Free Theory Test Practice

Motorway rules

Helpful Hint!

Signal your intention and build up sufficient speed on the hard shoulder so that you can filter into a safe gap in the traffic. Don't push your way in, causing other traffic to alter speed or direction.

You’ve had a breakdown on the hard shoulder of a motorway. When the problem has been fixed, how should you rejoin the main carriageway?

(Mark 1 answer)

Gain speed on the hard shoulder before moving out onto the carriageway Move out onto the carriageway using your hazard warning lights Wait on the hard shoulder until someone flashes their headlights at you Move out onto the carriageway, then build up your speed

Motorway rules

Helpful Hint!

Before starting a motorway journey, make sure your motorcycle can cope with the demands of high-speed riding. Things you need to check include oil, water, tyres and fuel. When you’re travelling a long way, it’s a good idea to plan rest stops in advance.

Why is it particularly important to carry out a check of your motorcycle before making a long motorway journey?

(Mark 1 answer)

You'll have to do more harsh braking on motorways The road surface will wear down the tyres faster Motorway service stations don't deal with breakdowns Continuous high speeds increase the risk of your motorcycle breaking down

Motorway rules

Helpful Hint!

A vehicle with a trailer is restricted to 60 mph. For this reason, it isn’t allowed in the right-hand lane, as it might hold up faster-moving traffic that wishes to overtake in that lane.

Which of these isn’t allowed to travel in the right-hand lane of a three-lane motorway?

(Mark 1 answer)

A motorcycle and sidecar A motorcycle A small delivery van A vehicle towing a trailer

Motorway rules

Helpful Hint!

Red studs are placed between the edge of the carriageway and the hard shoulder. Where slip roads leave or join the motorway, the studs are green.

You’re on a motorway. What colour are the reflective studs on the left of the carriageway?

(Mark 1 answer)

Green White Amber Red

Motorway rules

Helpful Hint!

Smart motorway schemes are intended to reduce congestion and make journey times more reliable. In these areas, the hard shoulder may be used as a running lane to ease congestion at peak times or in the event of an incident. Variable speed limits are used to help keep the traffic moving and to avoid bunching.

What’s the aim of a smart motorway?

(Mark 1 answer)

To reduce congestion To prevent tailgating To reduce rest stops To prevent overtaking

Motorway rules

Helpful Hint!

At roadworks, and especially where a contraflow system is operating, a speed restriction is likely to be in place. Keep to the lower speed limit and don't • switch lanes • get too close to the vehicle in front of you. Be aware that there will be no permanent barrier between you and the oncoming traffic.

What should you do when going through a contraflow system on a motorway?

(Mark 1 answer)

Use dipped beam headlights Stay close to the vehicle ahead to reduce queues Switch lanes to keep the traffic flowing Keep a good distance from the vehicle ahead

Motorway rules

Helpful Hint!

White studs are found between the lanes on motorways. They reflect back the light from your headlights. This is especially useful in bad weather, when visibility is restricted.

What colour are the reflective studs between the lanes on a motorway?

(Mark 1 answer)

Amber White Green Red

Motorway rules

Helpful Hint!

Traffic on motorways usually travels faster than on other roads. You need to be looking further ahead to give yourself more time to react to any hazard that may develop.

What should you do when driving or riding along a motorway?

(Mark 1 answer)

Travel much faster than you would on other roads Look much further ahead than you would on other roads Concentrate more than you would on other roads Maintain a shorter separation distance than you would on other roads

Motorway rules

Helpful Hint!

Congestion can be reduced by keeping traffic at a constant speed. At busy times, maximum speed limits are displayed on overhead gantries. These can be varied quickly, depending on the amount of traffic. By keeping to a constant speed on busy sections of motorway, overall journey times are normally improved.

What’s used to reduce traffic bunching on a motorway?

(Mark 1 answer)

National speed limits Contraflow systems Variable speed limits Lane closures

Motorway rules

Helpful Hint!

A mandatory speed-limit sign above the hard shoulder shows that this part of the road can be used as a running lane between junctions. You must stay within the speed limit. Look out for vehicles that may have broken down and could be blocking the hard shoulder.

You’re on a smart motorway. A mandatory speed limit is displayed above the hard shoulder. What does this mean?

(Mark 1 answer)

The hard shoulder can be used as a running lane You shouldn't travel in this lane You can pull up in this lane to answer a mobile phone You can park on the hard shoulder if you feel tired

Motorway rules

Helpful Hint!

Never overtake on the left, unless the traffic is moving in queues and the queue on your right is moving more slowly than the one you’re in.

You’re travelling along a motorway. When are you allowed to overtake on the left?

(Mark 1 answer)

When you warn drivers behind by signalling left When in queues and traffic to your right is moving more slowly than you are When the traffic in the right-hand lane is signalling right When you can see well ahead that the hard shoulder is clear

Motorway rules

Helpful Hint!

On a three-lane motorway, you should travel in the left-hand lane unless you’re overtaking. This applies regardless of the speed at which you’re travelling.

On a three-lane motorway, which lane should you normally use?

(Mark 1 answer)

Left Centre Either the right or centre Right

Motorway rules

Helpful Hint!

The studs between the carriageway and the hard shoulder are normally red. These change to green where there's a slip road, helping you to identify slip roads when visibility is poor or when it's dark.

What colour are the reflective studs between a motorway and its slip road?

(Mark 1 answer)

Green Amber White Red

Motorway rules

Helpful Hint!

Riders of motorcycles with an engine smaller than 50 cc aren't allowed to use motorways, due to their restricted speed. They may cause a hazard – both for the rider and for drivers of other vehicles.

If you want to ride on the motorway, what’s the minimum engine size your motorcycle must have?

(Mark 1 answer)

150 cc 125 cc 50 cc 250 cc

Motorway rules

Helpful Hint!

You should normally travel in the left-hand lane unless you're overtaking a slower-moving vehicle. When you've finished overtaking, move back into the left-hand lane, but don’t cut across in front of the vehicle that you’ve overtaken.

What basic rule applies when you’re using a motorway?

(Mark 1 answer)

Overtake on the side that’s clearest Try to keep above 50 mph to prevent congestion Use the lane that has the least traffic Keep to the left-hand lane unless overtaking

Motorway rules

Helpful Hint!

You shouldn't normally stop on a motorway, but there may be occasions when you need to do so. If you're unfortunate enough to break down, make every effort to pull up on the hard shoulder.

When may you stop on a motorway?

(Mark 1 answer)

If your mobile phone rings When you're tired and need a rest If you have to read a map In an emergency or breakdown

Motorway rules

Helpful Hint!

You must stop if overhead gantry signs show flashing red lights above every lane on the motorway. If any of the other lanes doesn't show flashing red lights or a red cross, you may move into that lane and continue if it's safe to do so.

When are you allowed to stop on a motorway?

(Mark 1 answer)

When you're signalled to do so by flashing red lights When you wish to pick up hitchhikers When you need to walk and get fresh air When you need to use a mobile telephone

Documents

Helpful Hint!

Some garages will remind you that your vehicle is due for its annual MOT test, but not all do. To ensure continuous cover, you may take your vehicle for its MOT up to one month before its existing MOT certificate runs out. The expiry date on the new certificate will be 12 months after the expiry date on the old certificate.

For how long is an MOT certificate normally valid?

(Mark 1 answer)

One year after the date it was issued 10,000 miles Three years after the date it was issued 30,000 miles

Documents

Helpful Hint!

Sometimes an insurance company will issue a temporary insurance certificate called a cover note. It gives you the same insurance cover as your certificate but lasts for a limited period, usually one month.

What is a cover note?

(Mark 1 answer)

A document issued before you receive your insurance certificate A document issued before you receive your driving licence A document issued before you receive your registration document A document issued before you receive your MOT certificate

Documents

Helpful Hint!

Every vehicle should have a registration document showing the registered keeper. It's your legal responsibility to make sure all the information is correct. This includes make, model and engine size. If you buy a new vehicle, the dealer will register it with DVLA, who will send the registration document to you.

What information is found on a vehicle registration document?

(Mark 1 answer)

The ignition-key security number The original purchase price The service history The make and model

Documents

Helpful Hint!

Driving without insurance is a serious offence. As well as an unlimited fine, you may be disqualified or incur penalty points.

What’s the maximum fine for driving without insurance?

(Mark 1 answer)

£5000 £1000 Unlimited £500

Documents

Helpful Hint!

Any motorcycle you ride must be in good condition and roadworthy. If it's over three years old, it must have a valid MOT test certificate (unless it's exempt from the MOT test - see GOV.UK).

How long after first registration must a motorcycle have its first MOT test?

(Mark 1 answer)

One year Five years Three years Seven years

Documents

Helpful Hint!

It's your legal responsibility to keep the details on your vehicle registration certificate (V5C) up to date. You should tell the licensing authority about any changes. These include your name, address or vehicle details. If you don’t do this, you may have problems when you try to sell your vehicle.

Who’s legally responsible for ensuring that a vehicle registration certificate (V5C) is updated?

(Mark 1 answer)

The vehicle manufacturer Your insurance company The registered vehicle keeper The licensing authority

Documents

Helpful Hint!

Provisional entitlement means that restrictions apply to your use of motorcycles. For example, you may not ride on a motorway or carry a passenger. The requirements are there to protect you and other road users. Make sure you're aware of all the restrictions that apply before you ride your motorcycle on the road.

You hold a provisional motorcycle licence. What does this licence restrict you from doing?

(Mark 1 answer)

Riding after dark Carrying a pillion passenger Riding on a dual carriageway Exceeding 30 mph

Documents

Helpful Hint!

You don’t have to carry around your vehicle's documents wherever you go. If a police officer asks to see them and you don’t have them with you, you may be asked to produce them at a police station within 7 days.

A police officer asks to see your documents. You don’t have them with you. Within what time must you produce them at a police station?

(Mark 1 answer)

14 days 21 days 5 days 7 days

Documents

Helpful Hint!

This is a method used by insurance companies to keep annual premiums down. Generally, the higher the excess you choose to pay, the lower the annual premium you'll be charged.

Your motorcycle insurance policy has an excess of £100. What does this mean?

(Mark 1 answer)

Your motorcycle is insured for a value of £100 if it's stolen You'll be paid £100 if you don't have a crash The insurance company will pay the first £100 of any claim You'll have to pay the first £100 of any claim

Documents

Helpful Hint!

You must produce a valid insurance certificate when requested by a police officer. If you can’t do this immediately, you may be asked to take it to a police station. Other documents you may be asked to produce are your driving licence and the vehicle's MOT certificate.

In which of these circumstances must you show your insurance certificate?

(Mark 1 answer)

When having an MOT inspection When buying or selling a vehicle When making a SORN When a police officer asks you for it

Documents

Helpful Hint!

When training under the direct access scheme, you must be accompanied by an instructor on another motorcycle, who must be in radio contact with you. You must display red L plates to the front and rear of your motorcycle and follow all normal learner restrictions.

Do you need to display L plates when learning to ride a motorcycle under the direct access scheme?

(Mark 1 answer)

No, you don't need L plates if you've passed a moped test No, you don't need L plates if you've passed a car test Yes, you need L plates only when learning on your own machine Yes, you need L plates while learning with a qualified instructor

Documents

Helpful Hint!

A motorcycle registration document contains a number of details that are unique to a particular vehicle. You must notify DVLA of any changes to, for example, the registered keeper or registration number. You must also tell them about any modifications made to the motorcycle.

What does a motorcycle registration document show?

(Mark 1 answer)

The tyre sizes The service history The purchase price The year of first registration

Hazard awareness

Helpful Hint!

Be tolerant if a vehicle emerges and you have to brake quickly. Anyone can make a mistake, so don’t react aggressively. Be alert where there are side roads and be especially careful where there are parked vehicles, because these can make it difficult for emerging drivers to see you.

A driver pulls out of a side road in front of you, causing you to brake hard. What should you do?

(Mark 1 answer)

Flash your lights to show your annoyance Ignore the error and stay calm Sound your horn to show your annoyance Overtake as soon as possible

Hazard awareness

Helpful Hint!

Try to plan your journey so that you can take rest stops. It’s recommended that you take a break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving or riding. This should help to maintain your concentration.

You’re planning a long journey. Do you need to plan rest stops?

(Mark 1 answer)

Yes, regular stops help concentration No, you’ll be less tired if you get there as soon as possible Yes, you should plan to stop every half an hour No, only fuel stops will be needed

Hazard awareness

Helpful Hint!

If you can do so safely, give way to buses signalling to move off at bus stops. Try to anticipate the actions of other road users around you. The driver of the red car should be prepared for the bus pulling out. As you approach a bus stop, look to see how many passengers are waiting to board. If the last one has just got on, the bus is likely to move off.

What’s the main hazard the driver of the red car (arrowed) should be aware of?

(Mark 1 answer)

The bus may move out into the road The black car may stop suddenly Oncoming vehicles will assume the driver is turning right Glare from the sun may affect the driver’s vision

Hazard awareness

Helpful Hint!

This sign indicates that the road will bend sharply to the left. Slow down in plenty of time and select the correct gear before you start to turn. Braking hard and late, while also sharply changing direction, is likely to cause a skid.

You see this sign ahead. What should you expect?

(Mark 1 answer)

The road will go steeply uphill The road will bend sharply to the right The road will bend sharply to the left The road will go steeply downhill

Hazard awareness

Helpful Hint!

Riding while under the influence of drink or drugs can invalidate your insurance. It also endangers yourself and others. The risk isn't worth taking.

You’re convicted of riding after drinking too much alcohol. How could this affect your insurance?

(Mark 1 answer)

Your insurance may become invalid You'll only be able to get third-party cover Cover will only be given for riding smaller motorcycles The amount of excess you pay will be reduced

Hazard awareness

Helpful Hint!

When passing parked cars, there's a risk that a driver or passenger may not check before opening the door into the road. A defensive driver will drive slowly and be looking for people who may be about to get out of their car.

What should the driver of the grey car (arrowed) be especially aware of?

(Mark 1 answer)

Traffic following behind The uneven road surface Doors opening on parked cars Empty parking spaces

Hazard awareness

Helpful Hint!

Look at the picture carefully and try to imagine you’re there. The cyclist in this picture appears to be trying to cross the road. You must be able to deal with the unexpected, especially when you’re approaching a hazardous junction. Look well ahead to give yourself time to deal with any hazards.

What’s the main hazard shown in this picture?

(Mark 1 answer)

Parked cars around the corner The cyclist crossing the road Vehicles doing U-turns Vehicles turning right

Hazard awareness

Helpful Hint!

The highest point of the bridge is in the centre, so a large vehicle might have to move to the centre of the road to have enough room to pass under the bridge.

What type of vehicle could you expect to meet in the middle of the road?

(Mark 1 answer)

Motorcycle Lorry Bicycle Car

Hazard awareness

Helpful Hint!

Alcohol will severely reduce your ability to drive or ride safely and there are serious consequences if you’re caught over the drink-drive limit. It's known that alcohol can • affect your judgement • cause overconfidence • reduce coordination and control.

What’s an effect of drinking alcohol?

(Mark 1 answer)

A loss of confidence Poor judgement of speed Faster reactions Greater awareness of danger

Hazard awareness

Helpful Hint!

Be tolerant of older drivers. They may take longer to react to a hazard and they may be hesitant in some situations – for example, at a junction.

How would age affect an elderly person’s driving ability?

(Mark 1 answer)

They'll need glasses to read road signs They'll take longer to react to hazards They won't be able to obtain car insurance They won't signal at junctions

Hazard awareness

Helpful Hint!

Drinking even the smallest amount of alcohol can affect your judgement and reactions. The safest and best option is to avoid any alcohol at all when riding or driving.

You’re going to a social event and alcohol will be available. You’ll be riding your motorcycle shortly afterwards. What’s the safest thing to do?

(Mark 1 answer)

Stay just below the legal limit Have soft drinks and alcohol in turn Don’t go beyond the legal limit Stick to non-alcoholic drinks

Hazard awareness

Helpful Hint!

Police officers may need to direct traffic; for example, at a junction where the traffic lights have broken down. Check your copy of The Highway Code for the signals that they use.

What does this signal from a police officer mean to oncoming traffic?

(Mark 1 answer)

Stop Turn left Go ahead Turn right

Hazard awareness

Helpful Hint!

When approaching a junction where the traffic lights have failed, you should proceed with caution. Treat the situation as an unmarked junction and be prepared to stop.

You’re approaching a crossroads. The traffic lights have failed. What should you do?

(Mark 1 answer)

Brake and stop only for large vehicles Be prepared to stop for any traffic Brake sharply to a stop before looking Be prepared to brake sharply to a stop

Hazard awareness

Helpful Hint!

You should overtake only when it's really necessary and you can see it’s clear ahead. Look out for road signs and markings that show it's illegal or would be unsafe to overtake; for example, approaching junctions or bends. In many cases, overtaking is unlikely to significantly improve your journey time.

Where shouldn’t you overtake?

(Mark 1 answer)

Approaching a junction Travelling up a long hill On a one-way street On a single carriageway

Hazard awareness

Helpful Hint!

Hazard warning lights are an important safety feature and should be used if you've broken down and are causing an obstruction. Don’t use them as an excuse to park illegally, even for a short time. You may also use them on motorways to warn following traffic of danger ahead.

When should you use hazard warning lights?

(Mark 1 answer)

When your motorcycle has broken down and is causing an obstruction When warning oncoming traffic that you intend to stop When you're double-parked on a two-way road When your direction indicators aren't working

Hazard awareness

Helpful Hint!

On roads where there are many parked vehicles, you might not be able to see children between parked cars and they may run out into the road without looking.

What hazard should you be aware of when travelling along this street?

(Mark 1 answer)

Glare from the sun Lack of road markings Children running out between vehicles Large goods vehicles

Hazard awareness

Helpful Hint!

The ‘stop’ sign has been put here because the view into the main road is poor. You must stop because it won't be possible to take proper observation while you're moving.

What must you do at this junction?

(Mark 1 answer)

Stop only if you're turning right Stop only if there's traffic on the main road Stop behind the line, then edge forward to see clearly Stop beyond the line, at a point where you can see clearly

Motorcycle loading

Helpful Hint!

Learner motorcyclists aren’t allowed to * tow a trailer * carry a pillion passenger * use the motorway. In addition, they must display red L plates (D plates in Wales) to the front and rear of the motorcycle.

How is a learner motorcyclist’s licence restricted?

(Mark 1 answer)

They mustn't ride faster than 30 mph They mustn't carry panniers on their motorcycle They mustn't use the right-hand lane on dual carriageways They mustn't carry a pillion passenger

Motorcycle loading

Helpful Hint!

If you want to fit a sidecar to your motorcycle, check that the motorcycle is suitable and can cope with the extra load. Make sure that the sidecar is securely fixed and properly aligned. If your motorcycle was registered on or after 1 August 1981, the sidecar must be fitted on the left-hand side of the motorcycle.

What should you do before fitting a sidecar to a motorcycle?

(Mark 1 answer)

Pass the extended motorcycle test Check that the motorcycle is suitable Have the wheels balanced Have the engine tuned

Motorcycle loading

Helpful Hint!

Before you can carry a pillion passenger, the law requires you to have a full licence for the category of motorcycle you're using.

What requirement must you meet if you want to carry a pillion passenger on your motorcycle?

(Mark 1 answer)

You must hold a full motorcycle licence You must be over the age of 25 You must be over the age of 21 You must hold a full car licence

Motorcycle loading

Helpful Hint!

Any passenger you carry - no matter how old they are - must be able to reach the footrests and handholds properly to remain safe on your machine. Also make sure they're wearing protective weatherproof clothing and a properly fitting helmet.

When can you carry a child as a pillion passenger?

(Mark 1 answer)

When they're over 14 years old When they can reach the handholds and footrests When they're over 16 years old When they can reach the floor from the seat

Question 1

Motorway rules

Helpful Hint!

You’ve had a breakdown on the hard shoulder of a motorway. When the problem has been fixed, how should you rejoin the main carriageway?

Question 2

Motorway rules

Helpful Hint!

Why is it particularly important to carry out a check of your motorcycle before making a long motorway journey?

Question 3

Motorway rules

Helpful Hint!

Which of these isn’t allowed to travel in the right-hand lane of a three-lane motorway?

Question 4

Motorway rules

Helpful Hint!

You’re on a motorway. What colour are the reflective studs on the left of the carriageway?

Question 5

Motorway rules

Helpful Hint!

What’s the aim of a smart motorway?

Question 6

Motorway rules

Helpful Hint!

What should you do when going through a contraflow system on a motorway?

Question 7

Motorway rules

Helpful Hint!

What colour are the reflective studs between the lanes on a motorway?

Question 8

Motorway rules

Helpful Hint!

What should you do when driving or riding along a motorway?

Question 9

Motorway rules

Helpful Hint!

What’s used to reduce traffic bunching on a motorway?

Question 10

Motorway rules

Helpful Hint!

You’re on a smart motorway. A mandatory speed limit is displayed above the hard shoulder. What does this mean?

Question 11

Motorway rules

Helpful Hint!

You’re travelling along a motorway. When are you allowed to overtake on the left?

Question 12

Motorway rules

Helpful Hint!

On a three-lane motorway, which lane should you normally use?

Question 13

Motorway rules

Helpful Hint!

What colour are the reflective studs between a motorway and its slip road?

Question 14

Motorway rules

Helpful Hint!

If you want to ride on the motorway, what’s the minimum engine size your motorcycle must have?

Question 15

Motorway rules

Helpful Hint!

What basic rule applies when you’re using a motorway?

Question 16

Motorway rules

Helpful Hint!

When may you stop on a motorway?

Question 17

Motorway rules

Helpful Hint!

When are you allowed to stop on a motorway?

Question 18

Documents

Helpful Hint!

For how long is an MOT certificate normally valid?

Question 19

Documents

Helpful Hint!

What is a cover note?

Question 20

Documents

Helpful Hint!

What information is found on a vehicle registration document?