The dreaded Theory Test… Any aspiring driver needs to score 86% or above (or 43 out of 50) in order to pass. Do you think you know the Highway Code well enough to pass? Are you as up-to-date with the rules of the road as the next generation of drivers?

The Highway Code applies to England, Scotland and Wales, and is designed to make the roads safer for drivers, as well as pedestrians and cyclists. Many of the rules are legal requirements, so having a solid understanding of the Highway Code could be the difference between a safe driver, or a fine, penalty points, or a disqualification from driving altogether.

The Code was introduced in 1931 as part of the Road Traffic Act and is updated regularly. The Driving Theory Test came about in 1996 and is updated to reflect changing driving standards and rules. So, even if you passed your theory test when you originally learned to drive, it’s worth brushing up on your knowledge from time to time.

Questions:

1. You want to park, but visibility on the road is poor because of the fog. You need to…
   A. Keep only your dipped headlights on
   B. Keep your dipped headlights and fog lights on
   C. Keep your main beam headlights on
   D. Keep your sidelights on
2. Can you wait, load, unload, or park on the pavement marked by double yellow lines?
   A. Yes, at any time
   B. Yes, but only to load or unload
   C. Yes, but only at certain times
   D. No
3. You are driving along a three-lane motorway while towing a trailer. You must NOT
   A. Drive faster than 50 mph
   B. Overtake
   C. Use the right-hand lane
   D. Tow without having a stabiliser fitted
4. What should you do if you’re driving on a motorway and you miss the exit that you wanted to take?
   A. Carefully reverse along the hard shoulder
   B. Carry on to the next exit
   C. Carefully reverse in the left-hand lane
   D. Make a U-turn at the next gap in the central reservation
5. Which of the following are you allowed to do on an urban clearway?
   A. Wait, and pick up or drop off passengers
   B. Pick up or drop off passengers
   C. Park, wait and pick up or drop off passengers
   D. None of the above
6. There has been an accident, and you are first on the scene. What is the first thing you should do?
   A. Perform first aid on those involved
   B. Call 999 or 112
   C. Remove those involved from their vehicles
   D. Assess and address any hazards present
7. What is the maximum penalty for driving without your MOT certificate?
   A. Disqualification
   B. A £1,000 fine
   C. A £500 fine
   D. Both disqualification and a £1,000 fine
8. In slow-moving traffic, how closely should you follow the car ahead?
   A. Four seconds
   B. No closer than five metres
   C. At a close but safe distance
   D. Two seconds
9. What would be affected if you carry a very heavy load on your vehicle?
   A. The vehicle’s gearbox
   B. The vehicle’s ventilation
   C. The vehicle’s handling
   D. The vehicle’s battery
10. When can you cross double white lines to pass another vehicle?
    A. Never
    B. To pass a bicycle, horse, or road maintenance vehicle travelling at 20 mph or less
    C. To pass a bicycle, horse, or road maintenance vehicle travelling at 10 mph or loss
    D. When the speed limit is below 20 mph
11. You arrive at a pelican crossing with a central island. Should you treat this as one crossing or two?
    A. Treat it as two crossings
    B. The choice is regulated by signs on the central island
    C. It depends on how much of a hurry you are in
    D. Treat it as one crossing

Answers

1. D
2. B
3. C
4. B
5. B
6. D
7. B
8. C
9. C
10. C
11. D

If you scored 10/11, congratulations, you scored above 86% and you have passed the unofficial John Delany Motors Theory Test.