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QuizTraffic rulesUnited Kingdom

This interesting quiz helps you test your knowledge in a clear and visual way. With easy multiple-choice questions, you can quickly build confidence and learn new facts while keeping it simple, interactive, and fun.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
United Kingdom
True/false 17 United Kingdom 32 Car controls 109 Dashboard lights 40 Priority rules 9 Pedestrians 19 Cyclists 20 Show all 599
Why should you leave extra following distance when towing?

251. Why should you leave extra following distance when towing?

To prevent the trailer from blocking your view.
✓ Your vehicle combination may take longer to stop.
To reduce tyre wear on the towing vehicle.
To make the trailer easier to steer.

Towing adds weight and can increase stopping distance. Extra space gives you more time to react and brake smoothly.

Vehicle towing a trailer behind other traffic
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How can worn tyres affect driving in heavy rain?

252. How can worn tyres affect driving in heavy rain?

They clear water from the road more effectively.
They reduce the chance of skidding at low speeds.
✓ They increase the risk of aquaplaning.
They shorten the stopping distance on wet roads.

Tyre tread helps channel water away and maintain grip. Worn tyres cannot clear water as effectively, increasing stopping distance and the risk of aquaplaning.

Worn tyre tread and wet-road grip
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid following another vehicle too closely in fog?

253. Why should you avoid following another vehicle too closely in fog?

✓ You may have too little time to react if it brakes suddenly.
To keep the windscreen clearer.
To increase stopping distance.
To prevent your tyres from overheating.

Following too closely reduces your reaction time and can lead to a collision if the vehicle ahead slows unexpectedly.

Following another vehicle in fog
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

254. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Child safety lock.
✓ Central door locking.
Mirror adjustment.
Window lock.

This control operates the vehicle's central door locking system. Pressing it locks or unlocks the vehicle's doors, depending on the current lock state.

Central door-locking control and symbol
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you check before starting a motorcycle journey?

255. What should you check before starting a motorcycle journey?

Only the tyres if the journey is long.
✓ Tyres, brakes, lights, steering, and controls.
Only the fuel level and mirrors.
Only the brakes and lights.

Before riding, carry out a basic safety check. Check the tyres, brakes, lights, steering and controls, and inspect the drive chain, belt or other drive components where applicable. Finding a problem before setting off can prevent a breakdown or loss of control.

Checking a motorcycle before a journey
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the main emergency number in United Kingdom?

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

123.
911.
✓ 999.
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 your main beam could dazzle another driver?

257. What should you do if your main beam could dazzle another driver?

Flash the main beam briefly before passing.
✓ Switch to dipped headlights.
Reduce speed but leave the main beam on.
Move farther from the centre and keep the main beam on.

Main beam can dazzle other road users and reduce their visibility. Switch to dipped headlights whenever your main beam could dazzle another driver.

Headlight glare affecting another road user
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Is a fire extinguisher required in cars in United Kingdom?

258. Is a fire extinguisher required in cars in United Kingdom?

Yes.
✓ No.

Cars in United Kingdom are not generally required to carry a fire extinguisher.

Fire extinguisher carried in a vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you keep a dog on a leash near traffic?

259. Why should you keep a dog on a leash near traffic?

To allow the dog to walk closer to moving traffic.
To make approaching vehicles drive more slowly.
✓ To prevent it from suddenly running into the road.
To make it easier for drivers to hear the dog.

Dogs can react unpredictably to vehicles, people, noises, or other animals. Keeping a dog under close control on a leash near traffic reduces the risk of it suddenly entering the road and endangering itself or other road users.

Pedestrian keeping a dog on a leash near traffic
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if your vehicle develops a serious fault while driving?

260. What should you do if your vehicle develops a serious fault while driving?

Continue driving until the vehicle stops by itself.
Accelerate to see if the fault disappears.
Switch off the engine before slowing down.
✓ Keep control, reduce speed, and move to a safe place if possible.

Your first priority is to keep control of the vehicle. Reduce speed smoothly and move out of the path of traffic where possible, signalling when appropriate. Avoid harsh steering or braking unless necessary.

Vehicle stopped after developing a mechanical fault
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why can mixing alcohol with medicine be dangerous for drivers?

261. Why can mixing alcohol with medicine be dangerous for drivers?

✓ The combination may increase drowsiness or impairment.
Medicine can cancel out the effects of alcohol.
Alcohol leaves the body faster when taking medicine.
Medicine prevents alcohol from causing drowsiness.

Some prescription and non-prescription medicines can intensify alcohol-related drowsiness, dizziness, poor coordination, or reduced concentration.

Alcohol and medicine as a driving-impairment risk
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you be prepared for changing conditions on mountain roads?

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

Vehicles automatically lose engine power in the mountains.
✓ Weather, visibility, and road conditions can change quickly.
Mountain roads always have the same weather.
Road conditions usually improve as altitude increases.

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
What should you do with a child restraint after a collision?

263. What should you do with a child restraint after a collision?

Replace only the seat cover.
Use it normally after tightening the straps.
✓ Follow the manufacturer's instructions about inspection or replacement.
Keep using it if no damage is visible.

A child restraint may be damaged in a collision even when the damage is not obvious. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, as the restraint may need to be inspected or replaced before it is used again.

Child car seat requiring inspection after a collision
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you leave extra space behind a motorcycle?

264. Why should you leave extra space behind a motorcycle?

Motorcycles always travel more slowly than cars.
Motorcyclists cannot see vehicles directly behind them.
✓ Motorcycles can slow down quickly and are more vulnerable.
Following closely makes it easier to overtake safely.

Motorcyclists are more exposed than car drivers. Extra following distance gives you more time to react safely.

Following distance behind a motorcycle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How can a roof load affect vehicle handling?

265. How can a roof load affect vehicle handling?

✓ It can raise the centre of gravity and reduce stability.
It makes the vehicle more stable in bends.
It lowers the vehicle's centre of gravity.
It affects only fuel consumption, not handling.

Weight carried high on the vehicle can increase body movement and make sudden steering or cornering less stable.

Vehicle carrying a raised roof load
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control button operate?

266. What does this vehicle-control button operate?

The parking brake.
✓ The engine or drive system.
The central locking system.
The automatic start-stop system.

The engine start/stop button is used to start or switch off the vehicle's engine or electric drive system. Starting the vehicle normally also requires the brake or clutch pedal to be pressed.

Engine start/stop button in a vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you slow down before a sharp bend?

267. Why should you slow down before a sharp bend?

✓ To keep control of the vehicle.
To prevent other vehicles from overtaking.
To make the bend easier to see from a distance.
To make the steering feel lighter.

Sharp bends reduce your view and can make the vehicle harder to control, so you should slow down before entering the bend.

Vehicle approaching a sharp bend
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should unnecessary engine idling be avoided?

268. Why should unnecessary engine idling be avoided?

It immediately damages the brakes.
✓ It uses fuel without moving the vehicle.
It always causes the engine to overheat.
It prevents the battery from charging.

An idling combustion engine uses fuel while the vehicle is stationary. Avoid unnecessary idling where it is safe and appropriate to switch the engine off, taking account of the vehicle manufacturer's instructions and local rules.

Stationary vehicle with its engine idling
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you leave a much larger following distance on an icy road?

269. Why should you leave a much larger following distance on an icy road?

To make the headlights work more effectively.
To prevent ice from forming on the windscreen.
Because ice increases tyre wear.
✓ Because stopping distances can be much longer.

Tyres have much less grip on ice, so braking takes longer. Extra distance gives you more time to slow down safely.

Following distance between vehicles on an icy road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How can parking too close to a junction affect visibility?

270. How can parking too close to a junction affect visibility?

It affects only the driver of the parked vehicle.
It improves visibility by slowing down traffic.
✓ It can block the view between road users.
It has no effect if the hazard lights are on.

Parking too close to a junction can block visibility. Drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians may have difficulty seeing each other in time.

Parked vehicle obstructing visibility near a junction
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when entering a roundabout?

271. What should you do when entering a roundabout?

Enter if another driver appears to be slowing down.
Give way only to traffic in the lane nearest to you.
✓ Slow down, give way when required, and enter only when safe.
Stop and wait until the roundabout is completely empty.

When approaching a roundabout, reduce your speed, observe traffic, follow the signs and local priority rules, and enter only when it is safe.

Vehicle at a roundabout entrance
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should the seat-belt height be adjusted correctly?

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

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

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
What should you do with the clutch when bringing a manual vehicle to a stop?

273. What should you do with the clutch when bringing a manual vehicle to a stop?

✓ Press it before the engine begins to stall.
Press it before using the brake pedal.
Pump it repeatedly while braking.
Keep it released until after the vehicle stops.

When stopping a manual vehicle, brake normally and press the clutch pedal before the engine speed becomes too low and the engine stalls. Avoid pressing the clutch unnecessarily early, as this reduces engine braking.

Clutch-pedal operation when stopping a manual vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
You may park anywhere as long as you leave your hazard lights on.

274. You may park anywhere as long as you leave your hazard lights on.

True.
✓ False.

Hazard lights are used to warn other road users of a hazard or an unexpectedly stopped vehicle. They do not make illegal or unsafe parking acceptable.

Parked vehicle with hazard warning lights flashing
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How can a heavy load affect stopping distance?

275. How can a heavy load affect stopping distance?

✓ It can increase the distance needed to stop.
It always shortens the stopping distance.
It affects stopping distance only on steep roads.
It makes the brakes respond more quickly.

A heavily loaded vehicle has more mass and may require additional distance to slow down or stop safely.

Loaded vehicle and the space needed for braking
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should a motorcyclist react to grooves or ruts in the road?

276. How should a motorcyclist react to grooves or ruts in the road?

Accelerate sharply to cross them quickly.
Brake hard while riding through them.
✓ Reduce speed and keep a relaxed, steady grip.
Grip the handlebars as tightly as possible.

Longitudinal grooves or ruts can affect a motorcycle's steering and may make the wheels follow the uneven surface. Reduce speed where necessary, keep a relaxed but steady grip and avoid sudden braking, acceleration or steering corrections.

Motorcyclist approaching grooves in the road surface
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Who is responsible for staying safe when crossing the road?

277. Who is responsible for staying safe when crossing the road?

Only drivers when pedestrians have priority.
Only the road user without priority.
✓ Everyone using the road.
Only the person who creates the danger.

Road safety is a shared responsibility. Pedestrians, drivers, and cyclists all need to stay alert and follow the rules.

Pedestrians and traffic sharing a road crossing
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do with the parking brake when parking on a slope?

278. What should you do with the parking brake when parking on a slope?

✓ Apply it firmly.
Use it only if the engine is running.
Leave it partly applied.
Release it completely.

When parking on a slope, apply the parking brake firmly to help prevent the vehicle from rolling. Selecting an appropriate gear or Park provides additional security.

Using the parking brake when parking on a slope
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when a bus signals to pull away from a bus stop?

279. What should you do when a bus signals to pull away from a bus stop?

✓ Slow down and be prepared to let it move out when safe.
Sound your horn so the bus waits for you.
Accelerate and pass before the bus moves out.
Drive closely beside the bus to prevent it moving out.

Buses may pull away after picking up passengers. Slow down, check the traffic situation, and allow space when it is safe.

Bus signalling to pull away from a stop
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if visibility is reduced by fog?

280. What should you do if visibility is reduced by fog?

✓ Slow down and use the correct lights.
Maintain normal speed if the road markings are visible.
Use hazard lights instead of normal headlights.
Use main beam to see further through the fog.

Fog makes it harder to see and be seen. Reduce speed, increase following distance, and use the correct lights.

Fog reducing visibility on a road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which control is normally used to switch between dipped and main beam headlights?

281. Which control is normally used to switch between dipped and main beam headlights?

The dashboard brightness control.
The windscreen-wiper stalk.
✓ The lighting stalk.
The hazard warning switch.

The lighting stalk is normally used to switch between dipped and main beam headlights. The exact movement varies between vehicles, so check the vehicle controls before driving.

Lighting stalk for switching between dipped and main beam
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

282. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

The windscreen is frozen.
Air conditioning is active.
Winter tyres are fitted.
✓ Risk of icy road conditions.

This symbol warns that the outside temperature is low enough for ice to form. Road surfaces, especially bridges and shaded areas, may be slippery even when they appear clear.

Icy-road warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if a red warning light appears with an unusual noise?

283. What should you do if a red warning light appears with an unusual noise?

Stop only if another warning light appears.
✓ Stop safely, switch off the engine, and seek assistance.
Continue slowly if the vehicle still responds normally.
Ignore the noise if the warning light later goes out.

A red warning combined with an unusual noise may indicate a serious fault. Continuing could cause damage or loss of control.

Red dashboard warning requiring the driver's attention
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you slow down near schools or playgrounds?

284. Why should you slow down near schools or playgrounds?

✓ Children may behave unpredictably.
Vehicles must stop whenever children are nearby.
Children always have priority near schools.
School zones are closed to normal traffic.

Children may suddenly cross the road or move unexpectedly, so drivers should slow down and stay alert near schools and playgrounds.

Vehicle approaching a school or playground area
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if the service brakes fail while driving?

285. What should you do if the service brakes fail while driving?

Shift into neutral and let the vehicle coast to a stop.
Apply the parking brake suddenly at full force.
Continue slowly until the brakes begin working again.
✓ Reduce speed using other available braking methods and stop safely.

Remain calm, warn other road users, and use other available braking methods to reduce speed. This may include engine braking or a lower gear, and careful use of the parking or emergency brake according to the vehicle's design. Steer toward the safest available stopping area.

Vehicle braking-system failure while driving
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does the ON position of a traditional ignition switch normally do?

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

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

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 should you do if an emergency vehicle approaches with lights or siren on?

287. What should you do if an emergency vehicle approaches with lights or siren on?

Move aside without checking surrounding traffic.
Ignore it if there is not enough room to pass.
Speed up so the vehicle can follow you.
✓ Stay calm and make room safely.

When an emergency vehicle uses lights or siren, check your surroundings and make room safely without sudden or dangerous movements.

Emergency vehicle approaching with warning lights flashing
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

288. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Engine-temperature warning.
Engine-management warning.
✓ Diesel particulate filter warning.
Charging-system warning.

This symbol indicates a problem with the diesel particulate filter (DPF), often because soot has accumulated in the filter. The vehicle may require regeneration or professional inspection, depending on the vehicle and warning status.

Diesel particulate filter warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does AUTO on a windscreen-wiper control normally do?

289. What does AUTO on a windscreen-wiper control normally do?

Sprays washer fluid automatically.
Operates only the rear wiper.
Runs the wipers continuously at maximum speed.
✓ Operates the wipers automatically when rain is detected.

When AUTO is selected, a rain sensor can operate the windscreen wipers automatically and adjust their operation according to the amount of moisture detected on the windscreen.

AUTO setting on the windscreen-wiper control
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

290. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

✓ Instrument-panel brightness.
Headlight level adjustment.
Automatic headlights.
Interior lighting.

This control adjusts the brightness of the instrument panel and dashboard illumination, allowing the driver to reduce or increase the lighting level.

Control for adjusting instrument-panel brightness
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do around a damaged electric or hybrid vehicle?

291. What should you do around a damaged electric or hybrid vehicle?

Disconnect exposed electrical components yourself.
Assume the system is safe once the vehicle is switched off.
Move damaged high-voltage parts away from the road.
✓ Keep clear of damaged high-voltage components and call trained assistance.

Electric and hybrid vehicles can contain dangerous high-voltage systems. Do not touch damaged cables, batteries, or electrical components.

Damaged electric vehicle and high-voltage safety risks
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should the windscreen washer reservoir contain suitable washer fluid?

292. Why should the windscreen washer reservoir contain suitable washer fluid?

Washer fluid is needed only in freezing weather.
Any household cleaning product can be used instead.
✓ It helps remove dirt, salt, insects, and spray from the windscreen.
Plain water always cleans the windscreen just as well.

A clear windscreen is essential for safe observation. Suitable washer fluid helps clean the glass and may provide protection against freezing in cold conditions.

Windscreen washer-fluid reservoir in a vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you be extra careful at night?

293. Why should you be extra careful at night?

Vehicles need more distance to accelerate.
✓ Visibility is reduced.
Road surfaces are usually more slippery.
Road markings become less important.

At night, it is harder to see pedestrians, cyclists, road markings, and hazards. Reduce speed and use the correct lights.

Road traffic in reduced night-time visibility
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

294. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Electric window control.
Central door locking.
Seat adjustment.
✓ Exterior mirror folding.

This control folds or unfolds the vehicle's exterior mirrors. It is useful when parking in narrow spaces or when leaving the vehicle parked.

Control for folding the exterior mirrors
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should headlights, indicators, and other exterior lights be kept clean and working?

295. Why should headlights, indicators, and other exterior lights be kept clean and working?

✓ They help you see, be seen, and communicate your intentions.
They prevent the windscreen from misting.
They improve braking performance in poor weather.
They make the vehicle use less fuel.

Dirty or faulty lights reduce visibility and make it harder for other road users to understand when you are braking, turning, reversing, or changing position.

Checking and cleaning a vehicle's exterior lights
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you normally do before selecting D or R in an automatic vehicle?

296. What should you normally do before selecting D or R in an automatic vehicle?

Switch off the engine.
Apply the parking brake only.
Press the accelerator pedal.
✓ Press and hold the brake pedal.

Before selecting D (Drive) or R (Reverse), keep the brake pedal pressed to prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly when the gear is engaged.

Holding the brake before selecting an automatic driving gear
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Must cars carry equipment for dealing with a puncture in United Kingdom?

297. Must cars carry equipment for dealing with a puncture in United Kingdom?

✓ No.
Yes.

Cars in United Kingdom are not generally required to carry a spare wheel or tyre repair kit.

Vehicle equipment for dealing with a puncture
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if you see fallen rocks on a mountain road?

298. What should you do if you see fallen rocks on a mountain road?

Swerve around them immediately without checking traffic.
Stop beside the rocks to inspect the road.
Move toward the centre of the road without slowing down.
✓ Slow down and avoid them smoothly when safe.

Loose rocks can damage tyres, affect steering, or block part of the road. Reduce speed and avoid sudden movements. If rocks are actively falling, do not enter or stop in the danger area. Keep a safe distance and, if necessary, wait in a safe place until it is safe to continue.

Fallen rocks on a mountain road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

299. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Air recirculation.
✓ Air conditioning.
Fan speed.
Rear window demister.

The A/C symbol controls the vehicle's air-conditioning system. Air conditioning can cool and dehumidify the air inside the vehicle, which can also help clear mist from the windows.

Air-conditioning control with the A/C symbol
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

300. 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