Motorway Rules quiz: 55 free theory test questions

1. To overtake slow traffic on the left
2. In an emergency or breakdown, or when signs direct you to
3. Whenever traffic is queuing
4. To answer a phone call

Answer: B. You must not use the hard shoulder except in an emergency (such as a breakdown), or when directed to by the police, traffic officers or a traffic sign. Where it's used as an extra lane, you may drive on it only when a speed limit is shown above it. Stopping there for any other reason, including to rest or make a phone call, is not allowed. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 269 and 271

1. The lane is for emergency vehicles only
2. Congestion ahead — slow down
3. You must not continue in that lane
4. The speed limit is being enforced by cameras

Answer: C. A red X means the lane is closed — there may be people, stopped vehicles or other hazards in it. Follow the signs to move safely into an open lane. Driving in a closed lane is an offence, and lane closures are enforced by the police. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 258

1. Stop at the end of the slip road and wait for a gap
2. Build up speed to match the traffic and give priority to vehicles already on the motorway
3. Drive straight into lane one — joining traffic has priority
4. Use the hard shoulder until a gap appears

Answer: B. Use the slip road to match the speed of motorway traffic and merge into a safe gap. Traffic already on the motorway has priority — don't force your way in, and avoid stopping unless queuing traffic requires it. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 259

1. A learner driver with an approved driving instructor in a dual-control car
2. A car towing a caravan
3. A cyclist
4. A coach

Answer: C. Motorways are prohibited to pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders, and low-powered vehicles. Since 2018, learners may drive on motorways — but only with an approved driving instructor in a car with dual controls. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 253

1. Inside the vehicle with seat belts on
2. On the hard shoulder, behind the vehicle
3. Behind the safety barrier if there is one, well away from the vehicle and moving traffic
4. Standing in front of the vehicle to flag help

Answer: C. A hard shoulder is very close to fast traffic. Get everyone out on the side away from the traffic, then wait behind the safety barrier where there is one (watching for hidden hazards such as sudden drops) and well away from the vehicle, in case it's hit. Don't go back to it, even if it's cold or raining. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 277

1. Between lanes
2. Along the left-hand edge by the hard shoulder
3. Between the right-hand lane and the central reservation
4. Marking slip road exits

Answer: C. The stud colour code: red on the left edge, white between lanes, amber along the central reservation, and green where slip roads join or leave. They keep you oriented at night and in bad weather. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 132

1. Whenever the left lane is empty
2. In congested conditions when traffic is queuing and your queue is moving faster than the one on your right
3. When the vehicle ahead is towing
4. Never, under any circumstances

Answer: B. Normally you overtake only on the right. In slow queuing traffic, lanes naturally move at different speeds and passing on the left within your queue is allowed — weaving between lanes to gain advantage is not. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 267–268

1. A service station
2. An emergency-only stopping bay with an SOS phone
3. A police observation point
4. A lane reserved for breakdown vehicles

Answer: B. Emergency areas are marked by blue signs with an orange SOS phone symbol and may have orange surfacing. They must only be used in an emergency. Before leaving one you must use the emergency phone and follow the operator's advice — a lane may need to be closed so you can rejoin safely. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 270 and 278

1. A rider holding only a provisional motorcycle licence
2. A rider with a full motorcycle licence on a 125 cc bike
3. A rider who passed their motorcycle test last month
4. A rider carrying a pillion passenger on a 600 cc bike

Answer: A. Rule 253 bars holders of provisional motorcycle licences from motorways, along with riders of motorcycles under 50 cc. A fully licensed rider may use the motorway, however recently they passed their test and whether or not they carry a pillion passenger. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 253

1. It's allowed, provided she's over 21 and has held a full licence for at least three years
2. It's not allowed — you'd need an approved driving instructor and a dual-control car
3. It's allowed if you display L plates and keep below 60 mph
4. It's allowed, but only outside the morning and evening rush hours

Answer: B. Learners may drive on motorways in England, Scotland and Wales only when accompanied by a DVSA approved driving instructor in a car fitted with dual controls and showing L plates (or D plates in Wales). A family member who meets the normal supervising rules isn't enough. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 253

1. A motorhome weighing more than 3.05 tonnes unladen
2. A car-derived van
3. A motorcycle with an engine under 50 cc
4. A minibus carrying twelve passengers

Answer: C. Motorcycles under 50 cc (4 kW) are prohibited from motorways, as are pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders, agricultural vehicles and powered mobility scooters. Motorhomes, vans and minibuses can use motorways, although some have lower speed limits or lane restrictions. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 253

1. Keep to your speed until you can actually see the hazard
2. Reduce your speed and be ready for a hazard
3. Move out of the lane beneath the signal at once
4. Leave the motorway at the next exit

Answer: B. Flashing amber lights warn of a hazard ahead, such as an incident, fog or a spillage that you may not yet be able to see. Slow down and be prepared for it. Red flashing lights, not amber, are used to mark a closed lane. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 255 and 257

1. As soon as the traffic around you starts to speed up again after the signal
2. After one mile, if you haven't come across a hazard
3. When the signal is no longer visible in your mirrors
4. Once you pass a signal that's not flashing, or shows 'END', and it's safe

Answer: D. Rule 257 says to increase your speed only after passing a signal that isn't flashing, or a sign showing the national speed limit or the word 'END', and only when you're sure it's safe. Following other drivers' lead isn't a reliable guide. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 257

1. The exit is open but lane one is closed beyond it
2. The exit can't be used — continue to the next one
3. You may use the exit if you slow to 20 mph
4. Only emergency vehicles may continue along lane one

Answer: B. Where the left lane is closed at an exit slip road, the Highway Code says the exit cannot be used. Stay in an open lane and plan to leave at the following junction instead — never drive in a lane showing a red X. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 258

1. Drive past on the hard shoulder slowly, with your hazard lights switched on
2. Continue carefully in lane one with your headlights on
3. Reverse along the hard shoulder to the previous exit
4. Stop — don't pass the sign unless police or traffic officers direct you

Answer: D. Red flashing lights with all lanes closed mean the road is closed. You must not go beyond the sign in any lane, or use the hard shoulder to get round the closure, unless a police or traffic officer directs you to. These closures are enforced by the police. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 258

1. There may be unseen hazards, and emergency crews may need it
2. It's being kept clear so that lorries can overtake queuing traffic
3. The lane is only closed to cars, so vans may still use it
4. It has a lower speed limit than the other lanes

Answer: A. A red X can close a lane because of people, stopped vehicles or other hazards that may be hidden from view. Emergency services and traffic authorities also use closed lanes to reach incidents and help people. Driving in a closed lane is an offence. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 258

1. Your lane is about to widen
2. You may overtake on either side
3. Traffic may merge into your lane from that side
4. Change lanes in the direction the arrow shows

Answer: D. On lane control signals, a white diagonal arrow tells you to change lanes in the direction shown, a green arrow means the lane is available to you, and red crosses mean the lane is closed. Check your mirrors and move over in good time. Reference: The Highway Code — Light signals controlling traffic

1. Whichever signal shows the lowest speed limit
2. The one above the left-hand lane
3. The one above the right-hand lane
4. The one directly above the lane you're in

Answer: D. Rule 256 explains that a single sign or signal can apply to all lanes, while lane-specific signs and signals give advice, restrictions and warnings for individual lanes. When each lane has its own signal, follow the one over your lane, and check any lane you plan to move into. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 256

1. Cross it straight away if there's a gap in lane one
2. Use the hard shoulder until the line ends
3. Don't cross it — wait until the line ends
4. Stop at the line until lane one is clear

Answer: C. When joining, don't cross solid white lines that separate lanes and don't use the hard shoulder. Wait until the solid line ends, match your speed to the traffic in the left-hand lane and give priority to vehicles already on the motorway. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 259

1. Stay in that lane rather than moving across straight away
2. Move into the next lane immediately, as the extra lane will end
3. Stop at the end of the slip road and wait for a gap
4. Use your hazard lights to warn traffic you are joining

Answer: A. If the slip road continues as an extra lane, the Highway Code advises you to stay on it. There's no need to force your way into the traffic flow, and you can adjust to the speed of motorway traffic before considering a lane change. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 259

1. Overtake straight away while your speed is still building
2. Stay in the left lane long enough to adjust to the traffic speed
3. Move to the right-hand lane to get clear of joining traffic
4. Flash your headlights so the van driver knows to move out of your way

Answer: B. After joining, remain in the left-hand lane long enough to adjust to the speed of the traffic before considering overtaking. It takes time to judge the speed of fast-moving vehicles, so pulling straight out, or trying to hurry the van along, is unsafe. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 259

1. 50 mph is the maximum speed limit you must not exceed
2. 50 mph is advised but not enforced
3. It's the minimum speed for that lane
4. It's the distance in metres to the next hazard

Answer: A. You must not exceed a speed limit displayed within a red circle. Variable speed limit signs are used on some motorways and dual carriageways to change the maximum speed limit, and these limits are enforced by the police just like fixed ones. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 124 and 261

1. It's an advised maximum speed because of conditions ahead
2. It's a mandatory limit that is enforced by speed cameras
3. It's the minimum speed allowed in that lane
4. It applies only to goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes, not to cars

Answer: A. Rule 261 makes a limit shown inside a red circle mandatory. A speed shown without the red circle is a temporary maximum speed advised, warning you of a hazard or conditions ahead. You should still slow down — it's there for a reason. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 261 and Light signals controlling traffic

1. 50 mph
2. 56 mph
3. 70 mph
4. 60 mph

Answer: D. The Highway Code's speed limits table sets 60 mph on motorways for goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight, in England, Wales and Scotland alike. Many lorries are also fitted with speed limiters, so they may travel slower still. Cars have a 70 mph motorway limit. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 124

1. 60 mph
2. 70 mph
3. 50 mph
4. 65 mph

Answer: B. Heavier motorhomes (over 3.05 tonnes unladen) have lower limits on single and dual carriageways — 50 mph and 60 mph — but on motorways they share the 70 mph limit with cars. It's easy to assume the dual carriageway limit carries over to motorways. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 124

1. It's likely to be fitted with a speed limiter set to 56 mph
2. Lorries are not allowed to go faster than 56 mph on any road
3. The driver is looking out for their exit
4. The lorry must be carrying a dangerous load

Answer: A. Rule 222 explains that many large vehicles are fitted with speed limiting devices that restrict them to 56 mph, even on a motorway. Be patient, plan ahead and overtake only when it's safe, rather than sitting close behind. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 222

1. Stop on the hard shoulder and reverse back to the slip road
2. Use a gap in the central reservation to turn round
3. Pull onto the verge and check your route before continuing
4. Carry on and leave at the next exit

Answer: D. You must not reverse along any part of a motorway, cross the central reservation or drive against the traffic flow unless a police or traffic officer tells you to. Stopping to check your route isn't an emergency either — simply continue to the next exit. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 263

1. Reverse slowly back so that the car is next to the telephone
2. Reverse back only if no traffic is approaching in lane one
3. Leave the car where it is and walk back to the telephone
4. Sound your horn to attract a traffic officer's attention

Answer: C. Unless directed by a police or traffic officer, you must not reverse along any part of a motorway — and that includes emergency areas, hard shoulders and slip roads. Leave the vehicle where it is, get out on the side away from traffic and use the emergency telephone. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 263 and 277

1. Return to the left-hand lane when it's safe
2. Stay in lane two, as it's the lane for cruising
3. Move into lane three to leave room for joining traffic
4. Stay in lane two until you reach your exit

Answer: A. Keep in the left lane unless you're overtaking, however many lanes the motorway has. Once you're safely past, return to the left lane when it's safe to do so. The middle and right-hand lanes are for overtaking, not for cruising along a clear road. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 264

1. Sound your horn to warn them as you pass
2. Keep in lane one but switch on your hazard lights
3. Move into the adjacent lane to give them more room
4. Slow right down and stop behind the recovery truck

Answer: C. Rule 264 asks you to look out for emergency services, traffic officers, recovery workers and stopped vehicles on the hard shoulder or in an emergency area. If you're in the left lane and it's safe, move into the next lane to create more space between you and them. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 264

1. A goods vehicle with a maximum laden weight of 10 tonnes
2. A coach weighing over 7.5 tonnes with 50 passenger seats
3. A car towing a small box trailer
4. A car that isn't towing anything

Answer: D. The right-hand lane of a motorway with three or more lanes must not be used, except in prescribed circumstances, by any vehicle towing a trailer, goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes, passenger vehicles over 7.5 tonnes carrying more than eight seated passengers, and certain lighter goods and passenger vehicles that must be fitted with speed limiters. A car without a trailer has no such restriction. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 265

1. Stay in the left lane and move right at the last moment
2. Move out of that lane in good time before the junction
3. Use the hard shoulder to get past the junction
4. Stay in the left lane, as it will rejoin after the junction

Answer: B. At some junctions a lane leads directly off the motorway. Look well ahead for signs and road markings, and only get in that lane if you want to go the way it leads. If you're continuing, change lanes well before the junction rather than cutting across late. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 266

1. To signal to the driver behind that you're about to pull out
2. To check the lane markings are broken rather than solid
3. To make sure the vehicle you're overtaking has seen you coming
4. To check for a vehicle hidden in your blind spot

Answer: D. Mirrors don't show everything. A vehicle can disappear from view in the blind spot beside you, so a quick sideways glance confirms where it is before you move out. Traffic may also be approaching quickly from behind, so check all your mirrors carefully too. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 267

1. Speed and distance are harder to judge
2. Overtaking is only allowed in daylight
3. Lorries are allowed to use every lane after dark
4. The speed limit is lower after dark

Answer: A. Rule 267 warns you to be especially careful at night and in poor visibility, because it's harder to judge the speed and distance of other vehicles. Take time to judge speeds correctly before pulling out. The motorway speed limit is the same by day and night. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 267

1. Wait for a safe chance to overtake on the right
2. Move into lane one, pass the car, then move back
3. Stay close behind until the driver moves over
4. Flash your headlights and pass on whichever side clears first

Answer: A. Don't overtake on the left or move into a lane on your left to get past someone. Overtake only on the right, when it's safe. Only in congested conditions, where adjacent lanes are moving at similar speeds, may you keep up with the traffic in your lane even if this means passing traffic on your right — that doesn't apply on a clear road. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 267 and 268

1. You may use it at the national speed limit
2. You may use it if the other lanes are queuing
3. It's open to buses and coaches only
4. Don't use it except in an emergency

Answer: D. Where the hard shoulder is used as an extra lane, you can drive on it only when a speed limit is shown above it. A blank sign or a red X means it must not be used except in an emergency, just like an ordinary hard shoulder. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 269

1. Build up speed within the area, then merge into a gap in lane one
2. Use the emergency telephone and follow the operator's advice
3. Switch on your hazard lights and pull out slowly
4. Reverse to the start of the area to get a longer run-up

Answer: B. Before leaving an emergency area you must use the emergency telephone provided and follow the operator's advice. A lane may need to be closed so you can rejoin safely. This differs from a hard shoulder, where you build up speed and watch for a safe gap. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 278

1. When red flashing light signals show above your lane
2. When you need to answer an urgent call on your mobile phone
3. When you want to check directions on a map
4. When a passenger feels travel sick

Answer: A. You must not stop on a motorway carriageway, hard shoulder, slip road or verge except in an emergency, or when told to by the police, traffic officers, an emergency sign or red flashing light signals. Phone calls and route checks should wait until you reach services or an exit. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 271

1. Stop briefly with your hazard lights on
2. Let them out on the slip road instead
3. Drop them off on the verge beside an emergency telephone
4. Refuse, as it's only allowed in an emergency

Answer: D. Rule 272 says you must not pick up or set down anyone, or walk on a motorway, except in an emergency. Stopping on the hard shoulder, slip road or verge for this isn't allowed either. Drop your passenger somewhere safe and legal off the motorway. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 271 and 272

1. Stay in lane three until the countdown markers, then cut across
2. Move into the left-hand lane well before you reach the exit
3. Signal left and move across all lanes at the 100-yard marker
4. Leave from lane two if lane one is busy

Answer: B. Watch for the signs showing you're getting near your exit, move into the left-hand lane well before reaching it, then signal left in good time and reduce your speed on the slip road as necessary. Leaving it late forces you to cut across lanes at speed. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 273

1. Speed up until the road feels as quick as the motorway did
2. Trust your judgement, as your sense of speed is more reliable
3. Check your speedometer, as you may be going faster than it feels
4. Keep to whatever speed feels comfortable for the first few miles

Answer: C. After a long time at high speed, your sense of speed adjusts. Rule 274 warns that 50 mph may feel like 30 mph when you leave a motorway or use a link road. Check your speedometer and adjust your speed accordingly. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 274

1. A higher speed limit than on the motorway itself
2. A lower speed limit that applies to lorries only
3. Sharp bends that mean you'll need to slow down
4. Pedestrians crossing the link road

Answer: C. Some slip roads and link roads between motorways have sharp bends, so you'll need to slow down. Because you've been travelling fast, you may be going quicker than you think — check your speedometer and adjust before you reach the bend. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 274

1. 300 yards
2. 100 yards
3. Half a mile
4. 3 miles

Answer: A. Countdown markers are placed on the approach to a motorway exit, and each bar represents 100 yards to the exit. Three bars mean about 300 yards to go, two bars about 200 yards and one bar about 100 yards. Reference: The Highway Code — Traffic signs

1. You're next to the central reservation
2. You're at the left-hand edge of the carriageway
3. You're passing a slip road
4. You're in a section of temporary road works

Answer: B. Rule 132 sets out the colour code: red studs mark the left edge of the road, white studs mark the lanes, amber studs mark the central reservation, and green studs mark the edge of the main carriageway at lay-bys and slip roads. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 132

1. The edge of the hard shoulder
2. A lane for emergency vehicles
3. The central reservation
4. Where a slip road or lay-by meets the main carriageway

Answer: D. Green studs mark the edge of the main carriageway at lay-bys and slip roads, so they show where you can leave or where traffic may join. Red studs mark the left edge of the road and amber studs the central reservation. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 132

1. A lower speed limit starts here and is enforced by cameras
2. You're approaching an emergency area
3. There are temporary lane changes, such as at road works
4. There's a lay-by for lorries ahead

Answer: C. Rule 132 explains that green/yellow studs indicate temporary adjustments to lane layouts, for example where road works are taking place. Lanes may be narrower than normal, so keep a safe distance and make sure you can clearly see the edges of your lane. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 132 and 290

1. Pass it on the right, where there's usually more room
2. Follow it until it leaves the carriageway
3. Pass it on the left, as the sign shows
4. Pass it on whichever side is clearer

Answer: C. Works vehicles may be used to close lanes for repairs. Where a large 'Keep Left' or 'Keep Right' sign is displayed on the back, you must move over and pass on the side indicated, and not return to the closed lane until you can see it's safe. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 289

1. Stay behind it and don't pass it
2. Overtake it only if the lane beside it is clear
3. Pass it using the hard shoulder
4. Flash your lights to ask the driver to pull over

Answer: A. Rule 289 says you must not pass a vehicle displaying 'CONVOY VEHICLE NO OVERTAKING'. Stay behind it, keep a safe distance and follow any other signs, as lanes may be closed and a lower speed limit may apply through the works. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 289

1. Changes in road camber can affect your stability
2. Oncoming traffic has priority at those points
3. Speed cameras are always placed there
4. Road workers cross the carriageway there

Answer: A. In a contraflow you may be in a narrower lane than normal, with no permanent barrier between you and oncoming traffic. At the start and finish, changes in the camber of the road may affect vehicle stability, so slow down and increase your distance from the vehicle ahead. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 290

1. Drive at exactly 70 mph, as that's the target speed on motorways
2. Keep changing your speed to help you stay alert
3. Keep a steady cruising speed that's safe and within the limit
4. Match the speed of the fastest traffic around you

Answer: C. Rule 260 says that when you can see well ahead and conditions are good, drive at a steady cruising speed that you and your vehicle can handle safely and that's within the speed limit. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front, and increase the gap on wet or icy roads or in fog. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 260

1. Keep up with the traffic around you
2. So you can stop well within the distance you can see
3. Stay at 50 mph, which is safe in fog
4. Stay close enough to keep the tail lights ahead in view

Answer: B. In fog you should be able to pull up well within the distance you can see clearly — especially important on motorways, where traffic travels faster. Rear lights can give a false sense of security, and keeping up with others may mean driving too fast. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 235

1. Speed up to get away from it
2. Switch on your hazard lights
3. Keep a steady, safe speed and don't accelerate away
4. Brake sharply to warn the driver

Answer: C. Rule 235 says not to accelerate to get away from a vehicle that's too close behind you in fog. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, check your mirrors before slowing, and brake so your brake lights give drivers behind early warning. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 235

1. Slow down so you can see what has happened as you pass
2. Stop on the hard shoulder to offer help
3. Switch on your hazard lights to warn others
4. Focus on the road ahead and don't slow unnecessarily

Answer: D. When passing an incident, stay alert for hazards but don't slow down unnecessarily — for example, when it's on the other side of a dual carriageway. Looking at the scene instead of the road can cause another collision or congestion on your side. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 282

1. Follow their directions about whether and when you can pass
2. Overtake them using the hard shoulder if it looks clear ahead
3. Leave at the next exit, whatever they signal
4. Flash your headlights to be let through

Answer: A. Emergency services, traffic officers and recovery workers may need to work in the carriageway — dealing with debris or collisions, or conducting rolling roadblocks. You must follow any directions given by police or traffic officers about whether you can safely pass the incident or obstruction. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 281

1. Motorways have more junctions than other roads
2. You're not allowed to signal on a motorway
3. Mirrors are less effective at high speed
4. Traffic travels faster, so you have less time to react

Answer: D. Traffic on motorways usually travels faster than on other roads, so situations develop quickly and you have less time to react. Rule 254 advises using your mirrors earlier and looking much further ahead than you would elsewhere, so you can plan in good time. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 254

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.