Practice test
Practice Test 6
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. What can under-inflated tyres cause?
- A. Quieter running
- B. Increased stopping distances and uneven wear
- C. Better fuel economy
- D. Higher top speed
2. Why should you remove a roof rack when you're not using it?
- A. It damages the paint
- B. It's the law
- C. It blocks the rear view
- D. It increases drag and uses more fuel
3. What does it mean if your engine oil warning light comes on while driving?
- A. You need more fuel
- B. There may be a serious lubrication problem — stop safely and check
- C. The brakes are worn
- D. The oil is fresh
4. When must you use an appropriate child restraint?
- A. Only for newborns
- B. Only on motorways
- C. For children until they're 12 years old or 135 cm tall
- D. Never, a seat belt is enough
5. Why should you keep your windscreen washer reservoir topped up?
- A. For looks
- B. It improves fuel economy
- C. So you can clear dirt and improve visibility
- D. It cools the engine
6. What does excessive or blue smoke from the exhaust suggest?
- A. The fuel is fresh
- B. The car is efficient
- C. The tyres are worn
- D. The engine may be burning oil and needs attention
7. What should you do if a tyre bursts while you're driving?
- A. Accelerate to keep control
- B. Steer sharply to the verge
- C. Hold the wheel firmly, ease off and slow gradually to a stop
- D. Brake hard at once
8. How can a heavy, badly secured load affect your car?
- A. Improve fuel economy
- B. Make steering and braking less predictable
- C. Have no effect
- D. Cool the brakes
9. What is the national speed limit for a car on a motorway?
- A. No limit
- B. 60 mph
- C. 80 mph
- D. 70 mph
10. At a junction with a 'Give Way' sign, you must...
- A. Have priority over the major road
- B. Give priority to traffic on the major road
- C. Always stop completely
- D. Sound your horn
11. When approaching a roundabout to turn left, which lane and signal should you use?
- A. Any lane, signal right
- B. Left lane, signal left on approach
- C. Centre lane, no signal
- D. Right lane, signal right
12. What do double white lines with a solid line on your side mean?
- A. You must not cross or straddle the line
- B. Parking is allowed
- C. You may overtake freely
- D. You must stop
13. Double yellow lines along the edge of the road mean...
- A. Free parking
- B. Waiting allowed at night
- C. No waiting at any time
- D. Loading only
14. When two vehicles meet on a narrow road and there's a passing place on your left, you should...
- A. Reverse a long way
- B. Pull into the passing place to let the other vehicle pass
- C. Drive onto the verge
- D. Insist on right of way
15. Amber on its own at traffic lights means...
- A. Give way only
- B. Carry on as normal
- C. Speed up to clear
- D. Stop, unless you've crossed the line or stopping would be unsafe
16. What's the rule about overtaking on the left ('undertaking')?
- A. Allowed on motorways only
- B. Allowed at night
- C. Always allowed
- D. Generally not allowed, except in queues or where lanes dictate it
17. A blue circular sign usually...
- A. Marks parking
- B. Gives a positive instruction you must follow
- C. Warns of danger
- D. Shows a speed limit
18. A red circle with a white horizontal bar means...
- A. One-way street
- B. Give way
- C. No entry
- D. No overtaking
19. A triangular sign showing two children means...
- A. School closed
- B. Watch out for children, e.g. near a school
- C. No children allowed
- D. A play area only
20. What does a brown background on a sign indicate?
- A. A diversion
- B. A motorway service area
- C. Roadworks
- D. Tourist information or attractions
21. What do zigzag white lines on the approach to a crossing mean?
- A. No parking or overtaking the leading vehicle near the crossing
- B. Loading bay
- C. Bus stop
- D. Park here
22. Green reflective road studs mark...
- A. The hard shoulder
- B. The edge of the main carriageway at lay-bys and slip roads
- C. A pedestrian crossing
- D. The centre line
23. What does a 'No U-turn' sign look like?
- A. A green square
- B. A red triangle
- C. A blue circle
- D. A red circle with a black U-turn arrow crossed out
24. When you see a sign for a 'ford', it warns of...
- A. A car dealership
- B. A place where water crosses the road
- C. A fuel station
- D. A river bridge
25. An unconscious casualty is breathing but lying on their back. What may help keep their airway open?
- A. Give them water
- B. Carefully place them in the recovery position if there are no other injuries preventing it
- C. Sit them upright and feed them
- D. Leave them face-down
26. Someone at a crash is in shock. What should you do?
- A. Make them walk around
- B. Leave them alone
- C. Reassure them, keep them warm and don't give them anything to eat or drink
- D. Give them an alcoholic drink
27. After a collision, when must you report it to the police?
- A. Never
- B. Only if your car is damaged
- C. If you don't exchange details at the scene, within 24 hours
- D. Always within 24 hours
28. A motorcyclist has crashed and is lying in the road wearing a helmet. What should you do?
- A. Remove the helmet immediately
- B. Sit them up at once
- C. Give them water
- D. Leave the helmet on unless they're not breathing and you must open the airway
29. You're first on the scene of a motorway crash. How can you warn other traffic at night?
- A. Use hazard lights and, if safe, a warning triangle — but not on a motorway
- B. Flash a torch at drivers from the carriageway
- C. Do nothing
- D. Stand in the live lane
30. Why should you take regular breaks on a long journey?
- A. To keep the engine cool
- B. To save fuel
- C. Tiredness affects your concentration and reactions
- D. Because the law requires a break every 30 minutes
31. What should you do before changing lanes on a dual carriageway?
- A. Signal and move immediately
- B. Sound the horn
- C. Flash your headlights
- D. Use mirrors, check the blind spot, then signal
32. Using a hands-free phone while driving is allowed, but why is it still risky?
- A. It interferes with the radio
- B. It drains the battery
- C. It's illegal in towns
- D. It distracts you from the road and slows your reactions
33. When should you use your horn?
- A. To rebuke another driver
- B. To make pedestrians hurry
- C. To greet a friend
- D. To warn other road users of your presence when needed
34. How can you tell you're driving too close to the vehicle in front?
- A. Its brake lights are off
- B. You can't keep a two-second gap in dry conditions
- C. It is the same colour as your car
- D. You can read its number plate
35. What should you do if you realise you're lost while driving?
- A. Read the map as you drive
- B. Slow right down in traffic to think
- C. Stop in a safe, legal place to check directions
- D. Make sudden turns when you spot a sign
36. You're approaching a zebra crossing where someone is waiting. What should you do?
- A. Carry on if you'll just clear it
- B. Wave them across past other lanes
- C. Sound your horn
- D. Slow down and be ready to stop to let them cross
37. When is it acceptable to use the hard shoulder of a motorway to make a phone call?
- A. Only in an emergency or breakdown
- B. To answer a work call
- C. To check directions
- D. Whenever you like
38. When should you check your tyre pressures?
- A. When the tyres are cold
- B. Only at an MOT
- C. Only when one looks flat
- D. Straight after a long fast drive
39. Which of these reduces the environmental impact of your driving?
- A. Leaving a roof rack on permanently
- B. Revving the engine when stationary
- C. Carrying extra weight you don't need
- D. Driving smoothly and avoiding harsh acceleration
40. What should you do before a long journey?
- A. Empty the boot
- B. Nothing — just set off
- C. Only check the radio
- D. Check oil, coolant, tyres, lights and fuel
41. Who is responsible for ensuring a child under 14 wears a seat belt or uses a child seat?
- A. A passenger
- B. The child
- C. The driver
- D. No one
42. What's the safest way to carry a heavy load in a car?
- A. On the roof without straps
- B. All on one side
- C. Loose on the back seat
- D. Secured and spread so it can't move or affect handling
43. How should you use the brakes if your car has ABS in an emergency stop?
- A. Use the handbrake instead
- B. Brake gently only
- C. Press firmly and keep your foot down
- D. Pump the pedal repeatedly
44. When parking facing uphill next to a kerb, you should turn the wheels...
- A. It doesn't matter
- B. Towards the kerb
- C. Away from the kerb
- D. Straight ahead only
45. What should you do if your vehicle catches fire while driving?
- A. Pour water on the engine
- B. Drive faster to put it out
- C. Open the bonnet to look
- D. Stop, get everyone out and away, and call the fire service
46. What is the national speed limit for a car on a dual carriageway?
- A. 60 mph
- B. 80 mph
- C. 50 mph
- D. 70 mph
47. What speed limit applies to a car towing a trailer on a motorway?
- A. No limit
- B. 60 mph
- C. 50 mph
- D. 70 mph
48. Who has priority at a roundabout in the UK?
- A. The largest vehicle
- B. Traffic already on the roundabout, coming from your right
- C. Traffic on your left
- D. Traffic entering the roundabout
49. When can you cross a single solid white line in the centre of the road?
- A. Never, for any reason
- B. To pass a stationary vehicle, cyclist or road maintenance, if safe
- C. Whenever you want to overtake
- D. Only at night
50. When are you allowed to stop on a clearway?
- A. For a quick errand
- B. To drop off a passenger
- C. Never, except in an emergency
- D. During the day only
Answer key
- 1. Increased stopping distances and uneven wear — Under-inflated tyres wear unevenly, overheat and lengthen stopping distances, increasing the risk of a blowout (rule 89).
- 2. It increases drag and uses more fuel — A roof rack increases wind resistance, raising fuel consumption. Remove it when not needed (rule 123).
- 3. There may be a serious lubrication problem — stop safely and check — An oil pressure warning can mean serious engine damage is imminent. Stop as soon as it's safe and investigate.
- 4. For children until they're 12 years old or 135 cm tall — Children must use the correct restraint until they are 12 or reach 135 cm tall, whichever comes first (rule 100).
- 5. So you can clear dirt and improve visibility — Washer fluid lets you clear a dirty windscreen and maintain a clear view, especially in poor weather (rule 229).
- 6. The engine may be burning oil and needs attention — Blue smoke usually means the engine is burning oil — a fault that should be investigated and will also fail an MOT.
- 7. Hold the wheel firmly, ease off and slow gradually to a stop — Grip the wheel, ease off the accelerator and slow down gently to keep control after a blowout — don't brake harshly (rule 277).
- 8. Make steering and braking less predictable — A shifting or excessive load changes the car's balance, making steering and braking unpredictable (rule 98).
- 9. 70 mph — The motorway speed limit for cars is 70 mph unless a lower limit is shown, including on variable signs (rule 124).
- 10. Give priority to traffic on the major road — A 'Give Way' sign means give priority to traffic on the major road; stop if necessary, but you needn't stop if it's clear (rule 172).
- 11. Left lane, signal left on approach — To turn left, approach in the left lane and signal left throughout (rule 186).
- 12. You must not cross or straddle the line — A solid white line on your side of double white lines means you must not cross or straddle it except in limited circumstances (rule 128).
- 13. No waiting at any time — Double yellow lines mean no waiting at any time, though loading may sometimes be allowed — check the signs (rule 238).
- 14. Pull into the passing place to let the other vehicle pass — Use the passing place on your left, or wait opposite one on your right, to let oncoming traffic through (rule 155).
- 15. Stop, unless you've crossed the line or stopping would be unsafe — A steady amber means stop, unless you have already crossed the line or are so close that stopping might cause a crash (rule 109).
- 16. Generally not allowed, except in queues or where lanes dictate it — Don't overtake on the left except in slow queuing traffic or where your lane is moving faster, or when turning (rule 268).
- 17. Gives a positive instruction you must follow — Blue circles give a mandatory positive instruction, such as 'turn left ahead' or a minimum speed.
- 18. No entry — A red circle with a white horizontal bar means 'No entry' for vehicles.
- 19. Watch out for children, e.g. near a school — This warning sign tells you to watch for children, typically near a school or playground.
- 20. Tourist information or attractions — Brown signs direct you to tourist attractions and facilities.
- 21. No parking or overtaking the leading vehicle near the crossing — Zigzag lines mean you must not park or overtake the leading moving vehicle there, keeping sight lines clear (rule 191).
- 22. The edge of the main carriageway at lay-bys and slip roads — Green studs mark the edge of the main carriageway at lay-bys and slip-road junctions (rule 132).
- 23. A red circle with a black U-turn arrow crossed out — A red circle containing a U-turn arrow with a diagonal line through it prohibits U-turns.
- 24. A place where water crosses the road — A ford sign warns that water flows across the road; cross slowly and test your brakes afterwards.
- 25. Carefully place them in the recovery position if there are no other injuries preventing it — If they're breathing, the recovery position helps keep the airway clear — but don't move someone with suspected spinal injury unnecessarily.
- 26. Reassure them, keep them warm and don't give them anything to eat or drink — Reassure a casualty in shock, keep them warm and comfortable, and avoid food or drink in case they need treatment.
- 27. If you don't exchange details at the scene, within 24 hours — If you don't give your details at the scene, you must report the collision to the police as soon as possible and within 24 hours (rule 286).
- 28. Leave the helmet on unless they're not breathing and you must open the airway — Don't remove a motorcyclist's helmet unless it's essential to keep them breathing, as moving the head can cause further injury.
- 29. Use hazard lights and, if safe, a warning triangle — but not on a motorway — Switch on hazard lights to warn others; don't use a warning triangle on a motorway as it's too dangerous to place (rule 283–284).
- 30. Tiredness affects your concentration and reactions — Tiredness reduces concentration and slows reactions. Take a break of at least 15 minutes every two hours (rule 91).
- 31. Use mirrors, check the blind spot, then signal — Use the mirror–signal–manoeuvre routine and check the blind spot before moving, so you don't cut across a vehicle you hadn't seen (rule 133).
- 32. It distracts you from the road and slows your reactions — Even hands-free conversations distract you and slow your reactions. It's safest not to use any phone while driving (rule 149).
- 33. To warn other road users of your presence when needed — Use the horn only to warn others of your presence, never to rebuke. Don't sound it in a built-up area between 11.30 pm and 7 am (rule 112).
- 34. You can't keep a two-second gap in dry conditions — In good conditions keep at least a two-second gap. If you can't, you're too close (rule 126).
- 35. Stop in a safe, legal place to check directions — Don't read directions while moving. Pull over somewhere safe and legal to work out your route (rule 150).
- 36. Slow down and be ready to stop to let them cross — Be ready to slow down and stop to let pedestrians cross. Don't wave them across, as another vehicle may not stop (rule 195).
- 37. Only in an emergency or breakdown — The hard shoulder is for emergencies and breakdowns only. Leave the carriageway at services or an exit for any other reason (rule 275).
- 38. When the tyres are cold — Check pressures when tyres are cold for an accurate reading, and increase them for heavy loads or fast driving (rule 89).
- 39. Driving smoothly and avoiding harsh acceleration — Smooth driving, correct tyre pressures and removing unused loads or racks all cut fuel use and emissions (rule 123).
- 40. Check oil, coolant, tyres, lights and fuel — Basic checks of oil, coolant, tyres, lights and fuel before a long trip help avoid a breakdown (rule 97).
- 41. The driver — The driver is legally responsible for making sure children under 14 are properly restrained (rule 99–100).
- 42. Secured and spread so it can't move or affect handling — Loads must be secure and well distributed so they can't shift, fly forward in a crash or upset the car's balance (rule 98).
- 43. Press firmly and keep your foot down — With ABS, apply firm, continuous pressure and let the system prevent the wheels locking (rule 120).
- 44. Away from the kerb — Facing uphill, turn the wheels away from the kerb and set the handbrake, so the car rolls into the kerb if it moves (rule 252).
- 45. Stop, get everyone out and away, and call the fire service — Pull over, get everyone out and well clear, and call 999. Don't open the bonnet, as this feeds the fire with air.
- 46. 70 mph — Cars may travel at up to 70 mph on a dual carriageway unless signs show a lower limit (rule 124).
- 47. 60 mph — A car towing a caravan or trailer is limited to 60 mph on motorways and dual carriageways (rule 124).
- 48. Traffic already on the roundabout, coming from your right — Give priority to traffic already on the roundabout, normally coming from your right, unless signs or markings say otherwise (rule 185).
- 49. To pass a stationary vehicle, cyclist or road maintenance, if safe — You may cross a solid white line to pass a stationary obstruction, a cyclist, horse or maintenance vehicle travelling at 10 mph or less, when safe (rule 129).
- 50. Never, except in an emergency — On a clearway you must not stop at all on the main carriageway except in an emergency (rule 240).