Vehicle Handling quiz: 50 free theory test questions

1. Whenever it rains
2. Only when visibility is seriously reduced — generally below 100 metres
3. At night on unlit roads
4. In slow-moving traffic

Answer: B. Fog lights are for seriously reduced visibility (generally under 100 metres) and must be switched off when it improves — left on, they dazzle other drivers and hide your brake lights. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 226 and 234–236

1. Worn road surfaces
2. The driver — braking, accelerating or steering too harshly for the conditions
3. Cold weather alone
4. Low fuel level

Answer: B. Skids don't just happen — they're usually caused by braking, accelerating or steering too harshly, or driving too fast for the conditions. To recover, release the brake or ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction of the skid: if the rear slides right, steer right. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 119

1. In tunnels and underpasses
2. On exposed stretches, high bridges and when passing gaps between buildings or high-sided vehicles
3. Only in built-up areas
4. On smooth, newly surfaced roads

Answer: B. Gusts hit hardest on exposed and elevated sections and in the gaps around large vehicles. Give cyclists, motorcyclists and high-sided vehicles extra room — the wind can push them off line suddenly. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 232–233

1. To save fuel
2. So engine braking helps control your speed and the brakes don't overheat
3. To warm the engine faster
4. Lower gears are required by law downhill

Answer: B. Relying on the footbrake all the way down a long hill can overheat the brakes and fade them. A lower gear lets the engine hold the car back, keeping the brakes effective for when you need them. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 160

1. Switch to full beam so they dip theirs
2. Close one eye until the vehicle passes
3. Slow down, and stop if necessary, until you can see again
4. Sound your horn

Answer: C. Never retaliate with your own full beam — two blinded drivers are worse than one. Ease off, look towards the left edge of your lane, and stop if you genuinely can't see. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 115

1. To test suspension
2. Traffic calming — to slow vehicles where people live and walk
3. To mark private roads
4. To drain surface water

Answer: B. Traffic-calming features force lower speeds in residential and pedestrian areas. Slow down in good time and don't overtake other moving vehicles within them. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 153

1. Mark the edge of the road
2. Alert you through noise and vibration and encourage you to slow down, often before a hazard or junction
3. Warn of a school ahead only
4. Test your tyre tread

Answer: B. Rumble devices use noise, vibration and a visual cue to alert you to a hazard ahead — usually a bend or junction, often on rural roads — and to encourage you to slow down. Reference: Know Your Traffic Signs — Traffic calming

1. Fast, to avoid stalling
2. Slowly in a low gear, keeping the engine speed up — then test your brakes gently once through
3. In neutral with the brakes covered
4. Floods on public roads are always impassable

Answer: B. If the water is shallow enough to attempt, cross slowly in a low gear to avoid making a bow wave. Afterwards, remember your brakes may be less effective: test them gently at the first safe opportunity and, if they're not working fully, brake lightly while driving slowly to dry them out. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 121 (brakes after driving through deep water)

1. Early and lightly, then more firmly, easing off just before you stop
2. Late and firmly, so that you spend as little time as possible slowing
3. In short, sharp pumps of the pedal all the way to the stop
4. Mostly with the parking brake, keeping the footbrake for emergencies

Answer: A. Rule 117 says the safest way to brake is early and lightly, braking more firmly as you begin to stop, then easing the pressure off just before the car comes to rest to avoid a jerky stop. Late, harsh braking leaves no margin if things change. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 117

1. Braking straight away
2. Keeping both hands on the steering wheel
3. Checking your mirrors once you've stopped
4. Braking so hard that the wheels lock

Answer: D. Rule 118: in an emergency, brake immediately, but try to avoid braking so harshly that you lock your wheels — locked wheels can lead to loss of control. Keeping both hands on the wheel helps you stay in full control of the car. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 118

1. Go down through every gear in turn, releasing the clutch each time
2. Go straight to the gear you need, skipping any in between
3. Stay in top gear and rely on the brakes alone
4. Change down first, before braking, so the engine does all the slowing

Answer: B. DVSA explains that when you're braking and changing down, it's best to brake to the speed you need and then select the appropriate gear, missing out gears if necessary. This 'block changing' lets you keep your hands on the wheel for longer. Reference: Safe Driving for Life (DVSA) — Accelerating and using the gears

1. A car with ABS will always stop in a shorter distance
2. With ABS fitted, you can safely leave a smaller gap to the car ahead
3. ABS helps you keep steering, but may not shorten stopping distance
4. ABS only works properly when the road surface is dry

Answer: C. Rule 120 says ABS should ensure that steering control is retained, but you shouldn't assume a vehicle with ABS will stop in a shorter distance. It's no reason to follow more closely or brake later — keep the same safety margins. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 120

1. To the right, against the direction of the slide
2. Keep the wheel straight and brake firmly
3. Right, then left, to rock the car back into line
4. To the left

Answer: D. Rule 119 says turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid — if the rear slides left, steer left to recover. At the same time, remove the cause by releasing the brake pedal fully or easing off the accelerator. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 119

1. Release the brake pedal fully
2. Press the brake pedal even harder
3. Pull the handbrake on firmly
4. Change down to a much lower gear

Answer: A. Skidding is usually caused by braking, accelerating or steering too harshly for the conditions. Rule 119 says remove the cause — here, release the brake pedal fully — and steer in the direction of the skid. Braking harder keeps the cause going. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 119

1. It increases engine braking, so the car slows down far too sharply
2. It stops your brake lights from working
3. Steering response is affected and selecting a gear becomes harder
4. It makes the engine rev too high as you steer round

Answer: C. Rule 122 explains that coasting reduces control: engine braking is eliminated, steering response is affected — particularly on bends and corners — and it may be more difficult to select the appropriate gear when you need it. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 122

1. Change up to a higher gear
2. Press the clutch down and let the car roll on
3. Switch off the air conditioning and carry on
4. Change down to a lower gear

Answer: D. DVSA advises changing down to a lower gear when driving uphill, so the engine can give enough power without struggling. A higher gear makes it labour more, and pressing the clutch down disconnects the engine completely. Reference: Safe Driving for Life (DVSA) — Accelerating and using the gears

1. Sidelights only
2. Hazard warning lights
3. Dipped headlights
4. Front and rear fog lights

Answer: C. Rule 115 says use dipped headlights in dull daytime weather to make sure you can be seen. Fog lights are only for when visibility is seriously reduced (rule 226), and hazard lights mustn't be used while driving except in limited motorway and dual carriageway situations (rule 116). Reference: The Highway Code — rule 115

1. It will coast freely, as electric cars don't have any engine braking
2. It may slow much faster than you expect, due to regenerative braking
3. The brake lights will flash to warn the drivers behind you
4. Nothing different — it behaves exactly like a manual car

Answer: B. DVSA points out that electric vehicles use regenerative braking, so taking your foot off the accelerator slows the car much faster than in a manual or automatic car. Most have a single gear, but that doesn't mean they accelerate slowly — press the accelerator gently. Reference: Safe Driving for Life (DVSA) — Accelerating and using the gears

1. It can damage the tyres and cause wear in the steering mechanism
2. It drains the battery and can stop the engine from restarting
3. It's illegal on a public road
4. It confuses the ABS, so the brakes won't work when you move off

Answer: A. DVSA advises against turning the steering wheel before the car is moving — known as dry steering — because it can damage the tyres and cause wear in the steering mechanism. This applies equally to manual and automatic cars. Reference: Safe Driving for Life (DVSA) — Moving off safely and smoothly

1. Drivers using hazard lights while parked
2. Drivers flashing their headlights to warn you
3. Cyclists using lights that are too bright
4. Drivers who aren't using their headlights

Answer: D. Rule 235 tells you to beware of other drivers not using headlights in fog, as well as using your wipers and demisters. An unlit car can appear out of the fog with very little warning, so keep your speed down and leave a generous gap. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 235

1. At the start of a motorway
2. Before entering a tunnel
3. After a ford, or before a steep downhill
4. Just before a speed camera on a dual carriageway

Answer: C. Know Your Traffic Signs shows a 'Try your brakes' sign used after crossing a ford or before descending a steep hill. Water can make brakes less effective (rule 121), and a long descent puts heavy demands on them — so check they're working. Reference: Know Your Traffic Signs — Warning signs

1. Brake gently in a safe place and see how the car responds
2. Brake sharply at speed to see if the ABS works
3. Look at whether other vehicles are leaving tyre tracks behind them
4. Steer quickly from side to side on a straight

Answer: A. Rule 231: check your grip on the road surface when there is snow or ice by choosing a safe place to brake gently. If the steering feels unresponsive, this may indicate ice and your vehicle losing its grip on the road. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 231

1. Because engine braking stops working in cold, damp conditions
2. Because it switches on your rear fog lights automatically
3. So the brakes stay dry and work better later
4. So your brake lights warn drivers behind that you're slowing

Answer: D. Rule 235: in fog, check your mirrors before you slow down, then use your brakes so that your brake lights warn drivers behind you that you're slowing down. They may be able to see little more than your lights. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 235

1. Whenever you drive on a motorway or dual carriageway
2. Whenever the outside temperature drops below freezing
3. Whenever you drive through a built-up area with street lights
4. When you can't see for more than about 100 metres

Answer: D. Rule 226: you MUST use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced — generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet). You may also use fog lights in those conditions, but you must switch them off when visibility improves. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 226

1. Parking lights or sidelights
2. No lights, to save the battery
3. Rear fog lights only
4. Full-beam headlights

Answer: A. Rule 251: it's especially dangerous to park on the road in fog, so avoid it if you can. If it's unavoidable, leave your parking lights or sidelights on so that approaching drivers can see your car in time. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 251

1. In a low gear with high revs, to keep the wheels turning
2. At your normal speed, relying on ABS to keep control
3. Slowly, in as high a gear as possible, with gentle controls
4. Close behind the vehicle in front, using its tyre tracks

Answer: C. Rule 231: on icy roads drive at a slow speed in as high a gear as possible, and accelerate and brake very gently. Sudden actions can cause loss of control, and stopping distances can be ten times greater than on dry roads (rule 230). Reference: The Highway Code — rule 231

1. Progressively, on the straight before you reach the bend
2. Firmly, part-way round the bend once you can see the exit
3. Only if the car starts to slide as you go round
4. As you leave the bend and straighten up

Answer: A. Rule 231: drive particularly slowly on bends, where loss of control is more likely. Brake progressively on the straight before you reach the bend, then, having slowed down, steer smoothly round it, avoiding sudden actions. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 231

1. It only forms on motorways, where speeds are higher than elsewhere
2. It melts under the tyres and leaves a film of oil behind
3. It's rain that has frozen on the road and is almost invisible
4. It's always gritted first, so drivers stop taking care

Answer: C. DVSA describes rain freezing on roads as it falls — black ice — as an invisible danger. When driving on ice, keep your speed down and treat every control very delicately; in very cold weather, treat wet-looking surfaces as though they're frozen. Reference: Safe Driving for Life (DVSA) — Winter driving

1. It will make the wipers work too fast
2. It's illegal to use water on a car windscreen
3. It will damage the car's paintwork permanently
4. The glass could crack, and the run-off can refreeze

Answer: D. DVSA warns that boiling water can make windscreen glass expand and may even crack it, and it can leave pools on the drive or road that quickly freeze into a hazard for others. Use de-icer and a good-quality scraper instead. Reference: Safe Driving for Life (DVSA) — Tips for safe driving in winter

1. Nothing — the heat from the engine will melt it
2. Remove it, so it can't fall into other road users' path
3. Drive off slowly so it slides off gradually
4. Leave it on, as the extra weight helps the tyres grip the road

Answer: B. Rule 229 says remove all snow that might fall off into the path of other road users. DVSA also warns that snow left on the roof can slide down the windscreen and block your view, or fly off and become a hazard to other drivers. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 229

1. Drive as normal, as long as your car has ABS and good tyres
2. Drive at night instead, when the roads are quieter
3. Only drive if your journey is essential, and allow more time
4. Drive a little faster, to spend less time on the roads

Answer: C. Rule 228: in winter, check the local forecast and don't drive in icy or snowy conditions unless your journey is essential. If it is, take great care, allow more time for your journey and carry an emergency kit in case you get stuck. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 228

1. Press the accelerator harder to power through
2. Turn the steering from side to side while revving the engine
3. Let some air out of the tyres and try again
4. Ease the car back and forth out of the rut, in a high gear

Answer: D. DVSA advises that if your wheels spin when starting off in deep snow, don't race the engine — the wheels will only dig in further. Try moving the car slightly backwards and then forwards out of the rut, using the highest gear you can. Reference: Safe Driving for Life (DVSA) — Winter driving

1. Packed snow can affect your steering and braking
2. Cold weather can make brake fluid boil unexpectedly
3. It warms the tyres up so that they grip better
4. It clears the snow off your brake lights

Answer: A. DVSA explains that snow can pack behind the front wheels or around brake linkages under the car, affecting steering and braking. Check your mirrors, then test your brakes very gently from time to time, and increase the gap to the vehicle in front. Reference: Safe Driving for Life (DVSA) — Winter driving

1. Normally — gritted roads can't be icy
2. Faster than usual, to help spread the salt
3. With care, as conditions can change over short distances
4. Close behind the gritter so your tyres are always on fresh salt

Answer: C. Rule 230: drive with care, even if the roads have been treated, and be prepared for conditions to change over relatively short distances. Listen to travel bulletins and watch variable message signs for information about the weather and road conditions ahead. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 230

1. High-sided vehicles
2. Low sports cars
3. Heavy saloon cars
4. Four-wheel-drive cars

Answer: A. Rule 232: high-sided vehicles are most affected by windy weather, but strong gusts can also blow a car, cyclist, motorcyclist or horse rider off course — especially on open roads exposed to crosswinds, or when passing bridges or gaps in hedges. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 232

1. On busy main roads, because heavy traffic polishes the surface
2. Only on roads that have been gritted
3. Only on bridges over motorways
4. On less-used roads, especially if there's frost on the verges

Answer: D. DVSA advises that overnight freezing usually results in an icy surface, especially on less-used roads, and to look for signs of frost on verges. It's even more dangerous when roads are starting to freeze or thaw, as water and ice together are extremely slippery. Reference: Safe Driving for Life (DVSA) — Winter driving

1. Average speed cameras operate at every junction in the zone
2. Parking and loading are banned at all times throughout the zone
3. Cyclists are not allowed in the zone
4. Traffic-calming features, which may not be signed individually

Answer: D. Know Your Traffic Signs explains that the 20 mph zone entry sign also warns that you're entering an area with traffic-calming features, such as road humps and narrowings. These may not be individually signed, so keep to a steady low speed. Reference: Know Your Traffic Signs — Traffic calming

1. It gives extra grip, so braking distances become much shorter
2. It may become soft, which could affect your steering and braking
3. It makes white lines slippery but the rest of the road grippier
4. It has no effect at all unless it starts to rain

Answer: B. Rule 237 warns that in hot weather the road surface may become soft, which could affect your steering and braking. Keep your speed down and allow extra room, and remember that rain after a dry spell can make the surface slippery too. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 237

1. Overtake the cyclist before you both reach the chicane
2. Sound your horn so the cyclist lets you go first
3. Slow down and give the cyclist room to pass through
4. Drive through alongside the cyclist

Answer: C. Rule 153: when you approach traffic-calming features such as chicanes, reduce your speed and allow cyclists and motorcyclists room to pass through them. You shouldn't overtake other moving road users while in these areas. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 153

1. Keep to your current speed until you see houses
2. Slow down only if there are pedestrians about
3. Treat the new limit as only advisory until you reach the first junction
4. Reduce speed and keep to the limit all the way through the village

Answer: D. Know Your Traffic Signs says drivers approaching a village gateway should reduce speed and observe the speed limit all the way through the village. Rule 154 also advises reducing your speed where country roads enter villages. Reference: Know Your Traffic Signs — Traffic calming

1. It's more difficult to see other road users
2. Speed limits are lower after dark
3. Engines produce less power at night
4. Speed cameras are much more sensitive in the dark

Answer: A. Rule 125 lists driving at night among the times you should always reduce your speed, as it's more difficult to see other road users. DVSA adds that hazards can appear further away than they really are in the dark, so never drive faster than you can stop within the distance you can see. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 125

1. Drive in quickly before the level rises
2. Follow closely behind the car in front, keeping in its tracks
3. Stop and check the depth, using a depth gauge if there is one
4. Drive through in neutral to protect the engine

Answer: C. DVSA advises that you stop and assess how deep the water is rather than just driving in; roads likely to flood may have depth gauges. If it's too deep, turn back and find another route — water can flood the exhaust or even get into the engine's air intake. Reference: Safe Driving for Life (DVSA) — Driving and dealing with floods

1. Accelerate briskly between humps, then brake firmly for each one
2. Keep to a steady, reduced speed along the whole stretch
3. Overtake slower vehicles in the gaps between the humps
4. Drive at the speed limit and straddle the humps

Answer: B. Rule 153: maintain a reduced speed along the whole stretch of road within traffic-calming measures, and don't overtake other moving road users there. Know Your Traffic Signs also advises a steady low speed, avoiding repeated acceleration and deceleration, in 20 mph zones with calming features. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 153

1. So buses and large emergency vehicles can straddle them
2. So cars can steer round them without having to slow down
3. To show cyclists where they should ride
4. To mark places where parking is allowed

Answer: A. Know Your Traffic Signs explains that road cushions cover only part of a lane so that buses and large emergency vehicles can straddle them, while other vehicles are still slowed down. They aren't gaps for cars to weave through. Reference: Know Your Traffic Signs — Traffic calming

1. Speed up so that you're through before anything comes the other way
2. Flash your headlights to claim priority
3. Sound your horn and drive through the middle of the narrowing
4. Keep a steady low speed and be ready to give way to oncoming traffic

Answer: D. Know Your Traffic Signs: if no priority is given at a road narrowing, don't accelerate on the approach. Maintain a steady low speed, be prepared to give way to approaching traffic, and let any cyclists go ahead of you. Reference: Know Your Traffic Signs — Traffic calming

1. Heavy plant is crossing, so give way to works traffic
2. You must use dipped headlights until the chippings end
3. There's a risk of skidding, and a maximum of 20 mph is advised
4. The road is closed to cars but open to cyclists

Answer: C. Know Your Traffic Signs describes this sign as warning of a risk of skidding on a road with loose chippings, with a maximum speed of 20 mph advised. Keep your speed down and avoid harsh braking, accelerating or steering. Reference: Know Your Traffic Signs — Road works and temporary situations

1. Your tyres will have less grip, so slow down and allow more room
2. Grip will actually improve, because the leaves soak up surface water
3. Only cyclists are affected — cars have enough grip
4. It only matters if you're driving above the speed limit

Answer: A. DVSA points out that wet weather and the mulch from fallen leaves both reduce tyre grip. Slow down, leave more room to the vehicle in front and avoid harsh braking or steering, so that you can always stop within the distance you can see to be clear. Reference: Safe Driving for Life (DVSA) — Our guide to driving safely on country roads

1. A bend that gradually gets tighter the further round it you go
2. Where the road slopes down towards the outside of the bend
3. Where the road slopes up towards the outside of the bend
4. A bend with no warning signs before it

Answer: B. DVSA describes adverse camber as the road sloping downwards towards the outside of the corner, which makes it harder for the tyres to grip. Where the road slopes upwards towards the outside — banking — grip is easier. Take adverse-cambered bends more slowly. Reference: Safe Driving for Life (DVSA) — Driving around bends

1. Close to the kerb
2. Wherever other vehicles have stopped
3. It's the same depth across the whole road
4. At the crown (the middle) of the road

Answer: D. DVSA explains that because of the road's camber, floodwater is probably deepest near the kerb and shallowest at the crown. Keep to the shallowest part, drive slowly in first gear with the engine speed high, and test your brakes afterwards. Reference: Safe Driving for Life (DVSA) — Driving and dealing with floods

1. De-icer, a scraper, a torch, warm clothing and a shovel
2. A spare can of petrol, a funnel and some engine oil
3. Snow chains, a tow rope and a portable electric fan heater
4. A spare wheel, a car jack and a wheel brace

Answer: A. Rule 228 suggests an emergency kit of de-icer and ice scraper, torch, warm clothing and boots, first aid kit, jump leads and a shovel, together with a warm drink and emergency food in case you get stuck or your vehicle breaks down. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 228

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.