Alertness quiz: 40 free theory test questions

1. Open a window and continue to your destination
2. Stop on the hard shoulder for a short rest
3. Leave at the next exit or services and take a break
4. 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

1. To make sure your signals are working
2. So you know how your manoeuvre will affect traffic behind you
3. Because it is only required on motorways
4. 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

1. Sound your horn to warn other road users
2. Look round to check your blind spot
3. Switch on your hazard warning lights
4. 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

1. Improve your reaction times
2. Distract your attention from the road
3. Be illegal in all circumstances
4. 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

1. They reduce glare and improve your view
2. They restrict your view and make hazards harder to see
3. They have no effect if your headlights are on
4. 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

1. When stopped in a traffic queue
2. When waiting at traffic lights
3. To call 999 or 112 in a genuine emergency when it's unsafe or impractical to stop
4. 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

1. Update it while driving slowly
2. Stop somewhere safe and legal before reprogramming it
3. Ask a rear passenger to lean over and do it
4. 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

1. To check your rear seat belt is fastened
2. Mirrors leave blind spots where a whole vehicle can hide
3. It's only required when towing
4. 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

1. Frequently, so you always know what's behind and to each side
2. Only just before you change lanes
3. Only when you're about to slow down
4. 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

1. The area just in front of your bonnet that headlights don't reach
2. A stretch of road with no street lighting
3. A part of the road where overtaking is banned
4. 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

1. Flash your headlights to thank the oncoming driver
2. Check your mirror and right blind spot for anyone overtaking
3. Cancel your signal so nobody is misled
4. 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

1. Switch on your hazard warning lights
2. Switch on your main-beam headlights
3. Check your mirrors
4. 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

1. An earlier signal could suggest you're turning into it
2. Signals are only allowed within 10 metres of where you stop
3. Signalling close to a junction is against the law
4. 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

1. Priority over traffic already in the right-hand lane
2. The right to move across once you've signalled for three seconds
3. Legal protection if a collision happens
4. 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

1. Avoid it, as eating and drinking are distractions
2. It's fine on quiet roads if one hand stays on the wheel
3. It only matters if you're driving on a motorway
4. 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

1. Yes, because you aren't the one driving
2. Yes, as long as the learner has already passed their theory test
3. No — the hand-held phone ban also applies to supervisors
4. 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

1. Yes, because it can no longer make calls or send any data
2. Yes, if you're driving below 20 mph
3. Yes, provided you only glance at it briefly
4. 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

1. At any time while you're in the queue, even when rolling forward
2. When your car is stationary at the payment point
3. Only if the engine is switched off
4. 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

1. 6 penalty points and a £200 fine
2. 3 penalty points and a £100 fine
3. A warning letter for a first offence
4. 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

1. You're allowed one warning in your first year
2. You receive 3 points, the same as other drivers
3. You must take a Pass Plus course
4. 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

1. Nothing, because you aren't holding it
2. A fine, but only if the screen was switched on at the time
3. 3 penalty points for not having a full view of the road
4. 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

1. Switch them on so you can safely check messages
2. As an aid only — you remain fully responsible
3. Let them steer while you adjust the sat-nav
4. 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

1. It may mask other sounds, such as sirens
2. It drains the battery and can dim your headlights
3. It's illegal to play music above a set volume
4. 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

1. Speed up briefly to keep them happy
2. Turn the music up to drown them out
3. Turn round to face them while you explain why you won't
4. 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

1. At least 5 minutes every hour
2. At least 45 minutes after every four and a half hours
3. At least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving
4. 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

1. Keep the car well ventilated
2. Turn the heater up to dry the air
3. Close all the windows to keep the dust out
4. 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

1. Pull out straight away, as it's turning
2. Wait until you're sure it's actually turning
3. Flash your headlights to let it in first
4. 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

1. They must give way to cars at junctions
2. They always ride in the centre of the lane
3. Their riders expect you to wave them through junctions
4. 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

1. Horse riders overtaking the queue
2. Tractors moving between lanes
3. Cyclists and motorcyclists
4. 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

1. Stop, listen for traffic, then emerge positively once safe
2. Creep out slowly and keep edging forward until you can see
3. Sound your horn and pull out quickly
4. 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

1. That the car in front has actually moved off
2. That your hazard lights are switched off
3. That the driver behind has seen your brake lights
4. 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

1. At your door mirrors only
2. At the dashboard reversing display only
3. Straight ahead through the windscreen
4. 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

1. Reverse out quickly to reduce the time you're in the road
2. Sound your horn and reverse out at normal speed
3. Get someone to guide you out
4. 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

1. That no one behind is beginning to overtake you
2. That the vehicle ahead has signalled you to pass
3. That you're within 10 mph of the speed limit
4. 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

1. Follow closely, so you both get past together
2. Pull out alongside the car to overtake both at once
3. Flash your headlights to hurry the car along
4. 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

1. Move up close so you can overtake quickly
2. Move out to the centre line and stay there
3. Flash your headlights so the driver moves over to let you by
4. 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

1. Oncoming vehicles aren't allowed to use headlights
2. Speed limits are lower at night
3. It's harder to judge speed and distance
4. 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

1. Keep going at the same speed and look at the kerb
2. Put on your sunglasses while still moving at speed
3. Switch on your headlights to see better
4. 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

1. When you're level with it, if you won't dazzle anyone
2. As soon as you pull out to overtake
3. While you're still behind, to warn the driver you're coming
4. 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

1. It shows drivers behind that the queue is about to move
2. It stops your battery from running flat
3. Your brake lights won't dazzle the drivers behind
4. 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

The DVSA doesn't publish per-topic counts. Your 50 questions are drawn across all 14 official topics, so revise every category.

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.

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.