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QuizTraffic rulesUnited Kingdom

Test your knowledge with our multiple-choice quiz. Learn from each answer and improve your understanding of the traffic rules and road signs of United Kingdom.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
United Kingdom
True/false 17 United Kingdom 31 Car controls 109 Dashboard lights 40 Priority rules 9 Pedestrians 19 Cyclists 20 Show all 598
Why should you not drive too close behind another vehicle?

101. Why should you not drive too close behind another vehicle?

It makes your headlights less effective.
It causes the vehicle ahead to use more fuel.
It increases tyre pressure.
✓ You may not have enough time to stop.

Driving too close, or tailgating, reduces the time and space available to react and increases the risk of a rear-end collision. Use defensive driving and keep a safe following distance.

Vehicle tailgating the traffic ahead
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid removing the coolant cap while the engine is hot?

102. Why should you avoid removing the coolant cap while the engine is hot?

Opening it can reduce the engine oil pressure.
The coolant level may become harder to read.
✓ Pressurised hot coolant may escape and cause serious burns.
The thermostat may become damaged.

A hot cooling system may remain under pressure. Allow the engine to cool and follow the manufacturer's instructions before checking or adding coolant.

Coolant cap and the risk of hot pressurised coolant
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does the ON position of a traditional ignition switch normally do?

103. What does the ON position of a traditional ignition switch normally do?

Switches off all electrical accessories.
Turns the starter motor.
Locks the steering.
✓ Switches on the vehicle's electrical systems without operating the starter.

The ON position normally switches on the vehicle's electrical and ignition systems without operating the starter motor. The engine is started by turning the key further to the START position.

ON position on a traditional ignition switch
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does the ACC position of a traditional ignition switch normally allow?

104. What does the ACC position of a traditional ignition switch normally allow?

✓ Electrical accessories to be used without starting the engine.
The parking brake to release.
The starter motor to turn the engine.
The transmission to select Drive.

The ACC (accessory) position normally supplies power to certain electrical accessories, such as the audio system, without starting the engine. The exact functions available can vary between vehicles.

ACC accessory position on an ignition switch
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should the seat-belt height be adjusted correctly?

105. Why should the seat-belt height be adjusted correctly?

To make the belt easier to unfasten.
To increase the length of the lap belt.
✓ To position the shoulder belt correctly across the body.
To prevent the seat from moving.

The seat-belt height adjustment helps position the shoulder belt correctly across the chest and shoulder. It should not run across the neck or under the arm.

Height adjustment for the shoulder section of a seat belt
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why must you avoid smoking or open flames at a filling station?

106. Why must you avoid smoking or open flames at a filling station?

Smoke can prevent the fuel cap from sealing.
Smoke can interfere with the fuel gauge.
✓ Fuel vapours can ignite and cause a fire.
Open flames can reduce the fuel's quality.

Petrol and other fuels can produce flammable vapours. Smoking, open flames, sparks, or other ignition sources can ignite these vapours and cause a serious fire. Follow all filling-station safety rules while refuelling.

No-smoking warning at a filling station
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do after fitting a temporary spare wheel?

107. What should you do after fitting a temporary spare wheel?

✓ Follow its speed and distance restrictions and replace it as soon as possible.
Drive normally if the vehicle feels stable.
Increase its pressure to match the other tyres.
Use it as a permanent replacement if it looks undamaged.

Temporary spare wheels may have limited speed, distance, and handling capabilities. Arrange a proper repair or replacement promptly.

Temporary spare wheel fitted to a vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if a friend who has been drinking wants to drive?

108. What should you do if a friend who has been drinking wants to drive?

Follow them home in another vehicle.
✓ Encourage them not to drive and arrange safe transport.
Give them coffee and wait a short while.
Let them drive if they say they feel sober.

Preventing an impaired person from driving can protect them, their passengers, and other road users. Arrange a sober driver, taxi, public transport, or accommodation.

Friends discussing safe transport after drinking
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
You should adjust your mirrors before you start driving.

109. You should adjust your mirrors before you start driving.

✓ True.
False.

Properly adjusted mirrors improve visibility and help you monitor traffic around your vehicle.

Driver adjusting a mirror before setting off
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do at a railway crossing with warning lights flashing?

110. What should you do at a railway crossing with warning lights flashing?

Continue if you cannot see or hear a train.
Drive around the barrier if the road ahead is clear.
✓ Stop before the crossing and wait until it is safe to proceed.
Cross quickly before the train reaches the crossing.

Flashing warning lights mean a train may be approaching. Stop before the crossing and wait until the warning has ended and the crossing is clear.

Flashing warning lights at a railway crossing
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
You should follow the vehicle in front as closely as possible in traffic.

111. You should follow the vehicle in front as closely as possible in traffic.

✓ False.
True.

You should keep a safe following distance so you have enough time to react if traffic slows or stops suddenly.

Vehicle following closely behind another vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should you normally hold the steering wheel while driving?

112. How should you normally hold the steering wheel while driving?

With both hands together at the bottom.
With one hand resting on the gear lever.
✓ With both hands in a balanced position.
With one hand at the top of the wheel.

Hold the steering wheel with both hands in a balanced position so that you can steer smoothly and react quickly. A position around nine and three o'clock generally provides good control.

Driver holding the steering wheel with both hands
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the general minimum legal tread depth for car tyres in United Kingdom?

113. What is the general minimum legal tread depth for car tyres in United Kingdom?

✓ 1.6 mm.
1.5 mm.
1.0 mm.
2.0 mm.

The general minimum legal tread depth for car tyres in United Kingdom is 1.6 mm. Higher minimums may apply to winter tyres, during winter periods or in winter conditions.

Measuring tread depth on a vehicle tyre
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before driving away after charging an electric vehicle?

114. What should you do before driving away after charging an electric vehicle?

Leave the charging flap open so it can cool.
Leave the cable connected until the vehicle starts moving.
✓ Disconnect the charging cable and secure it properly.
Drive forward slowly to disconnect the plug.

Before driving away, disconnect the charging cable correctly and return it to the charger or store it securely in the vehicle, as appropriate. Close the charging port and check that the area around the vehicle is clear.

Disconnecting an electric vehicle after charging
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Should the side stand be fully raised before riding a motorcycle?

115. Should the side stand be fully raised before riding a motorcycle?

✓ Yes, a lowered stand could catch the road and affect control.
No, it can remain down when riding slowly.
No, it only needs to be raised on motorways.
Yes, but only when carrying a passenger.

The side stand should be fully raised before riding. If it remains down, it may strike the road surface, particularly when turning, and could cause the rider to lose control.

Motorcycle side stand and pre-ride checks
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the main emergency number in United Kingdom?

116. What is the main emergency number in United Kingdom?

911.
✓ 999.
123.
111.

The main emergency number in United Kingdom is 999.

999 emergency telephone number
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if a load extends beyond the vehicle?

117. What should you do if a load extends beyond the vehicle?

✓ Make sure it is legal, secure, and properly marked when required.
Let the load extend as far as necessary.
Cover it with a cloth instead of marking it.
Leave it unmarked if it is easy to see.

An extending load may create additional danger and may require specific markings or equipment under local rules.

Load projecting beyond a vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is aquaplaning?

118. What is aquaplaning?

When wet brakes become too hot to work properly.
When steering becomes heavier on a dry road.
When low tyre pressure causes a tyre to burst.
✓ When tyres ride on a layer of water and lose contact with the road.

Aquaplaning occurs when water builds up between the tyres and the road, causing a loss of grip and control. The risk increases at higher speeds.

Water separating a tyre from the road surface
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How may drivers normally use a phone while driving in United Kingdom?

119. How may drivers normally use a phone while driving in United Kingdom?

✓ Hands-free.
Handheld.
Either handheld or hands-free.
Only for texting.

When phone use while driving is permitted in United Kingdom, drivers must generally use a hands-free system rather than holding the phone.

Hands-free phone use inside a vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What do the + and − controls normally adjust when the speed limiter is active?

120. What do the + and − controls normally adjust when the speed limiter is active?

The following distance.
✓ The selected maximum speed.
The transmission gear.
The engine idle speed.

When the speed limiter is active, the + and − controls normally increase or decrease the selected maximum speed. The exact adjustment steps can vary between vehicles.

Plus and minus controls for the speed limiter
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

121. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

✓ Forward-collision warning.
Parking assistance.
Electronic stability control.
Adaptive cruise control.

This symbol relates to the forward-collision warning or automatic emergency braking system. It may warn the driver when the vehicle detects a risk of collision with traffic ahead.

Forward-collision warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

122. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Low tyre pressure.
Electronic stability control.
Charging-system warning.
✓ Power-steering warning.

This symbol indicates a possible fault with the power-steering system. Steering assistance may be reduced or unavailable, making the steering wheel harder to turn.

Power-steering warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

123. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Front fog lights.
✓ Rear fog lights.
Sidelights.
Main beam.

This symbol indicates that the rear fog lights are switched on. Rear fog lights make the vehicle more visible from behind in conditions of severely reduced visibility, but they can dazzle other road users when used unnecessarily.

Rear fog-light symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before driving after taking medicine?

124. What should you do before driving after taking medicine?

✓ Check whether it may affect your ability to drive.
Drive normally if the medicine was prescribed.
Drink coffee to prevent any side effects.
Take an extra dose before a long journey.

Some medicines can affect driving ability by causing drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, slower reactions, or reduced concentration. Check the label or patient information and follow advice from your doctor or pharmacist before driving.

Checking medicine warnings before driving
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Using indicators helps other road users understand your intentions.

125. Using indicators helps other road users understand your intentions.

✓ True.
False.

Indicators help communicate your intended direction and improve safety for everyone on the road.

Vehicle signalling its intended direction
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does the SET function of cruise control normally do?

126. What does the SET function of cruise control normally do?

Applies the brakes automatically.
✓ Stores the current speed as the cruising speed.
Switches cruise control off.
Returns to a previously stored speed.

The SET function normally stores the vehicle's current speed as the cruise-control speed. Use it only when the road, traffic, and driving conditions are suitable.

SET button for storing a cruising speed
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Where should you change a wheel after a puncture?

127. Where should you change a wheel after a puncture?

✓ On firm, level ground well away from moving traffic.
On soft ground if the jack appears stable.
As close to moving traffic as possible to keep off the verge.
Where the puncture occurred, as long as the hazard lights are on.

The vehicle must be stable and protected from traffic. Apply the parking brake and follow the manufacturer's wheel-changing instructions.

Wheel change on firm ground away from traffic
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if steam begins coming from underneath the bonnet?

128. What should you do if steam begins coming from underneath the bonnet?

Continue driving slowly until the steam stops.
Pour cold water over the engine immediately.
Keep the engine running so the cooling system keeps working.
✓ Stop safely, switch off the engine, and keep clear until it has cooled.

Steam can indicate an overheated and pressurised cooling system. Do not remove the coolant cap while the system is hot.

Steam rising from underneath a vehicle's bonnet
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why is counting drinks an unreliable way to decide whether you can drive?

129. Why is counting drinks an unreliable way to decide whether you can drive?

✓ Drink strength, serving size, and individual effects can vary.
The number of drinks matters more than their strength.
You can judge your alcohol level by how sober you feel.
One drink affects every person in the same way.

Alcohol concentration and serving sizes vary, and factors such as body size, food, medication, and time can affect impairment.

Alcoholic drinks with different strengths and serving sizes
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you increase your following distance on wet roads?

130. Why should you increase your following distance on wet roads?

To reduce road surface damage.
✓ Because braking distances are longer.
Because wet roads make the speedometer less accurate.
Because tyres need more space to warm up.

Water reduces grip between the tyres and the road, so it takes longer to slow down or stop safely.

Following distance between vehicles on a wet road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you expect when leaving a sheltered area during strong winds?

131. What should you expect when leaving a sheltered area during strong winds?

✓ A sudden gust may affect your vehicle.
The road surface may suddenly become more slippery.
Your steering may become lighter.
The vehicle may automatically slow down.

Buildings, trees, and other obstacles can block wind. When you leave shelter, a sudden gust may push your vehicle.

Vehicle leaving a sheltered stretch of road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when approaching a curve with poor visibility?

132. What should you do when approaching a curve with poor visibility?

Move slightly toward the centre for a better view.
✓ Slow down and stay in your lane.
Brake only after entering the curve if necessary.
Follow the vehicle ahead closely through the curve.

A curve can hide oncoming traffic, obstacles, cyclists, or pedestrians. Reduce speed and keep a safe position.

Road bend with a restricted view ahead
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if a motorcycle's drive chain is too loose?

133. What should you do if a motorcycle's drive chain is too loose?

✓ Adjust it correctly or have it checked before riding.
Lubricate it and ignore the loose tension.
Tighten it as much as possible.
Increase speed to keep the chain under tension.

A loose drive chain can affect power transmission, damage components, or come off the sprockets. The chain should have the correct tension and lubrication specified by the motorcycle manufacturer. A chain that is too tight can also cause damage.

Loose drive chain on a motorcycle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid travelling with the seatback excessively reclined?

134. Why should you avoid travelling with the seatback excessively reclined?

It can prevent the head restraint from being adjusted.
It can make the airbag deploy earlier.
It can cause the seat to slide forwards when braking.
✓ It can reduce how effectively the seat belt restrains you.

An excessively reclined seat can affect how the seat belt fits and restrains your body and may increase the risk of sliding under the lap belt in a collision. Sit in a reasonably upright position so the lap belt stays low across the hips and the shoulder belt lies correctly across the chest.

Vehicle seat with an excessively reclined backrest
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before driving through a puddle?

135. What should you do before driving through a puddle?

Follow another vehicle closely to judge the depth.
✓ Slow down and check that it is safe.
Maintain your normal speed if the road looks clear.
Accelerate so you spend less time in the water.

Large puddles can hide holes, reduce grip, or cause water to splash onto pedestrians or other vehicles. Slow down and proceed carefully.

Vehicle approaching a puddle on the road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you be prepared for changing conditions on mountain roads?

136. Why should you be prepared for changing conditions on mountain roads?

Road conditions usually improve as altitude increases.
Road signs become less important at higher elevations.
Vehicles automatically lose engine power in the mountains.
✓ Weather, visibility, and road conditions can change quickly.

Fog, rain, snow, ice, falling rocks, and strong winds can develop rapidly in mountainous areas.

Changing visibility and weather on a mountain road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you keep a safe following distance?

137. Why should you keep a safe following distance?

To keep traffic moving at a steady speed.
To make your vehicle easier to see ahead.
✓ To have enough time to stop.
To make overtaking easier.

A safe following distance gives you enough time to react if the vehicle in front slows down or stops suddenly.

Gap between a vehicle and the traffic ahead
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

138. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Parking brake applied.
✓ Brake-system warning.
Low tyre pressure.
Anti-lock braking system warning.

This symbol indicates a possible brake-system fault. If it remains illuminated after the parking brake is released, stop safely and have the braking system checked.

Brake-system warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid unnecessary lane changes in roadworks?

139. Why should you avoid unnecessary lane changes in roadworks?

Changing lanes helps traffic move faster through roadworks.
Temporary lanes are designed for frequent lane changes.
✓ Narrow lanes and changing layouts increase the risk of collision.
Lane changes are safer when traffic is moving slowly.

Frequent lane changes create additional risk where space is limited and drivers are already adapting to temporary layouts.

Vehicles travelling through restricted roadworks lanes
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should a cyclist react to a pothole?

140. How should a cyclist react to a pothole?

Swerve around it as soon as you notice it.
Brake hard just before reaching the pothole.
✓ Check surroundings, reduce speed, and avoid it smoothly.
Focus only on the pothole and not the traffic around you.

Sudden swerving can place you in the path of traffic. Check your surroundings and change direction gradually.

Cyclist approaching a pothole
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the main purpose of a motorway emergency lane or hard shoulder?

141. What is the main purpose of a motorway emergency lane or hard shoulder?

For driving when the motorway is busy.
For stopping to check directions.
✓ For emergencies and breakdowns.
For overtaking slow-moving traffic.

A motorway emergency lane or hard shoulder is primarily intended for emergencies and breakdowns, not normal driving. In some places it may be opened temporarily as a traffic lane when signs or signals specifically permit this.

Motorway hard shoulder beside the traffic lanes
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid overloading a trailer?

142. Why should you avoid overloading a trailer?

It keeps the trailer more stable in strong winds.
It improves braking on steep roads.
It reduces tyre wear on the towing vehicle.
✓ It can reduce stability and place excessive strain on the vehicle.

Overloading can affect braking, steering, tyres, suspension, and trailer stability. Always remain within permitted limits. After loading, check that the load is secure and correctly distributed before starting your journey.

Loaded trailer and towing limits
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should the interior rear-view mirror be adjusted?

143. How should the interior rear-view mirror be adjusted?

To show mainly the rear seats.
To show the driver's face.
✓ To give a clear view through the rear window.
To point towards the left door mirror.

Adjust the interior rear-view mirror before driving so that you have a clear view through the rear window without needing to move your head significantly.

Adjusting the interior rear-view mirror
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you keep the driver's footwell free of loose objects?

144. Why should you keep the driver's footwell free of loose objects?

✓ They could roll into the pedals and interfere with control.
They could damage the carpet around the pedals.
They could make it harder to adjust the driver's seat.
They could make the pedals noisier to operate.

Loose objects in the driver's footwell, such as bottles, cans, or rubbish, can roll into the pedal area and interfere with the accelerator, brake, or clutch. Keep the footwell clear so you can operate the pedals safely and without obstruction.

Loose objects in the driver's footwell
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why is it important to make yourself visible at night?

145. Why is it important to make yourself visible at night?

✓ To make drivers see you more easily.
To avoid checking for approaching vehicles.
To make drivers give way wherever you cross.
To make it safe to walk closer to moving traffic.

Bright or reflective clothing helps drivers notice pedestrians in low-light conditions.

Pedestrian visibility beside a road at night
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How does higher speed affect a vehicle's stopping distance?

146. How does higher speed affect a vehicle's stopping distance?

✓ It increases the distance needed to stop.
It affects braking distance only on wet roads.
It has no effect if the brakes are in good condition.
It decreases the distance needed to stop.

As speed increases, the vehicle travels farther while the driver reacts and requires more distance to brake. This means the total stopping distance increases significantly as speed rises.

Vehicle speed and the distance needed to stop
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which control is normally used to operate the direction indicators?

147. Which control is normally used to operate the direction indicators?

The headlight-level control.
✓ The steering-column indicator stalk.
The windscreen-wiper stalk.
The cruise-control button.

The direction indicators are normally operated using a stalk beside the steering wheel. Moving the stalk up or down activates the indicators on the corresponding side of the vehicle.

Steering-column stalk for the direction indicators
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when branches or debris are blowing onto the road?

148. What should you do when branches or debris are blowing onto the road?

✓ Slow down and avoid hazards safely.
Maintain speed and steer around them when necessary.
Change lanes immediately without reducing speed.
Drive over smaller debris if it appears harmless.

Wind can blow unexpected obstacles onto the road. Reduce speed and avoid them safely.

Wind-blown branches and debris on a road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if it is unsafe to leave a stranded vehicle?

149. What should you do if it is unsafe to leave a stranded vehicle?

Switch off all lights to preserve the battery.
Try to push the vehicle out of the traffic lane.
Walk along the road to find assistance.
✓ Stay inside, use hazard lights, and call the emergency services.

If leaving the vehicle would put you in greater danger, remain restrained, make the vehicle visible, contact the emergency services, and follow their instructions.

Vehicle stranded among moving traffic
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if the vehicle consistently pulls to one side?

150. What should you do if the vehicle consistently pulls to one side?

Increase speed to see if the vehicle straightens.
Reduce pressure in the tyre on the opposite side.
Ignore it if the tyres appear normal.
✓ Check the tyre pressures and have the steering, alignment, and brakes inspected.

Persistent pulling can be caused by incorrect tyre pressure, wheel misalignment, suspension wear, or a braking fault. It should not be ignored.

Vehicle pulling to one side while travelling
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA