Practice test
Practice Test 3
50 questions, just like the real test. Attempt them, then check the answer key below — or take the timed, auto-scored version in Car Theory Test.
Take this test timed and scored, with your predicted pass result — free to start in the app.
Download on theApp Store1. A casualty is bleeding heavily from a wound with nothing embedded in it. What should you do?
- A. Wash it with petrol
- B. Apply firm pressure to the wound, ideally with a clean pad
- C. Leave it to clot
- D. Raise it and do nothing else
2. What's the first thing to do if you have a minor 'bump' with another vehicle?
- A. Blame the other driver
- B. Drive off quickly
- C. Ignore it if there's little damage
- D. Stop and exchange details with the other driver
3. What information should you exchange after a collision causing damage?
- A. Only your phone number
- B. Names, addresses, vehicle details and insurance information
- C. Nothing if no one is hurt
- D. Just a verbal apology
4. When giving CPR to an adult who isn't breathing, at what rate should you give chest compressions?
- A. Only when they cough
- B. About 30 per minute
- C. As slowly as possible
- D. About 100–120 per minute
5. You're about to move off from the side of the road. What should you do?
- A. Sound your horn first
- B. Move off quickly before checking
- C. Signal only if other drivers are near
- D. Check your mirrors and blind spots, then signal if needed
6. When are you allowed to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving?
- A. When stopped at traffic lights
- B. Never, except a genuine 999 emergency when it's unsafe to stop
- C. When using the loudspeaker
- D. On quiet roads only
7. You want to turn right at a junction but your view is blocked by parked cars. What should you do?
- A. Turn quickly before anything comes
- B. Edge forward slowly until you can see clearly
- C. Sound your horn and go
- D. Reverse and find another route
8. You're driving and a passenger keeps distracting you. What should you do?
- A. Cover their mouth
- B. Ask them to stop, and pull over if needed
- C. Drive faster to end the journey
- D. Carry on and hope it's fine
9. What's the main danger of driving when you're angry or upset?
- A. It uses more fuel
- B. Your lights stop working
- C. The car handles differently
- D. Your judgement and concentration are impaired
10. You want to listen to music while driving. What's the safest approach?
- A. Keep the volume low enough to hear what's happening outside
- B. Use headphones in both ears
- C. Turn it up to stay awake
- D. Watch the screen for song titles
11. An ambulance with flashing blue lights is approaching from behind. What should you do?
- A. Drive onto the pavement
- B. Stop immediately wherever you are
- C. Stay calm, watch its course and pull over safely when you can
- D. Speed up and clear the road
12. Bright sunlight is dazzling you as you drive. What should you do?
- A. Slow down and use your sun visor
- B. Close your eyes briefly
- C. Flash your headlights
- D. Speed up to get past it
13. What is the minimum legal tread depth for a car tyre in the UK?
- A. 1.0 mm
- B. 1.6 mm
- C. 3.0 mm
- D. 2.0 mm
14. What should you do if your brakes feel spongy or are not working well?
- A. Stop driving and get them checked before continuing
- B. Ignore it until the MOT
- C. Pump them and keep driving
- D. Drive faster to test them
15. How can you reduce fuel consumption?
- A. Carry heavy items at all times
- B. Accelerate and brake harshly
- C. Keep the engine revving high
- D. Anticipate the road and drive smoothly in the right gear
16. How should you adjust your head restraint for safety?
- A. As low as possible
- B. Removed for comfort
- C. Tilted fully forward
- D. So the top is at least level with the top of your ears
17. Your car pulls to one side under braking. What's the likely cause?
- A. Bright headlights
- B. Too much fuel
- C. The radio is on
- D. A brake or tyre fault
18. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) help you to...
- A. Stop in a shorter distance on every surface
- B. Avoid checking your tyres
- C. Steer while braking hard in an emergency
- D. Drive faster safely
19. When parking on a hill facing downhill, you should...
- A. Leave it in neutral
- B. Turn the wheels away from the kerb
- C. Apply the handbrake and turn the wheels towards the kerb
- D. Leave the doors open
20. Why is it important that all your lights work?
- A. For appearance
- B. So you can see and be seen by others
- C. To pass the radio test
- D. It saves fuel
21. What is the national speed limit for a car on a single carriageway?
- A. 70 mph
- B. 40 mph
- C. 60 mph
- D. 50 mph
22. In a built-up area with street lights, what's the speed limit unless signs say otherwise?
- A. 50 mph
- B. 30 mph
- C. 20 mph
- D. 40 mph
23. At a 'STOP' sign you must...
- A. Sound your horn
- B. Slow and proceed if clear
- C. Give way only
- D. Stop completely at the line, then go when safe
24. You want to go straight ahead at a roundabout. What should you do on approach?
- A. Stop on the roundabout
- B. Approach in the appropriate lane and signal left after the exit before yours
- C. Signal left
- D. Signal right the whole way
25. Where must you not park?
- A. On the zigzag lines near a pedestrian crossing
- B. On your driveway
- C. In a quiet side road
- D. In a marked bay
26. What does a single yellow line mean?
- A. Always free to park
- B. No waiting at any time
- C. No stopping ever
- D. Waiting restrictions apply during the times shown on nearby signs
27. What should you do at a junction with traffic lights showing red?
- A. Treat it as a give way
- B. Stop at the stop line and wait
- C. Stop only if a car is coming
- D. Edge across if it looks clear
28. What does a flashing amber light at a pelican crossing mean?
- A. Speed up
- B. The lights are broken
- C. Stop and wait
- D. Give way to pedestrians on the crossing, then go if clear
29. What shape are most warning signs?
- A. Rectangular
- B. Triangular
- C. Octagonal
- D. Circular
30. What does an upside-down (inverted) triangle sign mean?
- A. No entry
- B. Stop
- C. Roundabout
- D. Give way
31. What does a sign showing a white diagonal line on a circular white background with a black border mean?
- A. National speed limit applies
- B. No vehicles
- C. No stopping
- D. End of motorway
32. A sign with a red ring around a number, e.g. 30, means...
- A. Maximum speed limit of 30 mph
- B. A route number
- C. A distance of 30 miles
- D. Minimum speed of 30
33. What colour are signs on primary routes (non-motorway)?
- A. Brown
- B. Yellow
- C. Blue
- D. Green with white lettering
34. Reflective road studs ('cat's eyes') that are red mark...
- A. The centre of the road
- B. The left-hand edge of the carriageway
- C. The right-hand edge of the carriageway
- D. Lane dividers
35. What does a triangular sign with a picture of traffic lights mean?
- A. No traffic lights here
- B. The lights are off
- C. A junction with no lights
- D. There are traffic lights ahead
36. A yellow box with criss-cross lines painted on the road is a...
- A. Cycle box
- B. Parking bay
- C. Loading area
- D. Box junction you must keep clear
37. You arrive at the scene of a crash. What's your first priority?
- A. Make the area safe and warn other traffic
- B. Take photos
- C. Drive away
- D. Move all casualties at once
38. How do you check if a casualty is breathing?
- A. Pour water on them
- B. Shake them hard
- C. Look, listen and feel for breath after opening the airway
- D. Give chest compressions immediately
39. How can you help a casualty who is suffering from burns?
- A. Burst any blisters
- B. Apply cream or butter
- C. Cool the burn with clean, cool water for at least 20 minutes
- D. Remove anything stuck to it
40. You see a vehicle on fire after a crash. What should you avoid doing?
- A. Opening the bonnet, which feeds the fire with air
- B. Standing well back
- C. Getting people clear
- D. Calling the fire service
41. What number should you call for the emergency services in the UK?
- A. 118
- B. 999 or 112
- C. 111
- D. 101
42. If a casualty's airway is blocked, what should you do first?
- A. Give them a drink
- B. Sit them up and pat their back
- C. Roll them face-down
- D. Gently tilt their head back and lift the chin to open the airway
43. You feel drowsy while driving on a motorway. What's the safest action?
- A. Speed up to finish sooner
- B. Leave at the next services or exit and rest
- C. Open a window and carry on
- D. Turn the radio up loud
44. A vehicle is following too closely behind you. What should you do?
- A. Speed up to get away
- B. Ease off the accelerator to increase the gap in front of you
- C. Ignore it completely
- D. Brake sharply to warn them
45. What does 'tailgating' mean?
- A. Overtaking on the left
- B. Following the vehicle in front too closely
- C. Driving with your boot open
- D. Driving in the wrong gear
46. You must not sound your horn when stationary unless...
- A. You want someone to come out
- B. You are leaving a parking space
- C. A moving vehicle poses a danger
- D. You are annoyed with another driver
47. Before reversing, what should you do?
- A. Sound the horn continuously
- B. Reverse quickly to get it over with
- C. Rely on your mirrors only
- D. Check all around, including blind spots, for pedestrians and obstacles
48. Why is it dangerous to drive after taking some prescription medicines?
- A. Some cause drowsiness or slow reactions
- B. They are always illegal to take
- C. They make the car heavier
- D. They affect the brakes
49. What's the safest way to deal with a satnav while driving?
- A. Programme it before you set off
- B. Glance at it for long periods
- C. Follow it even against road signs
- D. Hold it and tap as you go
50. You're tired but nearly home. What's the safest choice?
- A. Drive faster to arrive sooner
- B. Push on because it's close
- C. Drink a strong coffee and keep going without stopping
- D. Stop somewhere safe and rest before continuing
Answer key
- 1. Apply firm pressure to the wound, ideally with a clean pad — Apply firm direct pressure over the wound, and raise the limb if possible, to slow heavy bleeding (DR ABC / first aid).
- 2. Stop and exchange details with the other driver — You must stop and give your details if anyone is hurt or property is damaged; failing to stop is an offence (rule 286).
- 3. Names, addresses, vehicle details and insurance information — Exchange names, addresses, registration numbers and insurance details with anyone affected (rule 286).
- 4. About 100–120 per minute — Give chest compressions at a rate of about 100–120 per minute, pressing firmly in the centre of the chest.
- 5. Check your mirrors and blind spots, then signal if needed — Before moving off, use your mirrors, check your blind spots, and signal if it would help others (Highway Code, rule 159).
- 6. Never, except a genuine 999 emergency when it's unsafe to stop — It's illegal to hold and use a phone while driving. The only exception is calling 999 or 112 in a genuine emergency when it's unsafe to stop (rule 149).
- 7. Edge forward slowly until you can see clearly — Move forward slowly and carefully until you have a clear view, then turn only when it's safe (rule 170).
- 8. Ask them to stop, and pull over if needed — You must stay in full control. Ask passengers not to distract you, and stop safely if the distraction continues.
- 9. Your judgement and concentration are impaired — Strong emotions impair concentration and judgement. Calm down before driving so you can respond safely.
- 10. Keep the volume low enough to hear what's happening outside — Loud music or headphones can mask sirens and other warnings. Keep the volume moderate and stay aware of the road.
- 11. Stay calm, watch its course and pull over safely when you can — Look ahead, keep calm and make room for emergency vehicles when safe — don't brake harshly or mount the kerb (rule 219).
- 12. Slow down and use your sun visor — Dazzle reduces what you can see, so slow down and use the visor. Stop if you genuinely can't see (rule 237).
- 13. 1.6 mm — Car tyres must have at least 1.6 mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around the whole circumference (rule 89).
- 14. Stop driving and get them checked before continuing — Faulty brakes are dangerous. Have them checked before you drive — never carry on with a known fault (rule 89).
- 15. Anticipate the road and drive smoothly in the right gear — Reading the road ahead, easing off early and using the correct gear all save fuel and reduce wear (rule 123).
- 16. So the top is at least level with the top of your ears — A correctly set head restraint, with its rigid part at least level with the top of your ears, reduces neck injury in a crash (rule 97).
- 17. A brake or tyre fault — Pulling to one side when braking suggests a brake or tyre problem and should be checked promptly.
- 18. Steer while braking hard in an emergency — ABS helps you keep steering control during hard braking, but it doesn't necessarily shorten stopping distances (rule 120).
- 19. Apply the handbrake and turn the wheels towards the kerb — Facing downhill, turn the front wheels towards the kerb and use the handbrake so the car can't roll into the road (rule 252).
- 20. So you can see and be seen by others — Working lights let you see the road and let others see you. Check them regularly (rule 113).
- 21. 60 mph — The national speed limit for cars on a single carriageway is 60 mph, unless a lower limit is signed (rule 124).
- 22. 30 mph — Street lighting usually means a 30 mph limit unless signs show a different one (rule 124).
- 23. Stop completely at the line, then go when safe — A STOP sign requires you to stop completely at the line, even if the road looks clear, then move off when safe (rule 171).
- 24. Approach in the appropriate lane and signal left after the exit before yours — For straight ahead, usually take the left lane, don't signal on approach, then signal left after passing the exit before the one you want (rule 186).
- 25. On the zigzag lines near a pedestrian crossing — Never park on the zigzag lines at a crossing — they keep the area clear so pedestrians and drivers can see each other (rule 191, 240).
- 26. Waiting restrictions apply during the times shown on nearby signs — A single yellow line means waiting is restricted during the times shown on the nearby signs or kerb plates (rule 238).
- 27. Stop at the stop line and wait — A red light means stop and wait behind the stop line until it changes (rule 109).
- 28. Give way to pedestrians on the crossing, then go if clear — Flashing amber at a pelican crossing means give way to pedestrians still crossing, then proceed when clear (rule 196).
- 29. Triangular — Warning signs are usually triangular with a red border, alerting you to a hazard ahead (Highway Code, signs).
- 30. Give way — An inverted triangle means 'Give Way' — give priority to traffic on the road you're joining.
- 31. National speed limit applies — A white circle with a single black diagonal stripe means the national speed limit applies.
- 32. Maximum speed limit of 30 mph — A red ring around a number is a maximum speed limit in mph for that road.
- 33. Green with white lettering — Primary route direction signs have a green background; motorway signs are blue and local routes white.
- 34. The left-hand edge of the carriageway — Red reflective studs mark the left-hand edge of the carriageway as you drive (rule 132).
- 35. There are traffic lights ahead — This warning sign tells you traffic lights are ahead, so be ready to stop.
- 36. Box junction you must keep clear — A yellow box junction must be kept clear — don't enter unless your exit is clear (rule 174).
- 37. Make the area safe and warn other traffic — First make the scene safe: switch on hazard lights, warn other traffic and stop further collisions (rule 283).
- 38. Look, listen and feel for breath after opening the airway — Open the airway by tilting the head back, then look, listen and feel for normal breathing before deciding on next steps.
- 39. Cool the burn with clean, cool water for at least 20 minutes — Cool a burn with plenty of clean, cool water and don't remove anything stuck to it or apply lotions.
- 40. Opening the bonnet, which feeds the fire with air — Don't open the bonnet of a burning vehicle — the inrush of air can make the fire flare up.
- 41. 999 or 112 — Call 999 or 112 for emergency services. Use 101 for non-emergencies and 111 for urgent NHS advice.
- 42. Gently tilt their head back and lift the chin to open the airway — Tilting the head back and lifting the chin opens the airway — the first step before checking breathing (DR ABC).
- 43. Leave at the next services or exit and rest — If you feel sleepy, stop in a safe place to rest. On a motorway, leave at the next exit or services — never stop on the hard shoulder to sleep (rule 91).
- 44. Ease off the accelerator to increase the gap in front of you — Slow down gently to build a bigger gap ahead, giving yourself room to brake smoothly without the tailgater hitting you (rule 151).
- 45. Following the vehicle in front too closely — Tailgating means leaving too little space behind another vehicle, removing your room to stop safely (rule 151).
- 46. A moving vehicle poses a danger — Don't sound the horn while stationary except when another moving vehicle poses a danger (rule 112).
- 47. Check all around, including blind spots, for pedestrians and obstacles — Reversing has many blind spots. Check all around, look mainly through the rear window, and don't reverse further than necessary (rule 202).
- 48. Some cause drowsiness or slow reactions — Some medicines cause drowsiness or impair driving. Check the label or ask your doctor or pharmacist before driving (rule 96).
- 49. Programme it before you set off — Set your route before you start, and follow road signs and conditions over the device. Don't handle it while moving (rule 150).
- 50. Stop somewhere safe and rest before continuing — Tiredness is a major cause of crashes. If you're sleepy, stop and rest rather than risk it, even close to home (rule 91).