Rules of the Road

What does an amber traffic light mean?

• AProceed normally, as amber simply repeats the green signal
• BContinue through if the way is clear
• CPrepare to stop; only proceed if you cannot stop safely✓
• DAccelerate quickly so that you clear the junction before the red shows

Answer: Amber means prepare to stop and only continue if stopping safely is impossible. It does not mean rush through; treat it as a warning that red is coming.

Can you turn left on a red light in the UK?

• ANo, never—you must wait for green✓
• BYes, always—a left turn is treated the same as a green filter arrow
• COnly if no pedestrians are crossing
• DYes, provided the junction is completely empty of other traffic

Answer: Red lights mean stop, full stop. You may not proceed in any direction on a red light in the UK, including turning left or right, unless instructed otherwise by a police officer or traffic warden.

What should you do at a pelican crossing when the amber light is flashing?

• ASound your horn to warn the pedestrians that you are about to move off
• BStop completely and wait until the light turns green before moving off
• CSpeed up to clear the crossing before any more pedestrians step onto it
• DGive way to pedestrians still crossing; proceed if clear✓

Answer: A flashing amber at a pelican crossing means give way to anyone still using the crossing, then proceed carefully if the crossing is clear. Pedestrians have priority during this phase.

What is a puffin crossing?

• AA faster crossing
• BA crossing intended for the use of motorcyclists rather than for pedestrians
• CAn old-style crossing
• DA crossing with pedestrian sensors that detect when pedestrians are crossing and adjust the light automatically✓

Answer: Puffin crossings use pedestrian sensors to detect when people are crossing. There is no flashing amber phase like pelican crossings; they're more efficient and pedestrian-focused.

Who has priority at an unmarked junction?

• AThe largest vehicle has priority because it needs more room to stop
• BCars have priority over vans, lorries and motorcycles
• CThe vehicle that arrives first has priority and may go ahead
• DNobody has priority. Slow down, look both ways and proceed with great care.✓

Answer: At an unmarked junction nobody has priority, so slow down, look both ways and be ready to give way. This is Highway Code rule 146.

What should you do when approaching a mini roundabout?

• ATreat it as a normal junction
• BSound your horn
• CGive way to traffic already on the roundabout and entering from the right✓
• DYou have priority because you are the one approaching it

Answer: Mini roundabouts follow normal roundabout rules: give way to traffic already on the roundabout and to traffic coming from your right. Give way before entering.

What does a Toucan crossing allow to cross?

• ABuses only, which is why they are found near bus stations
• BMotorcyclists, who may ride across without dismounting
• CCyclists and pedestrians share the same crossing✓
• DCars turning left across the pedestrian phase of the lights

Answer: A Toucan crossing is for both pedestrians and cyclists (hence 'two can' cross). Cyclists don't have to dismount; they can ride across like pedestrians.

At a Pegasus crossing, what additional users are allowed?

• AMotorcyclists, who may ride across alongside pedestrians
• BHorse riders can cross on their horses✓
• CJoggers and runners, who get a longer green phase
• DHeavy goods vehicles

Answer: A Pegasus crossing includes horse riders, who can cross on horseback. It's designed for cyclists, pedestrians, and horse riders.

What should you do if a traffic warden signals you to stop?

• AProceed slowly
• BSound your horn to alert them
• CIgnore them and follow the traffic lights
• DObey their signals as they have authority over traffic lights✓

Answer: Traffic wardens (and police officers) can override traffic lights with hand signals. You must obey their directions, which take priority over traffic lights.

Traffic lights at a junction are not working. What should you do?

• ATreat it as an unmarked junction where nobody has priority, and proceed with great care✓
• BTreat the lights as though they were showing green and carry on through without slowing down
• CAssume traffic on your right must give way to you, and carry on at normal speed
• DSound your horn to warn others, then drive straight across the junction

Answer: If traffic lights are not working, treat the junction as an unmarked junction and proceed with great care. At an unmarked junction nobody has priority, so slow down, look both ways and be ready to stop (Highway Code rules 146 and 176).

At a traffic light showing amber, what should you do?

• AStop unless it is unsafe to do so✓
• BContinue at the same speed through the junction
• CFlash your headlights to warn others
• DSpeed up to clear the junction

Answer: An amber traffic light means stop unless you are so close to the line that stopping would be unsafe. You should not accelerate through an amber light or continue at speed. Flashing headlights is not a standard instruction at traffic lights.

What do white diagonal stripes bordered by a broken white line in the middle of the road mean?

• AIt is an extra lane for overtaking slower traffic
• BIt is a place to stop briefly to drop off passengers
• CIt is a cycle lane that cars may share outside peak hours
• DDo not enter it unless it is necessary and you can see it is safe✓

Answer: Hatched areas separate streams of traffic or protect traffic turning right. If the area is bordered by a broken white line, you should not enter it unless it is necessary and you can see it is safe. If it is bordered by a solid white line, you MUST NOT enter it except in an emergency (Highway Code rule 130).

When can you reverse from a side road into a main road?

• AWhenever you have good visibility in both directions
• BOnly when the main road is completely empty of traffic
• COnly during quiet times of the day
• DNever — you must not reverse from a side road into a main road✓

Answer: You must not reverse from a side road into a main road. This creates significant hazards and is illegal. Reversing should be done carefully in safe locations, never into a busier road.

What is the speed limit for a car towing a caravan on a motorway?

• A50mph
• B70mph
• C60mph✓
• D80mph

Answer: The maximum speed limit when towing on a motorway is 60mph for cars with caravans or trailers. The national speed limit for cars on motorways is 70mph, but this is reduced to 60mph when towing.

When driving in fog with poor visibility, what should you do?

• AUse only your front and rear fog lights and leave the headlights off
• BSwitch on your full beam headlights
• CSwitch on dipped headlights and use fog lights if needed✓
• DSwitch off headlights to reduce glare

Answer: In fog, you should use dipped headlights (full beam will reflect off the fog and reduce visibility further). Fog lights may also be used if visibility is seriously reduced. Headlights must be used, not turned off.

What is the national speed limit on a single carriageway for cars?

• A50mph
• B70mph
• C60mph✓
• D80mph

Answer: The national speed limit for cars on a single carriageway road is 60mph. This applies to most rural roads with one carriageway. Higher speeds of 70mph apply to dual carriageways and motorways.

When driving alongside a cyclist, what is a safe lateral distance?

• AAny distance is acceptable provided you do not actually make contact with them
• BAt least 0.5 metres, measured from your door mirror to the cyclist's handlebars
• CAt least 1.5 metres, and more when you are travelling faster✓
• DAt least 30cm, the same clearance used when passing a stationary vehicle

Answer: Rule 163 of the Highway Code asks for at least 1.5 metres when overtaking a cyclist at speeds up to 30 mph, and more space at higher speeds. Wait behind rather than squeeze past.

What should you do if a cyclist is riding in the middle of the road?

• APass as closely as you can so you spend less time on the wrong side of the road
• BFlash your headlights and sound your horn to make them move over to the kerb
• CTreat it as a hazard, slow down and give plenty of space to pass✓
• DSound your horn and accelerate past

Answer: A cyclist riding in the centre of the lane is asserting their right to do so. You must treat this as a hazard, slow down, and pass with plenty of space. Never sound your horn aggressively or try to squeeze past closely.

At a junction, you see a vehicle with an 'L' plate ahead. What should you anticipate?

• AThey will move very quickly
• BThey will certainly pull away without signalling and turn across your path
• CThey will definitely stall
• DThey may need more time to react and make wider turns✓

Answer: A learner driver ('L' plate) may need more time to react, make wider turns, and could be unpredictable. You should be patient and give them extra space to allow for potential mistakes.

When must you use your headlights?

• ABetween dusk and midnight on unlit roads
• BWhen visibility falls below 500 metres
• CAt night on unlit roads and in seriously reduced visibility✓
• DFrom sunrise to sunset on motorways and on dual carriageways

Answer: Highway Code rule 113: you must use headlights at night (from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise) except on roads with lit street lighting, and whenever visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see more than 100 metres (rule 226). Sidelights, not headlights, are the sunset-to-sunrise rule.

What does a white triangle with red border mean?

• AInformation about services and facilities nearby
• BA prohibition
• CA mandatory instruction
• DA warning of potential hazard ahead✓

Answer: A triangular sign with a red border is a warning sign indicating potential hazards ahead (such as slippery road, pedestrians, animals). You should reduce speed and be prepared for the hazard.

What should you do if you encounter a police officer directing traffic at a junction?

• AOnly obey the officer if the traffic lights also allow it
• BFollow the police officer's directions✓
• CIgnore them and follow the traffic lights
• DSound your horn

Answer: Police hand signals at a junction override traffic lights and road signs. You must obey a police officer directing traffic. This typically happens when traffic lights are faulty or for special events.

What is the legal requirement for vehicle doors?

• ADoors can be left open while driving
• BDoors must be secure and not open while the vehicle is moving✓
• COnly driver's door must be closed
• DDoors don't need to be closed on short journeys

Answer: All doors must be properly closed and secure while the vehicle is moving. Opening a door while moving is dangerous and illegal. Doors must be checked before driving.

At a junction with a 'GIVE WAY' line, what must you do?

• ADrive straight through slowly without giving way to anything on the main road
• BSlow down and give way to traffic on the main road; stop only if necessary✓
• CStop at the line and wait until every vehicle on the main road has passed by
• DIgnore the line altogether whenever you can see that the main road is clear

Answer: A 'GIVE WAY' line requires you to slow down and give priority to traffic on the main road. Stop only if necessary for safety. A STOP line requires a complete stop before proceeding.

What should you do if you accidentally drive the wrong way down a one-way street?

• AContinue on to the next junction at the far end and turn off there
• BSound your horn to warn oncoming traffic
• CKeep going slowly with your hazard warning lights switched on until you are out
• DStop immediately, reverse, or carefully exit the street if safe✓

Answer: If you enter a one-way street incorrectly, stop immediately and reverse or exit carefully if safe to do so. Continue only as a last resort if reversing is dangerous. This is illegal and dangerous.

How many metres must you park from a junction?

• A20 metres
• B15 metres
• C10 metres✓
• D5 metres

Answer: You must not park within 10 metres of a junction (measured from the nearside kerb). This includes side roads. Parking too close blocks visibility for other drivers and is illegal.

What should you do if a traffic light fails at a busy junction?

• ATreat it as an unmarked junction and proceed with great care✓
• BSound your horn to warn others, then drive straight through
• CDrive through quickly to clear the junction before others
• DWait where you are until the lights have been repaired

Answer: If traffic lights are not working, treat the junction as an unmarked junction and proceed with great care (Highway Code rule 176). Nobody has priority, so slow down, look both ways and be ready to stop.

What is the maximum speed in a built-up area unless otherwise indicated?

• A40mph
• B50mph
• C30mph✓
• D20mph

Answer: The default speed limit in built-up areas is 30mph unless otherwise indicated by signs. This applies to roads with street lights spaced 200 yards apart. Residential areas may require extra caution even at 30mph.

When can you park on the pavement?

• AAnywhere you like, provided people on foot can still get past
• BDuring daylight hours, but not after dark when lights are on
• CNot in London or Scotland; elsewhere, only where signs permit it✓
• DWhenever the road is too narrow for two cars to pass safely

Answer: You MUST NOT park partially or wholly on the pavement in London or Scotland, and you should not do so elsewhere unless signs permit it (Highway Code rule 244). Pavement parking can obstruct pedestrians, wheelchair users, people with visual impairments and people with prams or pushchairs.

What should you do at a flashing amber light at a pelican crossing?

• AStop at the stop line and wait there until the signal changes to red again
• BProceed immediately at full speed without checking the junction ahead of you first
• CGive way to any pedestrians on the crossing, then go on if it is clear✓
• DSound your horn to tell the traffic ahead of you that you are coming through

Answer: A flashing amber at a pelican crossing means give way to pedestrians still on the crossing. Once the crossing is clear you may go on. There is no flashing green signal on UK roads.