Motorway rules quiz

Eight questions on Highway Code rules 253 to 277: who may use a motorway, joining, lanes, red X signals, the hard shoulder and breakdowns.

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Motorways quiz

Pick an answer to see straight away if you’re right, with the reason and the rule it comes from. Your score shows at the end. Nothing is saved or sent anywhere.

Question 1 of 8

  1. When may a learner car driver drive on a motorway?

    • With any full licence holder
    • With an approved driving instructor, in a dual-control car showing L plates Right
    • Alone, if showing L plates
    • Never

    The right answer is B: With an approved driving instructor, in a dual-control car showing L plates

    WhyProvisional car licence holders must not drive on a motorway unless accompanied by an approved driving instructor (ADI), in a car with dual controls displaying red L plates (or D plates in Wales).

    Source: The Highway Code, rule 253

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  2. You are joining a motorway from a slip road. Who has priority?

    • You do
    • Traffic already on the motorway Right
    • Whoever is going faster
    • Lorries

    The right answer is B: Traffic already on the motorway

    WhyGive priority to traffic already on the motorway and match your speed to fit safely into the left-hand lane.

    Source: The Highway Code, rule 259

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  3. The motorway is quiet. Which lane should you drive in?

    • The left-hand lane Right
    • The middle lane
    • The right-hand lane
    • Any lane you like

    The right answer is A: The left-hand lane

    WhyKeep in the left lane unless overtaking, and return to it when it is safe after overtaking.

    Source: The Highway Code, rule 264

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  4. A red X lights up above your lane. What must you do?

    • Drive on if the lane looks clear
    • Move safely into an open lane Right
    • Stop under the sign
    • Move onto the hard shoulder

    The right answer is B: Move safely into an open lane

    WhyA red X identifies a closed lane. You must follow the signs to move safely to an open lane, and you must not drive in a closed lane.

    Source: The Highway Code, rule 258

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  5. On a motorway where the hard shoulder is sometimes used as a lane, when may you drive on it?

    • When traffic is slow
    • When a speed limit is shown above it Right
    • When a red X is shown above it
    • At night

    The right answer is B: When a speed limit is shown above it

    WhyYou can only use the hard shoulder as an extra lane when a speed limit is shown above it. A red X or blank sign means emergencies only.

    Source: The Highway Code, rule 269

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  6. You have missed your exit. What should you do?

    • Reverse along the hard shoulder
    • Carry on to the next exit Right
    • Turn round through the central reservation
    • Stop and wait on the hard shoulder

    The right answer is B: Carry on to the next exit

    WhyYou must not reverse, cross the central reservation or drive against the traffic. If you miss your exit, carry on to the next one.

    Source: The Highway Code, rule 263

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  7. When may you stop on the hard shoulder of a motorway?

    • To make a phone call
    • In an emergency Right
    • To check your route
    • To take a rest

    The right answer is B: In an emergency

    WhyYou must not stop on the hard shoulder except in an emergency, or when told to by the police, traffic officers, an emergency sign or red flashing lights. Do not stop to make or take phone calls.

    Source: The Highway Code, rule 271

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  8. Your car breaks down in a live lane and you cannot get out safely. What does the Highway Code say to do?

    • Get out and walk to the verge
    • Stay in the car with seat belts and hazard lights on, and call 999 Right
    • Put a warning triangle behind the car
    • Try to push the car to the side

    The right answer is B: Stay in the car with seat belts and hazard lights on, and call 999

    WhyIf you cannot get to the left or exit safely, stay in your vehicle, keep seat belts and hazard lights on, and call 999 for the police. Do not put a warning triangle on the carriageway.

    Source: The Highway Code, rule 277

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These are our own practice questions, written from The Highway Code. They are not questions from the DVSA theory test. How we write and check them.

For any you got wrong, open the rule linked in the answer and read it once more. The Highway Code is one of the three books the theory test’s multiple-choice questions are based on (GOV.UK). Ready for more? Practise theory test questions by topic or take the 50-question timed practice quiz.

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Sources

(9)
  1. The Highway Code, rule 253, GOV.UK
  2. The Highway Code, rule 259, GOV.UK
  3. The Highway Code, rule 264, GOV.UK
  4. The Highway Code, rule 258, GOV.UK
  5. The Highway Code, rule 269, GOV.UK
  6. The Highway Code, rule 263, GOV.UK
  7. The Highway Code, rule 271, GOV.UK
  8. The Highway Code, rule 277, GOV.UK
  9. Theory test: revision and practice, GOV.UK

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