C. You must take a Pass Plus course D. You'll lose your licence **Answer: D.** The offence carries 6 penalty points, and GOV.UK confirms you'll lose your licence if you passed your test in the last 2 years. Under the New Drivers Act you'd then have to pass both the theory and practical tests again. Reference: GOV.UK — Using a phone, sat nav or other device when driving **Q21. Your phone is in a windscreen mount, but it partly blocks your view of the road ahead. What could you face?** A. Nothing, because you aren't holding it B. A fine, but only if the screen was switched on at the time C. 3 penalty points for not having a full view of the road D. A ban on using sat-navs for a year **Answer: C.** Hands-free devices must not block your view of the road and traffic ahead. You can get 3 penalty points if you don't have a full view of the road and traffic ahead or proper control of the vehicle, so position any mount carefully. Reference: GOV.UK — Using a phone, sat nav or other device when driving **Q22. Your car has lane-keeping and motorway assist systems. How should you use them?** A. Switch them on so you can safely check messages B. As an aid only — you remain fully responsible C. Let them steer while you adjust the sat-nav D. Rely on them fully once you're on a motorway **Answer: B.** Rule 150 says don't rely on driver assistance systems such as motorway assist or lane departure warnings, and don't reduce your concentration. As the driver you're still responsible for the vehicle and must have full control of these systems at all times. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 150 **Q23. Why can playing music loudly while driving be dangerous?** A. It may mask other sounds, such as sirens B. It drains the battery and can dim your headlights C. It's illegal to play music above a set volume D. It makes your car's engine run less efficiently **Answer: A.** Rule 148 lists loud music as a distraction because it may mask other sounds, such as an approaching emergency vehicle. Starting or adjusting music or the radio is also listed as a distraction, so set it up before you move off. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 148 and 219 **Q24. You've recently passed your test. Your friends in the car are noisy and urging you to speed up. What should you do?** A. Speed up briefly to keep them happy B. Turn the music up to drown them out C. Turn round to face them while you explain why you won't D. Tell them you need to concentrate on driving safely **Answer: D.** The Highway Code's safety code for new drivers says you're responsible for your passengers' safety. Don't let them distract you or encourage you to take risks — tell them you need to concentrate if you're to get to your destination safely. Reference: The Highway Code — Annex 8: Safety code for new drivers **Q25. On a long journey, how often does The Highway Code recommend you take a break?** A. At least 5 minutes every hour B. At least 45 minutes after every four and a half hours C. At least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving D. Only when you start to feel tired **Answer: C.** Rule 91 recommends a minimum break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving. Plan your breaks before you set off, and if you feel sleepy before the next one is due, stop somewhere safe — not on a motorway hard shoulder. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 91 **Q26. It's a hot day and your car feels warm and stuffy. How can you reduce the risk of drowsiness?** A. Keep the car well ventilated B. Turn the heater up to dry the air C. Close all the windows to keep the dust out D. Turn the radio up loud to stay awake **Answer: A.** Rule 237 advises keeping your vehicle well ventilated in hot weather to avoid drowsiness. A warm, stuffy car can make you sleepy; if you still feel tired, rule 91 says stop somewhere safe and rest rather than pressing on. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 91 and 237 **Q27. You're waiting to emerge from a side road. A car approaching from your right is signalling left, as if to turn into your road. What should you do?** A. Pull out straight away, as it's turning B. Wait until you're sure it's actually turning C. Flash your headlights to let it in first D. Pull out and accelerate hard to get clear of it **Answer: B.** Rule 170 says don't assume that a vehicle coming from the right and signalling left will actually turn — wait and make sure. Rule 104 adds that another vehicle's indicator may not have been cancelled. Pulling out on a guess could put you in its path. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 104 and 170 **Q28. You're about to pull out of a junction. Why should you take a second look for motorcyclists?** A. They must give way to cars at junctions B. They always ride in the centre of the lane C. Their riders expect you to wave them through junctions D. They're hard to see and may be closer than you think **Answer: D.** Rule 211 warns that motorcyclists and cyclists are often difficult to see, particularly when coming out of or moving off from junctions. Always look out for them before you emerge — they could be approaching faster than you think. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 211 **Q29. Traffic is crawling slowly in queues. Which road users should you be especially aware of passing on either side of you?** A. Horse riders overtaking the queue B. Tractors moving between lanes C. Cyclists and motorcyclists D. Large lorries overtaking on the left **Answer: C.** In slow-moving traffic, rule 151 says be aware of cyclists and motorcyclists who may be passing on either side. Rule 160 adds that they're more difficult to see than larger vehicles, so check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes or turning. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 151 and 160 **Q30. In fog, you reach a junction where you can see very little. What should you do?** A. Stop, listen for traffic, then emerge positively once safe B. Creep out slowly and keep edging forward until you can see C. Sound your horn and pull out quickly D. Switch on your hazard lights and pull out **Answer: A.** Rule 235 says stop in the correct position at a junction with limited visibility and listen for traffic. When you're sure it's safe, emerge positively and don't hesitate in a position that puts you directly in the path of approaching vehicles. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 235 **Q31. You're queuing at a roundabout behind another car. A gap appears in the traffic from your right. What should you check before moving off?** A. That the car in front has actually moved off B. That your hazard lights are switched off C. That the driver behind has seen your brake lights D. That your left indicator is on **Answer: A.** Rule 185 reminds you to look forward before moving off to make sure traffic in front has moved off. It's easy to watch the gap on your right and drive into the back of a car that has hesitated or stopped again. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 185 **Q32. You're reversing in a straight line. Where should you mainly be looking?** A. At your door mirrors only B. At the dashboard reversing display only C. Straight ahead through the windscreen D. Through the rear window **Answer: D.** Rule 202 says reverse slowly while checking all around and looking mainly through the rear window. Before you start, use all your mirrors and check the blind spot behind you for pedestrians, particularly children, and cyclists. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 202 **Q33. You need to reverse out of a tight space, but a van next to you blocks your view of the road behind. What should you do?** A. Reverse out quickly to reduce the time you're in the road B. Sound your horn and reverse out at normal speed C. Get someone to guide you out D. Rely on your door mirrors alone **Answer: C.** Rule 202 says get someone to guide you if you cannot see clearly. Reverse slowly and check all around, remembering that a child or cyclist could be hidden behind the van. Rule 203 adds that you must not reverse further than necessary. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 202 and 203 **Q34. Before you pull out to overtake on a single carriageway, what should you make sure of, as well as the road ahead being clear?** A. That no one behind is beginning to overtake you B. That the vehicle ahead has signalled you to pass C. That you're within 10 mph of the speed limit D. That your headlights are on main beam **Answer: A.** Rule 162 says before overtaking make sure the road is sufficiently clear ahead, road users are not beginning to overtake you, and there's a suitable gap in front of the road user you plan to overtake. Check your mirrors so you don't pull out into someone already passing. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 162 **Q35. The car in front pulls out to overtake a slow tractor. You're following it. What should you do?** A. Follow closely, so you both get past together B. Pull out alongside the car to overtake both at once C. Flash your headlights to hurry the car along D. Hold back and make your own checks before overtaking **Answer: D.** Rule 163 says don't assume you can simply follow a vehicle ahead which is overtaking — there may only be enough room for one. Rule 164 adds that the driver in front may abort and pull back in. Wait for your own safe opportunity. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 163 and 164 **Q36. You're following a large lorry on a single carriageway and want to overtake. What should you do first?** A. Move up close so you can overtake quickly B. Move out to the centre line and stay there C. Flash your headlights so the driver moves over to let you by D. Drop back to get a better view of the road ahead **Answer: D.** Rule 164 says drop back when you want to overtake a large vehicle. This improves your view of the road ahead and helps the driver see you in their mirrors. Getting too close hides the road, and there may be another slow vehicle in front. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 164 **Q37. Why is overtaking at night more difficult than in daylight?** A. Oncoming vehicles aren't allowed to use headlights B. Speed limits are lower at night C. It's harder to judge speed and distance D. Other drivers can't see your indicators at night **Answer: C.** Rule 163 says take extra care when overtaking at night and in poor visibility, when it's harder to judge speed and distance. Only overtake when you can see far enough ahead to be sure it's safe, and if in doubt, stay back. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 163 and 166 **Q38. You turn a corner and are dazzled by low, bright sunlight. What should you do?** A. Keep going at the same speed and look at the kerb B. Put on your sunglasses while still moving at speed C. Switch on your headlights to see better D. Slow down and, if necessary, stop **Answer: D.** Rule 93 says slow down, and if necessary stop, if you're dazzled by bright sunlight, and rule 237 repeats the advice for hot weather. You can't react to hazards you can't see, so give yourself time until your vision recovers. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 93 and 237 **Q39. You're overtaking another vehicle at night on an unlit road. When should you switch to main beam?** A. When you're level with it, if you won't dazzle anyone B. As soon as you pull out to overtake C. While you're still behind, to warn the driver you're coming D. Never — main beam must not be used when overtaking **Answer: A.** Rule 115 says keep your headlights dipped when overtaking until you're level with the other vehicle, then change to main beam if necessary, unless this would dazzle oncoming road users. Rule 114 says you must not use lights in a way that dazzles others. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 114 and 115 **Q40. You've stopped in a stationary queue after dark and the traffic behind you has also stopped. Why does the Highway Code suggest applying the parking brake and taking your foot off the footbrake?** A. It shows drivers behind that the queue is about to move B. It stops your battery from running flat C. Your brake lights won't dazzle the drivers behind D. It's a legal requirement whenever you stop for over a minute **Answer: C.** Rule 114 says that in stationary queues you should apply the parking brake and, once the following traffic has stopped, take your foot off the footbrake so your brake lights go off. This minimises glare to road users behind until the traffic moves again. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 114 ## Frequently asked questions **### How many Alertness questions are in the real theory test?** The DVSA doesn't publish per-topic counts. Your 50 questions are drawn across all 14 official topics, so revise every category. **### What is the pass mark for the UK theory test?** You need 43 out of 50 multiple-choice questions correct (86%), plus 44 out of 75 on the hazard perception clips. You must pass both parts in the same sitting. **### Are these real DVSA questions?** No — these are original practice questions written to the current DVSA syllabus and The Highway Code. Official revision questions are Crown Copyright and only available from licensed providers. ## Revise the other theory test topics Your 50 test questions are drawn from all 14 official DVSA topics — revise every category, not just this one. - [Attitude](/theory-test/attitude/practice-test/) - [Essential Documents](/theory-test/essential-documents/practice-test/) - [Hazard Awareness](/theory-test/hazard-awareness/practice-test/) - [Incidents, Accidents & Emergencies](/theory-test/incidents-accidents-emergencies/practice-test/) - [Motorway Rules](/theory-test/motorway-rules/practice-test/) - [Other Types of Vehicle](/theory-test/other-types-of-vehicle/practice-test/) - [Road & Traffic Signs](/theory-test/road-and-traffic-signs/practice-test/) - [Rules of the Road](/theory-test/rules-of-the-road/practice-test/) - [Safety & Your Vehicle](/theory-test/safety-and-your-vehicle/practice-test/) - [Safety Margins](/theory-test/safety-margins/practice-test/) - [Vehicle Handling](/theory-test/vehicle-handling/practice-test/) - [Vehicle Loading](/theory-test/vehicle-loading/practice-test/) - [Vulnerable Road Users](/theory-test/vulnerable-road-users/practice-test/) Don't forget part two: read [how hazard perception is scored](/hazard-perception/). Booked your test? Find your [nearest theory test centre](/theory-test-centres/), or book on the official [GOV.UK booking service](https://www.gov.uk/book-theory-test) (£23). All practice questions are original study material written to the current DVSA car theory test syllabus and The Highway Code. They are not actual DVSA exam questions. This site is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the DVSA.