--- title: "Vehicle Safety Quiz: 55 Free Questions | The License Desk" url: https://www.thelicensedesk.com/theory-test/safety-and-your-vehicle/practice-test/ updated: 2026-09-26 --- > Source: https://www.thelicensedesk.com/theory-test/safety-and-your-vehicle/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 # Vehicle Safety quiz: 55 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 Safety & Your Vehicle 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. Vehicle condition, fault warning signs, security and environmental basics. ## Safety & Your Vehicle 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. What is the legal minimum tread depth for car tyres?** A. 1.0 mm across the whole tyre B. 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth, around the entire circumference C. 2.5 mm on the outer edges only D. 3.0 mm in winter months **Answer: B.** Car tyres must have at least 1.6 mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tyre, all the way round. Worn tyres dramatically increase stopping distances, especially in the wet. Reference: The Highway Code — Annex 6: Vehicle maintenance, safety and security **Q2. When should you check your tyre pressures for an accurate reading?** A. Immediately after a motorway journey B. When the tyres are cold, using the pressures in the vehicle handbook C. Only at an MOT test D. After driving at least ten miles **Answer: B.** Driving warms the air in the tyres and raises the reading. Check pressures when cold, against the handbook figures — and remember to adjust for heavy loads or motorway trips where the handbook says so. Reference: The Highway Code — Annex 6: Vehicle maintenance, safety and security **Q3. What is the main benefit of anti-lock brakes (ABS) in an emergency stop?** A. They shorten stopping distance on ice B. They stop the wheels locking, so you can continue to steer while braking hard C. They apply the handbrake automatically D. They make skids impossible in all conditions **Answer: B.** ABS prevents the wheels locking under hard braking, which keeps the steering responsive so you can avoid the hazard while stopping. It doesn't guarantee shorter stops, particularly on loose or icy surfaces. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 120 **Q4. Your steering suddenly feels heavy. What's the most likely cause?** A. Worn brake pads B. A tyre with too little air in it C. A full fuel tank D. Cold engine oil **Answer: B.** Heavy steering commonly points to an underinflated or punctured tyre. Stop somewhere safe and check — driving on a badly deflated tyre wrecks the tyre and can cause loss of control. Reference: The Highway Code — Annex 6: Vehicle maintenance, safety and security **Q5. The brake system warning light stays on after you start the car. What should you do?** A. Drive normally — warning lights often reset themselves B. Check the handbrake is fully released, and if the light stays on have the brakes checked before driving on C. Pump the brake pedal until the light goes out D. Ignore it if the brakes feel normal **Answer: B.** A brake warning light can mean low fluid or a system fault. Brakes are not a 'monitor it' item: if the light stays on, get the system checked immediately rather than driving on. Reference: The Highway Code — Annex 6: Vehicle maintenance, safety and security **Q6. What does a catalytic converter do?** A. Improves fuel economy B. Reduces the toxic gases in the exhaust C. Quietens the exhaust note D. Increases engine power **Answer: B.** The catalytic converter chemically converts the most harmful exhaust gases into less damaging ones. It doesn't reduce carbon dioxide — driving less and driving smoothly do that. **Q7. Your steering wheel vibrates at certain speeds. What's the likely cause?** A. The wheels need balancing B. Low engine oil C. Worn brake pads D. A faulty alternator **Answer: A.** A speed-related vibration through the steering usually means unbalanced front wheels. Have them balanced promptly — the vibration accelerates wear in tyres, steering and suspension. **Q8. Which of these reduces fuel consumption?** A. Accelerating hard between junctions B. Carrying an empty roof rack all year C. Smooth, gentle acceleration, correct tyre pressures, and removing unused roof racks D. Letting the engine idle to warm up before every trip **Answer: C.** Aggressive acceleration, underinflated tyres, idling and permanent roof racks all burn extra fuel. Smooth driving can cut consumption by a meaningful margin — and cuts emissions with it. **Q9. How often does the Highway Code advise you to check your tyre pressures?** A. Only before a long motorway journey B. Once a month, straight after a drive C. Whenever the car goes in for a service D. Every week **Answer: D.** Annex 6 advises checking tyre pressures weekly, before you set off while the tyres are cold. Pressures can drop gradually without any obvious sign, and under- or over-inflated tyres affect both your braking and your steering. Reference: The Highway Code — Annex 6: Vehicle maintenance, safety and security **Q10. You notice the front tyres are wearing much more on one edge than the other. What could this point to?** A. Misaligned wheels or a brake or suspension fault B. Driving mostly in wet weather C. Filling up with the wrong grade of fuel D. Parking with the wheels resting against the kerb overnight **Answer: A.** Excessive or uneven tyre wear can be caused by faults in the braking or suspension systems, or by wheels that are out of alignment. Have these faults put right as soon as possible. Reference: The Highway Code — Annex 6: Vehicle maintenance, safety and security **Q11. A front tyre bursts while you're driving along a main road. What should you do?** A. Brake hard straight away so you stop in the shortest distance B. Steer sharply towards the kerb and pull up as quickly as you can C. Grip the wheel firmly and let the car roll to a stop at the roadside D. Switch off the engine at once and coast onto the verge or hard shoulder **Answer: C.** A sudden burst can pull the car to one side. Keep a firm grip to hold your course and let the car slow down and roll to a stop at the side of the road. Harsh braking or sharp steering could make you lose control. Reference: The Highway Code — Annex 6: Vehicle maintenance, safety and security **Q12. You get a flat tyre on a busy road where there's no safe space to work on the car. What does the Highway Code advise?** A. Change the wheel quickly with your hazard lights on B. Keep driving slowly to the nearest garage, however far C. Ask a passenger to stand in the road to warn traffic D. Stop when safe and call a breakdown service **Answer: D.** Stop as soon as it's safe. Only change the tyre yourself if you can do so without putting yourself or others at risk — on a busy road with no safe space, call a breakdown service instead. Driving on a flat tyre can cause loss of control. Reference: The Highway Code — Annex 6: Vehicle maintenance, safety and security **Q13. You're stopped by the police and one of your tyres is found to be defective. What can this offence add to your licence?** A. 3 penalty points B. Nothing — tyre faults only lead to a warning C. 6 penalty points and an automatic ban D. Nothing, as long as the car has a current MOT **Answer: A.** Using a vehicle with defective tyres is an endorsable offence (code CU30) carrying 3 penalty points. A valid MOT certificate is no defence: you're responsible for keeping the car roadworthy every time you drive it. Reference: GOV.UK — Penalty points (endorsements) **Q14. Every time you brake, your car pulls to the left. What is the most likely cause?** A. A worn clutch that needs adjusting B. Low coolant level in the radiator C. A brake fault or wrongly inflated tyres D. Too much oil in the engine sump after a service **Answer: C.** A car that pulls to one side when braking most likely has a brake fault or incorrectly inflated tyres. Both stop the car braking evenly, so consult a garage or mechanic immediately rather than waiting for the next service. Reference: The Highway Code — Annex 6: Vehicle maintenance, safety and security **Q15. You press down firmly on one corner of your car and it keeps bouncing up and down after you let go. What does this suggest?** A. The tyres are over-inflated B. The shock absorbers are worn C. The wheels need balancing D. The springs are brand new and still settling **Answer: B.** If a car continues to bounce after being pushed down at the front or rear, its shock absorbers are worn. Worn shock absorbers can seriously affect how the vehicle performs, so have them replaced rather than waiting for them to fail. Reference: The Highway Code — Annex 6: Vehicle maintenance, safety and security **Q16. How often does the Highway Code recommend checking your vehicle's fluid levels, such as brake fluid?** A. Only at the annual MOT B. Every six months C. Only when a warning light comes on D. At least once a week **Answer: D.** Annex 6 recommends checking fluid levels at least weekly. Low brake fluid can lead to brake failure and a crash, so don't rely on the MOT or wait for a low-fluid warning light to prompt you. Reference: The Highway Code — Annex 6: Vehicle maintenance, safety and security **Q17. Your car has anti-lock brakes and you need to stop in an emergency. How should you use the footbrake?** A. Press it firmly and keep pressing until you've slowed enough B. Pump it on and off rapidly C. Press it gently at first so the ABS doesn't activate D. Brake hard, then let go completely as soon as you feel the ABS pulsing **Answer: A.** With ABS, apply the footbrake firmly and don't release the pressure until you've slowed to the speed you want. The system stops the wheels locking so you can still steer; pumping or releasing the pedal works against it. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 120 **Q18. You turn the ignition and several warning lights come on. What should normally happen once the engine starts?** A. They should all stay lit until the engine has warmed up B. They should flash in turn to show each bulb is working C. They should go out, except the handbrake warning light D. Only the oil pressure light should go out **Answer: C.** Warning lights come on as a check when you turn the ignition, then go out once the engine starts — except the handbrake warning light. If any others stay on, stop and investigate, as you could have a serious fault. Reference: The Highway Code — Annex 6: Vehicle maintenance, safety and security **Q19. An unfamiliar warning light comes on while you're driving. What should you do?** A. Stop somewhere safe and find out what it means B. Carry on — if the car feels normal it can wait C. Ignore it unless it's accompanied by a warning noise D. Drive faster to reach home before the fault gets worse **Answer: A.** Warning displays can indicate a dangerous fault developing. If a light comes on while you're driving, stop when it's safe and investigate — check the handbook — rather than hoping it goes away. Learn what every display on your instrument panel means. Reference: The Highway Code — Annex 6: Vehicle maintenance, safety and security **Q20. The battery charge warning light comes on while you're driving. What might this mean?** A. The engine oil needs topping up B. The handbrake has been left on C. You're low on fuel D. The battery isn't being charged **Answer: D.** The charge warning light may mean the battery isn't charging. Have it checked as soon as possible — if the battery runs down you could lose power to your lights and other electrical systems, which is especially dangerous at night. Reference: The Highway Code — Annex 6: Vehicle maintenance, safety and security **Q21. Your temperature gauge shows the engine has overheated. When should you remove the coolant filler cap to top up?** A. Straight away, while the engine is still running B. Only after the engine has cooled down naturally C. After pouring cold water over the radiator D. As soon as steam stops coming from the bonnet **Answer: B.** If your engine overheats, wait until it has cooled naturally before removing the coolant filler cap and adding water or coolant. Opening the system while it's still hot risks scalding, and pouring cold water over a hot engine isn't a safe shortcut. Reference: The Highway Code — Annex 6: Vehicle maintenance, safety and security **Q22. While driving you notice a smell of burning rubber that you can't explain. What should you do?** A. Open the windows and carry on B. Wait until your next service to mention it C. Investigate it straight away D. Turn the heater up to clear the air **Answer: C.** Unusual smells such as burning rubber, petrol or an electrical fault should be investigated immediately. Stop somewhere safe and check, or get help — the Highway Code warns you not to risk a fire. Reference: The Highway Code — Annex 6: Vehicle maintenance, safety and security **Q23. Winter is approaching. Which preparation does the Highway Code specifically advise?** A. Check the battery and use anti-freeze in the radiator and washer bottle B. Let some air out of all four tyres so they grip better on icy roads C. Switch to a thinner engine oil to help the engine start in the cold D. Keep the fuel tank nearly empty to reduce weight on slippery winter roads **Answer: A.** Before winter, make sure the battery is well maintained and there are suitable anti-freeze agents in both the radiator and the windscreen washer bottle. Letting air out of tyres doesn't improve grip — they must stay at the manufacturer's specified pressures. Reference: The Highway Code — Annex 6: Vehicle maintenance, safety and security **Q24. While filling up, you accidentally spill diesel on the forecourt. What should you do?** A. Leave it — it will evaporate quickly B. Wash it into the drain with water from the air-and-water point C. Cover it with a paper towel and drive off D. Report it to the attendant straight away **Answer: D.** Any spilled fuel should be reported to the petrol station attendant immediately. Diesel makes the surface very slippery and is particularly dangerous to motorcyclists, so leaving it or trying to hide it puts other road users at risk. Reference: The Highway Code — Annex 6: Vehicle maintenance, safety and security **Q25. Why must you never smoke or use a mobile phone on a petrol station forecourt?** A. It's a rule purely to stop queues building up at the pumps B. They're a fire risk that could cause an explosion C. The fuel pumps may stop working D. It's banned only while the engine is running **Answer: B.** The Highway Code warns that smoking and using a mobile phone on a petrol station forecourt are major fire risks and could cause an explosion. Wait until you've left the forecourt and parked somewhere safe before making a call. Reference: The Highway Code — Annex 6: Vehicle maintenance, safety and security **Q26. After a drive along muddy lanes, your rear number plate and lights are caked in dirt. What does the law require?** A. Nothing, provided the front number plate is still clean B. Clean them only if you'll be driving after dark C. Clean them — they must be kept clean and clear D. Leave them until the car's next wash or service **Answer: C.** Lights, indicators, reflectors and number plates MUST be kept clean and clear — day or night, front and rear. Dirty lights make you harder to see and an obscured plate breaks the law, so clean them before carrying on. Reference: The Highway Code — Annex 6: Vehicle maintenance, safety and security **Q27. On which windows are there no legal limits on how dark the tint can be?** A. The rear windscreen and rear passenger windows B. The windscreen and the driver's side window C. The front passenger window only D. All of them, if fitted after purchase **Answer: A.** Excessively dark tint is illegal on the windscreen and on the front side windows either side of the driver. There are no light-transmission limits for the rear windscreen or rear passenger windows, and tint fitted during manufacture already complies. Reference: The Highway Code — Annex 6: Vehicle maintenance, safety and security **Q28. For lighting rules, how does the Highway Code define 'night' (the hours of darkness)?** A. From 8 pm until 6 am, whatever the time of year B. From one hour before sunset to one hour after sunrise C. Half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise D. Any time the street lights in your area are switched on automatically **Answer: C.** Night is defined as the period between half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise. Separately, sidelights and rear number plate lights MUST be lit from sunset to sunrise, so the two periods aren't the same. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 113 **Q29. You're stopped in a long queue of stationary traffic with your foot on the footbrake. What does the Highway Code suggest once the traffic behind you has stopped?** A. Switch on your hazard warning lights B. Switch off your headlights completely C. Keep your foot firmly on the footbrake so the brake lights stay bright D. Apply the parking brake and take your foot off the footbrake **Answer: D.** In stationary queues, apply the parking brake and, once the traffic behind has stopped, take your foot off the footbrake. This switches off your brake lights and cuts the glare for drivers behind until the queue moves again. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 114 **Q30. You're driving at night through a town where the street lights are on. Which lights should you use?** A. Sidelights only B. Main beam headlights C. Front fog lights D. Dipped headlights **Answer: D.** Use dipped headlights, or dim-dip if fitted, at night in built-up areas so that you can be seen. Sidelights alone make you hard to spot, main beam would dazzle others, and fog lights are only for seriously reduced visibility. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 115 **Q31. The fog has cleared, but the driver ahead still has bright rear fog lights on. Why is this a problem?** A. It burns a noticeable amount of extra fuel B. It will flatten their battery within a few minutes C. They can dazzle you and mask their brake lights D. It's only a problem on motorways **Answer: C.** Fog lights must only be used when visibility is seriously reduced and switched off when it improves. Left on in clear conditions, rear fog lights dazzle following drivers and can obscure the brake lights, so you may not notice the car ahead slowing. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 114 and 236 **Q32. A driver stops on double yellow lines to nip into a shop, leaving the hazard warning lights flashing. What's wrong with this?** A. Hazard lights never make illegal parking acceptable B. Nothing — hazard lights allow a brief stop anywhere you like C. It's fine as long as someone stays in the car D. Hazard lights must only be used after dark **Answer: A.** Hazard warning lights may be used when you're stationary to warn that you're temporarily obstructing traffic, but they must never be used as an excuse for dangerous or illegal parking. Waiting restrictions still apply with them switched on. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 116 **Q33. You're parked at the roadside waiting for a friend. When they come out of their house, may you sound your horn to let them know you're there?** A. Yes, as long as it's before 11.30 pm B. Yes, a single short toot is always allowed C. Yes, provided you're parked outside a built-up area D. No, not while you're stationary on the road **Answer: D.** You MUST NOT use your horn while stationary on the road, unless another road user poses a danger. The horn is only for warning others of your presence while you're moving — never for greetings or to show annoyance. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 112 **Q34. You want to fit a rear-facing baby seat in the front passenger seat, which has an active frontal airbag. What must you do?** A. Nothing — the airbag will help to cushion the seat in a crash B. Switch off the airbag before fitting it C. Turn the baby seat round so it faces forwards D. Slide the passenger seat as far forward as it will go **Answer: B.** A rear-facing baby seat MUST NOT be fitted in a seat protected by an active frontal airbag — in a crash the airbag can cause serious injury or death to the baby. Deactivate the airbag first, or fit the seat in the back. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 101 **Q35. A height-based (R129) child car seat must stay rear-facing until the child is what age?** A. Over 6 months B. Over 12 months C. Over 15 months D. Over 18 months **Answer: C.** Height-based seats, approved to R129 and labelled with a capital 'E' in a circle, must be rear-facing until the child is over 15 months old. After that, the child can use a forward-facing seat that's suitable for their height. Reference: GOV.UK — Child car seats: the law **Q36. The only seat free for your child's car seat has a lap belt with no diagonal strap. When can you fit the child seat there?** A. Only if it's designed for lap belts or uses ISOFIX points B. At any time, as long as the child is over 3 years old C. Only for short journeys at low speeds in town D. Never — a child seat can't be fitted in the back **Answer: A.** You must only use a child car seat with a seat belt that has a diagonal strap, unless the seat is specifically designed for use with a lap belt or is fitted using ISOFIX anchor points. Otherwise, the child seat can't be fitted in that seat. Reference: GOV.UK — Child car seats: the law **Q37. You own a classic car that was originally built without any seat belts. Which children may you carry in it?** A. Any child, as long as they sit in the back B. Children of any age in the front passenger seat C. No children at all under 12 D. Children aged 3 or over, in the back seats only **Answer: D.** If a vehicle was originally made without seat belts, you're not allowed to carry children under 3 in it at all, and children over 3 may only sit in the back seats. These rules apply only to vehicles originally built without belts. Reference: GOV.UK — Seat belts: the law **Q38. In which situation is a car driver allowed not to wear a seat belt?** A. While reversing B. On journeys of less than a mile C. When driving below 20 mph in town D. When the driver is pregnant **Answer: A.** A driver who is reversing, or supervising a learner who is reversing, doesn't need to wear a seat belt. Short trips and low speeds are not exemptions, and pregnant women must wear one unless their doctor says otherwise for medical reasons. Reference: GOV.UK — Seat belts: the law **Q39. What is the maximum fine for not wearing a seat belt when you're required to?** A. £100 B. £250 C. £500 D. £1,000 **Answer: C.** You can be fined up to £500 for not wearing a seat belt when you're supposed to. The same maximum applies to a driver carrying a child under 14 who isn't in the correct car seat or wearing a seat belt. Reference: GOV.UK — Seat belts: the law **Q40. You're driving with young children in the back. What does the Highway Code say you should use, where fitted?** A. The rear fog lights B. The child safety door locks C. The automatic rear-view mirror dimmer D. The speed limiter, set to 20 mph **Answer: B.** Where child safety door locks are fitted, use them whenever children are in the vehicle so the rear doors can't be opened from inside. Children should also get in on the side nearest the kerb and be kept under control. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 102 **Q41. In an unexpected emergency you must drive a friend's five-year-old a short distance, but there's no suitable child seat. What does the law allow?** A. The child must sit on an adult's lap in the back B. The journey can't be made without a child seat C. The child can sit in the front without any restraint D. The child can use an adult belt in a rear seat **Answer: D.** If the correct child seat isn't available, a child aged 3 or over may use an adult seat belt in the back when the journey is unexpected, necessary and over a short distance. Holding a child on someone's lap is never a legal alternative. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 99; GOV.UK — Child car seats: the law **Q42. You've borrowed a car from a much taller friend. Why should you adjust the head restraint before setting off?** A. To help protect your neck and spine in a crash B. To make the seat more comfortable on a long journey C. To give you a better view through the rear windscreen D. So you can rest your head on it in slow traffic **Answer: A.** Properly adjusted head restraints reduce the risk of neck and spine injuries if you're in a collision. Check the position whenever someone else has set the car up — it's a safety device, not a comfort feature or a headrest for queues. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 97 **Q43. You're about to drive home from the beach wearing loose flip-flops. What does the Highway Code say about footwear?** A. Drivers must always wear shoes that have laces or buckles B. Footwear only matters when you're driving on a motorway C. It mustn't stop you using the controls properly D. Driving barefoot is against the law in the UK **Answer: C.** Before setting off, make sure your clothing and footwear don't prevent you from using the controls in the correct manner. Loose flip-flops can slip off or catch under a pedal, so change into something suitable first. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 97 **Q44. You're popping into a shop for two minutes and leaving your car in the car park. What should you do?** A. Leave the key in so you can get away quickly B. Leave a window open for fresh air C. Leave it unlocked, as you'll only be a moment D. Remove the key, shut the windows and lock the car **Answer: D.** Whenever you leave your vehicle, remove the ignition key, engage the steering lock, close the windows completely and lock it — even if you'll only be gone for a few minutes. An unlocked car is an easy target. Reference: The Highway Code — Annex 6: Vehicle maintenance, safety and security **Q45. You're leaving your car parked in town with shopping bags on the back seat. What's the best way to reduce the risk of a break-in?** A. Cover the bags with a coat so they can't be seen clearly B. Take them with you or lock them in the boot C. Leave the interior light on D. Park so the bags are on the side away from the pavement **Answer: B.** Take all contents with you or lock them in the boot. As far as a thief knows, even an ordinary carrier bag might contain valuables — and a coat thrown over something on the seat can look just as tempting. Reference: The Highway Code — Annex 6: Vehicle maintenance, safety and security **Q46. Which low-cost measure does the Highway Code suggest as an effective deterrent to professional car thieves?** A. Parking with the front wheels turned in towards the kerb B. Keeping the car's documents in the glovebox as proof C. Etching the registration number on the windows D. Removing the rear number plate when parked overnight **Answer: C.** Having your registration number etched on all your car windows is a cheap and effective deterrent to professional thieves. For extra security fit an alarm or immobiliser, and never leave the vehicle documents in the car. Reference: The Highway Code — Annex 6: Vehicle maintenance, safety and security **Q47. It's a warm day and you need to run a quick errand. Your dog is in the car. What should you do?** A. Don't leave the dog in an unventilated car B. Leave the dog if you park in the shade C. Leave the dog with the engine running D. Leave the dog with the windows shut to keep it secure **Answer: A.** Never leave children or pets in an unventilated car — the temperature inside can rise dangerously. Leaving the engine running for the air conditioning isn't an option either: you mustn't leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running. Reference: The Highway Code — Annex 6: Vehicle maintenance, safety and security; rule 123 **Q48. On a frosty morning your car is parked on the street outside your home. You start the engine to warm it up, then go back indoors while it de-ices. What's wrong with this?** A. Nothing, provided the doors are locked while you're inside B. You mustn't leave it unattended with the engine running C. It's fine as long as you're back within a few minutes D. Nothing — the engine needs to idle to warm up properly **Answer: B.** You MUST NOT leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running, or leave the engine running unnecessarily while stationary on a public road. It adds to pollution and noise and makes the car easy to steal. Clear the ice with a scraper instead. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 123 **Q49. You're parked near a school, expecting to wait several minutes to collect your child. What should you do with the engine?** A. Keep it running so the car stays warm B. Rev it now and then to keep the battery charged C. Leave it running in case you need to move D. Switch it off to cut emissions and noise **Answer: D.** If you're likely to be stationary for more than a couple of minutes, apply the parking brake and switch off the engine to reduce emissions and noise pollution. Leaving it running is only acceptable when stationary in traffic or diagnosing a fault. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 123 **Q50. Your car starts to produce clouds of dark smoke from the exhaust. Why should you get it checked promptly?** A. Emissions must not exceed prescribed levels B. Dark smoke is normal once a car gets older C. It only matters when the MOT is due D. It will clear once the engine warms up **Answer: A.** The law says exhaust emissions MUST NOT exceed prescribed levels. Heavy smoke points to a fault that is adding to air pollution, and it isn't just an MOT issue — the requirement applies every time you drive. Reference: The Highway Code — Annex 6: Vehicle maintenance, safety and security **Q51. You're planning a long motorway journey in an electric car. What does the Highway Code say you should make sure of before setting off?** A. That you'll only drive in the left-hand lane B. That the battery is fully drained so it charges faster C. That you have enough charge for the journey D. That the car stays in eco mode for the whole trip **Answer: C.** Before setting off you should make sure you have sufficient fuel or charge for your journey, especially if it includes motorway driving. Running out on a motorway could leave you stranded somewhere dangerous, so plan where you'll recharge. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 97 **Q52. You've just filled your car with fuel. Which check does the Highway Code advise to help prevent a fuel leak?** A. Top the tank up until fuel reaches the filler neck B. Make sure the fuel cap is fastened securely C. Leave the fuel cap slightly loose to let vapour escape D. Rock the car gently to settle the fuel in the tank **Answer: B.** Annex 6 says double-check for fuel leaks: don't overfill your tank, make sure the fuel cap is fastened securely and its seal isn't torn, perished or missing, and check there's no visible damage to the cap or the tank. Spilt diesel makes the road dangerously slippery. Reference: The Highway Code — Annex 6: Vehicle maintenance, safety and security **Q53. Your car can be parked using a hand-held remote device, such as a phone app. What must you do while using it?** A. Stay inside the car with your seat belt fastened B. Only use it in private car parks, never on a road C. Use the time to check messages while it parks itself D. Remain in control of the car at all times **Answer: D.** Before using a hand-held device to help you park, you MUST make sure it's safe, and you MUST remain in control of the vehicle throughout. Don't use the device for anything else while parking, and take the shortest, safest route into the space. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 239 **Q54. Which item does the Highway Code recommend having with you for use in an emergency?** A. A spare set of car keys B. A full spare can of fuel C. High-visibility clothing D. A tow rope **Answer: C.** For emergency use, the Highway Code recommends having high-visibility clothing and a mobile phone containing emergency contacts, such as your breakdown service. If you break down, high-vis clothing helps other road users see you. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 97 **Q55. It's a frosty morning and you're running late. You've scraped a small patch clear on the windscreen. What must you do before driving off?** A. Clear all the ice and snow from every window first B. Drive slowly until the heater clears the rest C. Clear just the driver's side of the windscreen D. Open your side window to look out of instead **Answer: A.** You MUST be able to see, so clear all snow and ice from all your windows before setting off, and make sure the mirrors are clear and the windows demisted. Peering through a small gap hides pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles at junctions. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 229 ## Frequently asked questions **### How many Safety & Your Vehicle 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. - [Alertness](/theory-test/alertness/practice-test/) - [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 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.