Road Procedure

When approaching a junction to turn right into a side road, where should you normally position your vehicle on a two-way road?

• AJust left of the centre line of the road✓
• BIn the centre of the lane you are leaving
• CAs close to the left-hand kerb as possible
• DStraddling the centre line to deter overtaking

Answer: To turn right you should position the vehicle just left of the centre line of the road, which signals your intention clearly and allows traffic behind to pass on your left. This is standard Highway Code procedure for a right turn.

You intend to turn left into a side road. What is the correct procedure regarding road position and approach?

• AKeep well to the left and do not swing out before the turn✓
• BMove to the centre of the road before turning
• CSwing out to the right first to make the turn easier
• DPosition close to the centre line to block overtakers

Answer: For a left turn you should keep well to the left and avoid swinging out either before or during the turn, as swinging out can mislead other road users and endanger cyclists. Maintaining a steady left position is the correct procedure.

What does the term 'lifesaver' refer to in driving procedure?

• AA final glance over the shoulder to check the blind spot before manoeuvring✓
• BThe first observation in the mirror routine
• CAn emergency stop performed at speed
• DThe handbrake applied when stopped on a hill

Answer: The 'lifesaver' is a final shoulder check into the blind spot immediately before changing direction or position, ensuring no cyclist or vehicle has moved into an area the mirrors cannot show. It is especially important before turning or moving off.

At a crossroads where you are turning right and an oncoming vehicle is also turning right, which method of passing is generally safer and recommended?

• ATurning offside to offside so each driver keeps the other on their right✓
• BTurning nearside to nearside passing in front of each other
• CBoth vehicles stopping until one waves the other through
• DReversing into the side road to let the other pass

Answer: Passing offside to offside is generally safer because it gives each driver a clearer view of the road they are turning into and oncoming traffic. Nearside to nearside obscures the view and increases collision risk, so it is used only where road markings or layout require it.

What is the correct application of the system of car control (also known as the system of vehicle control)?

• ATake each hazard in a set sequence: information, position, speed, gear, acceleration✓
• BBrake and change gear simultaneously on every approach
• CSelect the gear first, then adjust speed afterwards
• DAccelerate through hazards to clear them quickly

Answer: The system of car control approaches every hazard in a disciplined sequence: take and use information, then position, speed, the correct gear, and finally acceleration. Applying it consistently gives the driver maximum control and safety at hazards.

When following another vehicle in good, dry conditions, what minimum following gap does the two-second rule require?

• AA two-second time gap between you and the vehicle ahead✓
• BA fixed gap of two car lengths
• CA two-metre gap at any speed
• DTwo seconds only when travelling above 50 mph

Answer: The two-second rule means leaving at least a two-second time gap to the vehicle in front in good, dry conditions, which scales correctly with speed. In wet conditions this gap should at least double to four seconds.

On a road with a national speed limit sign and no other restriction, what is the speed limit for a car or motorcycle on a single carriageway?

• A60 mph✓
• B70 mph
• C50 mph
• D40 mph

Answer: The national speed limit for cars and motorcycles on a single carriageway is 60 mph. On dual carriageways and motorways the national limit for these vehicles rises to 70 mph.