Free UK driving theory mock test

1. Open a window and continue to your destination
2. Stop on the hard shoulder for a short rest
3. Leave at the next exit or services and take a break
4. Increase your speed to finish the journey sooner

Answer: C. You must not stop on the hard shoulder to rest. Leave the motorway at the next exit or services, then stop somewhere safe and rest. On long journeys, plan a break of at least 15 minutes every two hours. Reference: The Highway Code, rule 91

1. Brake sharply to warn them off
2. Speed up to open the gap behind you
3. Ease off and increase the gap between you and the vehicle in front
4. Signal left and stop immediately

Answer: C. Dropping back from the vehicle ahead gives you room to slow gently, so the tailgater isn't forced into an emergency stop behind you — and gives them a safer space to overtake into. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 126

1. Fully comprehensive
2. Third party only
3. Third party, fire and theft
4. No insurance is needed for vehicles over 40 years old

Answer: B. Third-party cover is the legal minimum: it covers injury to others and damage to their property, but not damage to your own vehicle. Driving uninsured is a serious offence. Reference: The Highway Code — The road user and the law: Motor vehicle documentation

1. Sound your horn and maintain speed
2. Expect a child to follow it — slow down and be ready to stop
3. Swerve around the ball
4. Flash your headlights to warn the child

Answer: B. A ball is a classic clue to a developing hazard: a child is likely to chase it into the road with no thought for traffic. Check your mirrors, slow down and be prepared to stop. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 205–206

1. Straight away, so they can breathe more easily
2. Only if it's essential — for example, to restore breathing
3. As soon as the ambulance is called
4. Whenever the rider asks, regardless of injuries

Answer: B. Removing a helmet can worsen head and neck injuries. Leave it on unless it's essential to keep the casualty's airway open, and get medical help urgently. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 283 and Annexe 7: First aid on the road

1. To overtake slow traffic on the left
2. In an emergency or breakdown, or when signs direct you to
3. Whenever traffic is queuing
4. To answer a phone call

Answer: B. The hard shoulder is for emergencies and breakdowns only — unless signals on a smart motorway show it's open as a running lane. Stopping there for any other reason is dangerous and illegal. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 269–270

1. The lorry is about to turn
2. The driver can't see you either — drop back
3. You're at a safe following distance
4. You should overtake immediately

Answer: B. If you can't see the lorry driver's mirrors, the driver cannot see you. Drop back — you'll be visible, you'll see further down the road, and you'll have a safer view for any overtake. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 164 and 222

1. Circular
2. Triangular
3. Rectangular
4. Octagonal

Answer: B. Triangles warn, circles give orders, rectangles inform. Knowing the shape system lets you read a sign's purpose even at a distance or when partly obscured. Reference: Know Your Traffic Signs; The Highway Code — Traffic signs

1. 50 mph
2. 60 mph
3. 70 mph
4. 40 mph

Answer: B. For cars and motorcycles the national speed limit is 60 mph on a single carriageway and 70 mph on a dual carriageway or motorway. Limits are lower for vehicles towing. Reference: The Highway Code — Speed limits, rule 124

1. 1.0 mm across the whole tyre
2. 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth, around the entire circumference
3. 2.5 mm on the outer edges only
4. 3.0 mm in winter months

Answer: B. Car tyres must have at least 1.6 mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tyre, all the way round. Worn tyres dramatically increase stopping distances, especially in the wet. Reference: The Highway Code — Annexe 6: Vehicle maintenance

1. At least two seconds
2. Exactly one car length
3. Half a second
4. Ten seconds at all speeds

Answer: A. Leave at least a two-second gap in dry conditions — double it to four in the wet, and up to ten times the distance in ice and snow. Pick a fixed point and count as the vehicle ahead passes it. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 126

1. Whenever it rains
2. Only when visibility is seriously reduced — generally below 100 metres
3. At night on unlit roads
4. In slow-moving traffic

Answer: B. Fog lights are for seriously reduced visibility (generally under 100 metres) and must be switched off when it improves — left on, they dazzle other drivers and hide your brake lights. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 226 and 234–236

1. Whoever loaded the vehicle
2. The driver
3. The vehicle's owner, even when not present
4. The insurance company

Answer: B. As the driver, you must not use your vehicle with an insecure load or beyond its weight limits — the responsibility sits with you, whoever did the loading. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 98

1. You — vehicles always have priority over pedestrians
2. The pedestrian — you should give way to people crossing or waiting to cross
3. Whoever moves first
4. The pedestrian, but only on a marked crossing

Answer: B. Under the hierarchy of road users, traffic turning into or out of a junction should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross the road they're turning into. Reference: The Highway Code — rules H2 and 170

1. To make sure your signals are working
2. So you know how your manoeuvre will affect traffic behind you
3. Because it is only required on motorways
4. To see whether the road ahead is clear

Answer: B. The Mirrors–Signal–Manoeuvre routine starts with mirrors so you understand the position and speed of traffic behind before you commit to signalling or changing course. Reference: The Highway Code, rule 161

1. To let them know you're giving way
2. Only to let them know you're there
3. To thank them for letting you out
4. To tell them to move over

Answer: B. Headlight flashes have one official meaning: warning others of your presence, like the horn. Never assume a flash from another driver is an invitation to proceed — it may not be meant for you. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 110–111

1. After one year
2. After two years
3. When it's three years old
4. Only when it's sold

Answer: C. Cars need their first MOT when three years old, then annually. Without a valid MOT you generally can't tax the vehicle and your insurance may be invalidated — the exception is driving to a pre-booked MOT appointment. Reference: The Highway Code — Annexe 3: Vehicle maintenance, safety and security

1. It's anything at the side of the road
2. It would make you change your speed or direction
3. It only appears on rural roads
4. It's any parked vehicle

Answer: B. A developing hazard is one that requires a response — braking, easing off or steering. A parked car is a static hazard; a parked car with its door opening is a developing one. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 204 and hazard awareness guidance

1. At least 45 metres, on the same side of the road
2. 5 metres, next to the boot
3. At least 150 metres, on the opposite side
4. Warning triangles are illegal in the UK

Answer: A. Place the triangle at least 45 metres (147 feet) behind the vehicle on the same side of the road to give approaching drivers time to react. Never use one on a motorway. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 274

1. The lane is for emergency vehicles only
2. Congestion ahead — slow down
3. You must not continue in that lane
4. The speed limit is being enforced by cameras

Answer: C. A red X closes the lane — there may be a stopped vehicle, debris or workers ahead. Move out of it promptly and safely; ignoring a red X is an offence enforced by camera. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 258 and 261

1. Overtake on its left as it moves right
2. Sound your horn to alert the driver
3. Hold back — long vehicles often need the full width of the road to turn
4. Squeeze through the gap on the right

Answer: C. Long vehicles swing out before tight turns. Passing on the inside as it turns left could trap you along its nearside. Stay back until the manoeuvre is complete. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 221

1. A warning of a hazard ahead
2. Something you must not do
3. A positive instruction — something you must do
4. Tourist information

Answer: C. Blue circles give positive instructions, such as 'turn left ahead' or a mandatory minimum speed. Red-ringed circles tell you what you must not do. Reference: The Highway Code — Traffic signs

1. 20 mph
2. 30 mph
3. 40 mph
4. 50 mph

Answer: B. A road with regular street lighting usually has a 30 mph limit unless signs tell you otherwise. In Wales the default limit on restricted roads is 20 mph. Reference: The Highway Code — Speed limits, rule 124

1. Immediately after a motorway journey
2. When the tyres are cold, using the pressures in the vehicle handbook
3. Only at an MOT test
4. After driving at least ten miles

Answer: B. Driving warms the air in the tyres and raises the reading. Check pressures when cold, against the handbook figures — and remember to adjust for heavy loads or motorway trips where the handbook says so. Reference: The Highway Code — Annexe 6: Vehicle maintenance

1. 6 metres
2. 14 metres
3. 23 metres — about six car lengths
4. 53 metres

Answer: C. At 30 mph the typical stopping distance is 23 metres: 9 metres thinking distance plus 14 metres braking distance. Speed, tiredness, weather and tyre condition all stretch it further. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 126, Typical stopping distances

1. Worn road surfaces
2. The driver — braking, accelerating or steering too harshly for the conditions
3. Cold weather alone
4. Low fuel level

Answer: B. Skids don't just happen — they're provoked by driver inputs that ask more grip than the surface can give. If the rear slides, steer gently into the skid and ease off the pedals. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 118–119

1. It lowers the centre of gravity and improves stability
2. It raises the centre of gravity, reducing stability and increasing fuel consumption
3. It has no effect if you drive under 50 mph
4. It improves grip in crosswinds

Answer: B. Weight up high makes the car lean more in bends and react more to crosswinds, and the drag burns more fuel. Load heavy items low in the vehicle and take corners more gently. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 98 and Annexe 6

1. At least 1.5 metres
2. Half a metre is sufficient
3. One car door's width
4. No specific guidance exists

Answer: A. Leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking a cyclist at up to 30 mph — and more at higher speeds or in bad weather. If you can't leave that space, hold back until you can. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 163

1. Sound your horn to warn other road users
2. Look round to check your blind spot
3. Switch on your hazard warning lights
4. Select a higher gear

Answer: B. Mirrors don't cover everything. A final look over your shoulder into the blind spot catches cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians your mirrors miss before you move off. Reference: The Highway Code, rule 159

1. Between 11:30 pm and 7:00 am, unless another road user poses a danger
2. At any time on a road with street lights
3. Between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am in all circumstances
4. Whenever pedestrians are nearby

Answer: A. In built-up areas the horn must not be used between 11:30 pm and 7:00 am, and never aggressively — the exception is warning another road user of danger. It must also not be used while stationary, except in danger from a moving vehicle. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 112

1. Anyone with a full driving licence
2. Anyone over 18 with any licence type
3. A person at least 21 years old who has held a full licence for the category for at least 3 years
4. Only a DVSA-approved driving instructor

Answer: C. A supervising driver must be at least 21 and have held (and still hold) a full licence for that category of vehicle for a minimum of three years. The learner must also display L plates and be insured. Reference: The Highway Code — Annexe 2: Motorcycle licence requirements & learner drivers

1. It has no effect below the legal limit
2. It sharpens your reactions for a short period
3. It reduces coordination and reaction time and gives a false sense of confidence
4. It only affects you if you feel drunk

Answer: C. Any alcohol slows reactions, impairs judgement of speed and distance, and breeds overconfidence — a dangerous mix. The only safe approach is none at all before driving. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 95

1. Nothing further, provided you stopped
2. Report it to your insurer within 30 days only
3. Report it to the police as soon as reasonably practicable, and within 24 hours
4. Leave a note on the other vehicle

Answer: C. You must always stop at a collision involving injury or damage. If you don't give your details to anyone with reasonable grounds to ask, you must report to the police as soon as practicable — at most within 24 hours. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 286–287

1. Stop at the end of the slip road and wait for a gap
2. Build up speed to match the traffic and give priority to vehicles already on the motorway
3. Drive straight into lane one — joining traffic has priority
4. Use the hard shoulder until a gap appears

Answer: B. Use the slip road to match the speed of motorway traffic and merge into a safe gap. Traffic already on the motorway has priority — don't force your way in, and avoid stopping unless queuing traffic requires it. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 259

1. They travel more slowly than other traffic
2. They can't steer to avoid you and move quietly on fixed rails
3. They always have flashing amber beacons
4. They only run at night

Answer: B. Trams run on fixed rails and cannot swerve; they're also quiet and can approach quickly. Never race one to a stop, and give way where tram signs and signals require it. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 300–307

1. No entry
2. End of motorway
3. National speed limit applies
4. No overtaking

Answer: C. This sign means the national speed limit applies: 60 mph for cars on a single carriageway, 70 mph on a dual carriageway or motorway. Reference: The Highway Code — Speed limits, rule 124

1. Whenever the traffic lights are green
2. Only when your exit road is clear — or to turn right while waiting for oncoming traffic
3. Never, box junctions are for buses only
4. When at least half the box is clear

Answer: B. You must not enter the box unless your exit is clear. The exception: you may wait in the box to turn right when only oncoming traffic or other right-turning vehicles stop you. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 174

1. They shorten stopping distance on ice
2. They stop the wheels locking, so you can continue to steer while braking hard
3. They apply the handbrake automatically
4. They make skids impossible in all conditions

Answer: B. ABS prevents the wheels locking under hard braking, which keeps the steering responsive so you can avoid the hazard while stopping. It doesn't guarantee shorter stops, particularly on loose or icy surfaces. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 120

1. A puncture — brake hard immediately
2. Aquaplaning — ease off the accelerator and don't brake until grip returns
3. Ice on the road — change up a gear
4. Nothing unusual — continue normally

Answer: B. Light steering in standing water means your tyres are riding on the water's surface. Ease gently off the accelerator, keep the steering straight and avoid braking until the tyres grip again. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 227

1. In tunnels and underpasses
2. On exposed stretches, high bridges and when passing gaps between buildings or high-sided vehicles
3. Only in built-up areas
4. On smooth, newly surfaced roads

Answer: B. Gusts hit hardest on exposed and elevated sections and in the gaps around large vehicles. Give cyclists, motorcyclists and high-sided vehicles extra room — the wind can push them off line suddenly. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 232–233

1. Brake firmly to bring it under control
2. Accelerate out of the snake
3. Ease off the accelerator and reduce speed gently until it stabilises
4. Steer sharply in the opposite direction to the sway

Answer: C. Braking or steering against the sway makes snaking worse. Ease off gradually, let the speed fall gently, and the outfit will settle — then consider load distribution and noseweight before continuing. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 98 (towing guidance)

1. Quickly, to spend less time alongside the horse
2. Sound your horn so the rider knows you're there
3. Slow to a maximum of 10 mph and allow at least 2 metres of space
4. Rev the engine and pass close to the verge

Answer: C. Horses are easily startled. Pass wide and slow — no more than 10 mph and at least 2 metres of space — with no sudden noise. Be ready to stop if the rider signals you to. Reference: The Highway Code — rules H1, 163 and 214–215

1. Improve your reaction times
2. Distract your attention from the road
3. Be illegal in all circumstances
4. Have no effect on your driving

Answer: B. Even hands-free calls divide your attention and slow your reactions. It's far safer to let calls go to voicemail and return them when you're safely parked. Reference: The Highway Code, rule 149

1. Maintain your speed — following drivers must wait
2. Wave the queue past on a bend
3. Speed up beyond your comfortable limit
4. Pull in where it's safe and let the traffic pass

Answer: D. Holding up a long queue invites risky overtakes. Checking your mirrors often and pulling in safely to let traffic pass is the considerate — and safest — option. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 169

1. The vehicle will be roadworthy for the next 12 months
2. The vehicle met the minimum road-safety and environmental standards on the day of the test
3. The vehicle is insured
4. The vehicle's service history is complete

Answer: B. An MOT is a snapshot, not a warranty: it confirms minimum standards were met on test day. Keeping the vehicle roadworthy between MOTs remains the driver's responsibility. Reference: The Highway Code — Annexe 3: Motor vehicle documentation

1. Nothing — prescribed medicine is always safe for driving
2. Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether it affects your ability to drive safely
3. Only check if the medicine makes you feel unwell
4. Take a shorter route than usual

Answer: B. Many medicines cause drowsiness or slowed reactions. You must not drive under the influence of medicine that impairs you — check with your doctor or pharmacist first. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 96

1. When you're being towed
2. On a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway, briefly, to warn drivers behind of a hazard or obstruction ahead
3. Whenever you're driving slowly
4. When parking on double yellow lines

Answer: B. Hazard lights are for when you're stationary causing a temporary obstruction — the one moving exception is briefly warning traffic behind of a hazard ahead on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 116

1. A learner driver with an approved driving instructor in a dual-control car
2. A car towing a caravan
3. A cyclist
4. A coach

Answer: C. Motorways are prohibited to pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders, and low-powered vehicles. Since 2018, learners may drive on motorways — but only with an approved driving instructor in a car with dual controls. Reference: The Highway Code — rule 253

1. Motorcycles accelerate more slowly in wind
2. A gust can blow the rider off course and into your path
3. Riders always move to the centre of the lane in wind
4. It's a legal requirement only above 50 mph

Answer: B. Wind gusts — including the one your own vehicle creates — can push a rider sideways suddenly. Give motorcyclists, cyclists and high-sided vehicles generous clearance in windy conditions. Reference: The Highway Code — rules 232–233

1. No waiting at any time
2. No overtaking allowed
3. Loading permitted for 20 minutes
4. Parking allowed after 6pm

Answer: A. Double yellow lines mean no waiting at any time, unless signs indicate seasonal restrictions. You may stop briefly to let passengers in or out. Reference: The Highway Code — Waiting and parking, rule 238

50 multiple-choice questions in 57 minutes. You need 43 correct to pass, and you must also pass the hazard perception part (44 out of 75) in the same sitting.

The official DVSA car theory test costs £23, booked through GOV.UK. Only book through the official service — third-party booking sites charge extra for nothing.

Yes — every question on this page is free, with the answer, an explanation and a Highway Code reference, and no signup is required.

Questions are drawn across the official DVSA topics — currently Alertness, Attitude, Essential Documents, Hazard Awareness, Incidents, Accidents & Emergencies, Motorway Rules, Other Types of Vehicle, Road & Traffic Signs, Rules of the Road, Safety & Your Vehicle, Safety Margins, Vehicle Handling, Vehicle Loading, Vulnerable Road Users — and new topic banks are added until all 14 are covered, matching the mixed format of the real test.