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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
What should you do if you notice an unfamiliar fluid underneath your vehicle?

251. What should you do if you notice an unfamiliar fluid underneath your vehicle?

Ignore it if no warning light is showing.
Top up the fluid levels and continue driving.
✓ Do not ignore it. Identify the fluid and arrange an inspection if necessary.
Wait until the vehicle develops another problem.

Clear water from air conditioning can be normal, but oil, coolant, fuel, transmission fluid, or brake fluid may indicate a fault requiring urgent attention.

Fluid leaking underneath a parked vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if your vehicle breaks down inside a road tunnel?

252. What should you do if your vehicle breaks down inside a road tunnel?

Stay in the traffic lane and wait without using hazard lights.
✓ Move aside if possible, use hazard lights, and call for assistance.
Make a U-turn and drive toward the nearest exit.
Leave the vehicle and walk along the road to find help.

If possible, stop in an emergency bay or another safe place and use the hazard lights. Contact tunnel control using an emergency telephone or other available assistance system, and follow the tunnel signs and instructions.

Broken-down vehicle inside a road tunnel
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

253. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Seat adjustment.
✓ Steering-wheel adjustment.
Cruise control.
Power-steering control.

This control adjusts the position of the steering wheel. Depending on the vehicle, the steering wheel may be moved up or down and forwards or backwards to obtain a safe and comfortable driving position.

Control for adjusting the steering-wheel position
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if one of your tyres suddenly bursts while driving?

254. What should you do if one of your tyres suddenly bursts while driving?

Accelerate briefly to stabilise the vehicle.
Release the steering wheel and let the vehicle slow itself.
Pump the brake pedal repeatedly.
✓ Hold the steering wheel firmly and slow down gradually.

A tyre burst can make the vehicle unstable. Hold the wheel firmly, avoid sudden braking or steering, and slow down gradually.

Vehicle tyre damaged by a sudden blowout
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Where should passengers wait after safely leaving a broken-down vehicle?

255. Where should passengers wait after safely leaving a broken-down vehicle?

Wait just behind the vehicle away from the traffic lane.
Wait in the traffic lane until help arrives.
✓ In a protected place well away from moving traffic.
Stand between the vehicle and the safety barrier.

Move passengers, children, and pets away from the carriageway. On high-speed roads, wait behind a safety barrier where possible.

Passengers moving away from a broken-down vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when the road is covered with snow or ice?

256. What should you do when the road is covered with snow or ice?

Follow other vehicles closely in their tyre tracks.
Use quick steering movements if the vehicle starts to slide.
Brake firmly in bends to keep control.
✓ Reduce speed, increase following distance, and drive gently.

Snow and ice greatly reduce tyre grip. Lower speed, extra distance, and gentle steering, braking, and acceleration help maintain control.

Vehicle travelling on a snow-covered road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which roads are most likely to cause aquaplaning?

257. Which roads are most likely to cause aquaplaning?

Straight roads in dry weather.
Roads exposed to strong sunlight.
Roads with loose chippings.
✓ Roads with standing water or deep puddles.

Standing water can collect in dips, ruts, or puddles, increasing the chance that tyres will lose grip.

Standing water on a road surface
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which control is normally used to switch on the dipped headlights?

258. Which control is normally used to switch on the dipped headlights?

The rear-window demister.
The hazard warning switch.
✓ The lighting control.
The windscreen-wiper control.

The lighting control is normally used to switch on the dipped headlights. Depending on the vehicle, it may be a rotary switch or part of a lighting stalk.

Lighting control for switching on dipped headlights
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do with the ignition key once the engine starts?

259. What should you do with the ignition key once the engine starts?

Remove it from the ignition.
✓ Release it so it returns from START to ON.
Keep holding it in the START position.
Turn it immediately to ACC.

Once the engine starts, release the ignition key so it returns from START to the ON position. Holding the key in START unnecessarily can keep the starter motor engaged.

Releasing the ignition key after the engine starts
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you check before starting a motorcycle journey?

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

Only the fuel level and mirrors.
Only the brakes and lights.
✓ Tyres, brakes, lights, steering, and controls.
Nothing if the motorcycle was recently serviced.

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 should you do before crossing the road?

261. What should you do before crossing the road?

Look only where traffic normally comes from.
Cross if the nearest vehicle is slowing down.
✓ Look for traffic in all directions.
Follow another pedestrian without checking yourself.

Always check for approaching traffic from every direction before crossing.

Pedestrian checking for traffic before crossing
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when livestock are on the road?

262. What should you do when livestock are on the road?

Sound the horn so the animals move aside.
Use the verge to pass the animals.
✓ Slow down and follow the instructions of the person controlling them.
Drive through the group before it spreads across the road.

Livestock may spread across the road, stop suddenly, or change direction without warning. Slow down, keep a safe distance, avoid sudden movements or loud noises, and follow any instructions from the person controlling the animals.

Livestock being moved along a road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Are motorcycle riders generally required to wear a helmet in United Kingdom?

263. Are motorcycle riders generally required to wear a helmet in United Kingdom?

No.
✓ Yes.

Motorcycle riders in United Kingdom are generally required to wear an approved helmet.

Motorcyclist wearing a protective helmet
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid selecting N while driving downhill in an automatic vehicle?

264. Why should you avoid selecting N while driving downhill in an automatic vehicle?

It increases engine braking.
It applies the parking brake.
✓ It reduces engine braking and vehicle control.
It automatically selects a lower gear.

Selecting N (Neutral) while driving downhill disconnects the engine from the driven wheels, reducing engine braking. Keep an appropriate drive or gear selected so you can maintain better control of the vehicle.

Neutral selection and downhill coasting in an automatic vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why can bridges be dangerous in strong winds?

265. Why can bridges be dangerous in strong winds?

Bridge lighting makes it harder to judge speed.
Vehicles automatically accelerate on bridges.
Steering works less effectively above water.
✓ They are often exposed to stronger gusts.

Bridges are often open and exposed, allowing strong winds to affect vehicles more suddenly.

Exposed bridge in strong wind
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid placing objects on or over an airbag cover?

266. Why should you avoid placing objects on or over an airbag cover?

They could prevent the seat belt from locking.
They could cause the airbag warning light to stay on.
They could make the dashboard harder to clean.
✓ They could interfere with deployment and become dangerous projectiles.

Do not place or attach objects over an airbag cover or in an airbag's deployment area. They may interfere with the airbag as it inflates and could be thrown towards occupants when the airbag deploys.

Objects placed over a vehicle's airbag cover
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if an EV charging cable or connector is damaged?

267. What should you do if an EV charging cable or connector is damaged?

✓ Do not use it, and report or arrange repair of the damage.
Hold the damaged section away from the vehicle.
Reduce the charging power and continue using it.
Use it if the vehicle still begins charging.

Do not use a damaged charging cable or connector. Damage can create a risk of electric shock, overheating, or fire. Use suitable undamaged charging equipment and report the fault or arrange professional repair or replacement.

Damaged electric-vehicle charging cable or connector
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if a direction indicator does not cancel after a turn?

268. What should you do if a direction indicator does not cancel after a turn?

✓ Return the indicator control to its neutral position.
Leave it flashing until the next turn.
Switch on the hazard warning lights.
Press the horn.

Direction indicators often cancel automatically after a turn, but if an indicator remains on, return the indicator control to its neutral position so you do not mislead other road users.

Returning the indicator stalk to its neutral position
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if your vehicle begins to skid on ice?

269. What should you do if your vehicle begins to skid on ice?

Press the brake pedal hard and hold it.
Apply the parking brake to straighten the vehicle.
✓ Ease off the accelerator and steer smoothly in the direction you want to travel.
Steer rapidly from side to side.

Avoid sudden braking or steering. Look where you want to go and use gentle controls while the tyres regain grip.

Vehicle skidding on an icy road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if a pedestrian is crossing slowly?

270. What should you do if a pedestrian is crossing slowly?

Move forward slowly to show that you are waiting.
Pass as soon as they have cleared your part of the road.
Sound your horn to encourage them to cross faster.
✓ Wait patiently and let them finish crossing.

Some pedestrians may need more time to cross. Stay patient, keep a safe distance, and do not pressure them.

Pedestrian crossing the road slowly
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does pulling the lighting stalk towards you normally do?

271. What does pulling the lighting stalk towards you normally do?

Activate the hazard warning lights.
Switch on the front fog lights.
✓ Flash the main-beam headlights.
Switch on the dipped headlights.

Pulling the lighting stalk towards you normally flashes the main-beam headlights. This briefly illuminates the main beam while the stalk is held or operated.

Lighting stalk used to flash the main-beam headlights
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why can headphones or very loud music be dangerous while driving?

272. Why can headphones or very loud music be dangerous while driving?

They can make road signs harder to read.
They can cause the speed limiter to switch off.
✓ They can make important warning sounds harder to hear.
They can prevent the horn from working properly.

Headphones or very loud music can reduce your awareness of horns, sirens, warning sounds, and surrounding traffic. Keep the volume at a level that allows you to remain aware of what is happening around the vehicle.

Driver wearing headphones at the wheel
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Can drivers use a handheld phone while driving in United Kingdom?

273. Can drivers use a handheld phone while driving in United Kingdom?

Yes.
✓ No.

Drivers in United Kingdom are generally not allowed to use a handheld phone while driving.

Driver using a handheld phone
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you expect when leaving a tunnel in bright sunlight?

274. What should you expect when leaving a tunnel in bright sunlight?

The road surface becoming more slippery.
The brakes becoming more powerful.
The speed limit automatically increasing.
✓ Temporary glare and reduced visibility.

Your eyes may need time to adjust from the darker tunnel to bright daylight. Reduce speed if necessary and remain alert.

Bright sunlight at the exit of a road tunnel
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if the pedestrian light is red?

275. What should you do if the pedestrian light is red?

✓ Wait until it turns green.
Start crossing if the signal is about to change.
Cross if another pedestrian has already started.
Cross if there is a large enough gap in traffic.

A red pedestrian signal means you should wait before crossing.

Red pedestrian signal at a crossing
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

276. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Door-open warning.
✓ Immobiliser or anti-theft system.
Power-steering warning.
Engine-management warning.

This symbol relates to the vehicle's immobiliser or anti-theft system. If it remains illuminated or flashes unexpectedly, the vehicle may not recognise the key or there may be a fault in the security system.

Immobiliser indicator symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if traffic stops and a driver waves you across?

277. What should you do if traffic stops and a driver waves you across?

Check only the lane nearest to you.
✓ Check that all lanes are safe before crossing.
Cross immediately once the driver waves you through.
Assume traffic in the other lanes will also stop.

One driver may stop, but other vehicles may still be moving. Always check all lanes before crossing.

Driver waving a pedestrian across the road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do about a flat tyre on a high-speed road?

278. What should you do about a flat tyre on a high-speed road?

Drive slowly on the damaged tyre to the next exit.
Repair the tyre beside the traffic lane using hazard lights.
Ask passengers to help change the wheel quickly.
✓ Move to a protected location if possible and call for professional recovery.

Changing a wheel close to high-speed traffic is extremely dangerous. Move away from traffic and use professional assistance.

Vehicle stopped with a flat tyre on a high-speed road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you leave extra following distance when towing?

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

To make the trailer easier to steer.
To reduce tyre wear on the towing vehicle.
To keep the trailer from moving side to side.
✓ Your vehicle combination may take longer to stop.

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
What should you do at a railway crossing without barriers?

280. What should you do at a railway crossing without barriers?

Follow the vehicle ahead without checking yourself.
Stop only if you hear a train approaching.
Maintain your speed if the tracks look clear.
✓ Stop if required, check carefully, and cross only when safe.

Approach railway crossings carefully, obey any requirement to stop and any warning signals or barriers, and cross only when it is safe.

Railway crossing without barriers
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the best place to cross the road?

281. What is the best place to cross the road?

✓ At a designated crossing.
Near a bend if approaching traffic seems slow.
At a junction without checking for turning traffic.
At the shortest point, even if visibility is limited.

Use a designated crossing whenever possible. It is usually the safest place to cross the road.

Designated crossing for pedestrians
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid driving too close to the edge of the road?

282. Why should you avoid driving too close to the edge of the road?

It can make the steering require more effort.
It can reduce the effectiveness of your mirrors.
It can make oncoming traffic harder to see.
✓ The edge may be uneven or weak.

Road edges can be soft, uneven, or damaged. Driving too close to the edge can reduce control or cause the vehicle to leave the road.

Vehicle travelling close to the road edge
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

283. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

✓ Electronic parking brake.
Cruise control.
Automatic brake hold.
Brake-system warning.

This control operates the electronic parking brake. Pulling or pressing the switch applies or releases the parking brake, depending on the vehicle.

Electronic parking-brake switch and symbol
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Who normally has priority when you enter a motorway from an entry lane?

284. Who normally has priority when you enter a motorway from an entry lane?

Whichever vehicle reaches the merge point first.
✓ Traffic already travelling on the motorway.
The vehicle closest to the end of the entry lane.
Traffic entering from the entry lane.

You must adjust your speed and find a safe gap without forcing motorway traffic to brake or change direction.

Vehicle entering beside traffic already on a motorway
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid sounding the horn near horses?

285. Why should you avoid sounding the horn near horses?

The rider may think you are signalling them to stop.
The horn may make the horse move faster.
✓ The noise may frighten them.
Horses cannot hear a vehicle horn clearly.

Horses can be startled by sudden or loud noises and may move unpredictably. Slow down, give them plenty of space, and avoid using the horn unless necessary.

Vehicle approaching a horse and rider
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Are winter tyres generally required in United Kingdom?

286. Are winter tyres generally required in United Kingdom?

✓ No.
Yes, throughout winter.
Yes, throughout the year.

Winter tyres are not generally required for cars in United Kingdom, although they may still be recommended or required in specific situations.

Winter tyres for cold-weather driving
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if you see loose gravel on the road?

287. What should you do if you see loose gravel on the road?

✓ Slow down and avoid sudden steering or braking.
Steer around loose patches whenever possible.
Maintain your speed and avoid using the brakes.
Brake firmly before the tyres begin to slide.

Loose gravel reduces grip and can make the vehicle skid. Slow down and use smooth steering and braking.

Vehicle on a loose gravel road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should heavy items be placed low and evenly distributed?

288. Why should heavy items be placed low and evenly distributed?

✓ To help keep the vehicle stable.
To increase the available luggage space.
To reduce wear on the engine.
To reduce fuel consumption.

A high or uneven load can make the vehicle unstable, especially during braking, cornering, or sudden steering.

Heavy luggage positioned low in a vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you use headlights in poor visibility?

289. Why should you use headlights in poor visibility?

To reduce fuel consumption.
To prevent the tyres from slipping.
✓ To see better and be seen by others.
To keep the windscreen clear.

Headlights help you see the road and make your vehicle more visible to other road users in fog, rain, darkness, or poor weather.

Vehicle using headlights in reduced visibility
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

290. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Adaptive cruise control.
✓ Lane-departure warning.
Automatic emergency braking.
Electronic stability control.

This symbol relates to the lane-departure warning or lane-keeping system. The system monitors the vehicle's position within its lane and may warn the driver if the vehicle begins to leave the lane unintentionally.

Lane-departure warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the purpose of the manual parking brake?

291. What is the purpose of the manual parking brake?

To slow the vehicle during normal driving.
To select reverse gear.
To disengage the clutch.
✓ To help keep the vehicle stationary when parked.

The manual parking brake helps keep the vehicle stationary when parked. It is normally applied by pulling up the handbrake lever and released before driving away.

Manual handbrake lever in a vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

292. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

✓ Anti-lock braking system warning.
Electronic stability control.
Low tyre pressure.
Brake-pad wear warning.

This symbol indicates a possible fault with the anti-lock braking system (ABS). Normal braking may still be available, but ABS may not operate during heavy braking, so the system should be checked.

Anti-lock braking system warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should the driver's floor mat be properly secured?

293. Why should the driver's floor mat be properly secured?

It could prevent the seat belt from locking.
It could make the steering wheel harder to turn.
✓ It could slide forwards and interfere with the pedals.
It could cause the tyres to lose pressure.

A loose or incorrectly fitted floor mat can move into the pedal area and interfere with the accelerator, brake, or clutch. Make sure the driver's floor mat is correctly fitted, secured, and does not obstruct any pedal.

Driver's floor mat near the pedals
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?

Windscreen wiper.
✓ Rear window wiper.
Rear window demister.
Windscreen washer.

This symbol controls the rear window wiper. Depending on the vehicle, the same control may also operate the rear-window washer.

Rear-window wiper control and symbol
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

295. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Rear fog lights.
✓ Exterior-light failure.
Engine-management warning.
Dipped headlights.

This symbol indicates a possible failure of an exterior vehicle light, such as a headlight, tail light, brake light or indicator. Check the vehicle's exterior lights and replace or repair any faulty light.

Exterior-light failure warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why can fog make it difficult to judge the speed of other vehicles?

296. Why can fog make it difficult to judge the speed of other vehicles?

Fog causes vehicles to travel at uneven speeds.
Fog makes vehicles appear larger than they are.
✓ Limited visibility makes distances and movement harder to estimate.
Fog changes the way mirrors show moving vehicles.

Fog reduces visual information, making it harder to judge how far away another vehicle is and how quickly it is approaching.

Other traffic partly obscured by fog
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

297. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Seat-belt reminder.
Child safety lock.
✓ Passenger airbag deactivation.
Airbag-system fault.

This control allows the front passenger airbag to be deactivated on vehicles equipped with this function. The airbag must be deactivated when a rear-facing child restraint is used on the front passenger seat.

Front passenger airbag deactivation control
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when traffic lights change to amber as you approach?

298. What should you do when traffic lights change to amber as you approach?

Accelerate to pass before the light turns red.
Continue at the same speed if the junction looks clear.
✓ Stop if you can do so safely.
Treat it like a green light until it turns red.

An amber light warns that the signal is changing. Stop if it is safe, but avoid sudden braking that could cause danger behind you.

Vehicle approaching an amber traffic light
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid wearing dark clothing at night?

299. Why should you avoid wearing dark clothing at night?

Street lighting makes dark clothing easy to see.
Clothing colour matters only on unlit roads.
✓ Drivers may have difficulty seeing you.
Headlights make clothing colour unimportant.

Dark clothing makes pedestrians harder to see in low-light conditions. Bright or reflective clothing improves visibility.

Pedestrian wearing dark clothing at night
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which colour combination is commonly used for warning signs in United Kingdom?

300. Which colour combination is commonly used for warning signs in United Kingdom?

Black border with yellow background.
Red border with yellow background.
✓ Red border with white background.
Blue border with white background.

Most warning signs in United Kingdom have a red border with a white background.

Colour combinations used for road warning signs
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA