TheoryCar Theory UK
Practice Test
Master your UK car theory test with 1000+ DVSA-style practice questions, hazard perception tips and full mock tests. Build the confidence to pass first time.
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Car Theory UK exam — full Q&A walkthrough
Every question read aloud with the answer explained. Play it on your commute, then test yourself.
30 free Car Theory UK questions
Sampled across every topic area — not just the first page. Try them as a quiz or flip them as flashcards.
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Car Theory UK
You are driving on a dual carriageway and notice a large lorry ahead whose load appears to be shifting. The lorry driver shows no signs of awareness. What is the most appropriate immediate action?
Correct — D. The Highway Code advises drivers to anticipate hazards and increase following distance when a potential danger is identified ahead; overtaking or using the horn aggressively creates additional risk. -
Car Theory UK
You are driving in slow-moving motorway traffic and a driver behind you is tailgating aggressively. Which response best reduces the risk without escalating the situation?
Correct — A. The Highway Code states you should never brake sharply in retaliation; creating a larger cushion ahead reduces the chance of a rear-end collision and gives the tailgater space to overtake safely. -
Car Theory UK
When driving at 60 mph on a dry single carriageway, the Highway Code recommends maintaining at least a 2-second gap to the vehicle in front. In wet conditions, what should that gap become?
Correct — B. The Highway Code states that the minimum following distance should be doubled in wet conditions, extending the 2-second rule to at least 4 seconds to account for reduced braking efficiency. -
Car Theory UK
You approach a junction where a pedestrian with a white cane is waiting to cross. The pedestrian appears uncertain about the traffic. What should you do?
Correct — B. The Highway Code advises that the horn and headlight flashes must not be used to direct or pressure vulnerable road users; you should slow down and give them time and space to cross safely. -
Car Theory UK
While driving through roadworks at night, your view ahead is frequently broken by intermittent floodlights. What is the primary concentration hazard this creates?
Correct — D. Alternating between intense floodlit areas and unlit stretches causes momentary loss of night vision (dark adaptation), creating temporary blind spots — a recognised observation hazard highlighted in DVSA guidance on roadwork driving. -
Car Theory UK
A vehicle in front of you on a rural road brakes heavily for no apparent reason. Which explanation should you consider first before deciding how to respond?
Correct — D. The Highway Code emphasises anticipation: a driver ahead braking unexpectedly is the strongest signal of an unseen hazard, so you should ease off and scan ahead rather than assume a mechanical fault or deliberate action. -
Car Theory UK
You are waiting to emerge from a side road onto a busy 60 mph road. A gap appears but you estimate you would need to accelerate hard to complete the manoeuvre safely. What does the Highway Code advise?
Correct — C. The Highway Code states that you should only emerge when you can do so without forcing other road users to change speed or direction, because at 60 mph the stopping distance is significant and a marginal gap creates serious risk. -
Car Theory UK
You have been driving on a motorway for three hours and feel your concentration beginning to lapse. Rest areas are 12 miles ahead. What should you do?
Correct — B. The Highway Code states you should stop in a safe place as soon as you feel drowsy; the hard shoulder is not a rest stop, and stimulants or distractions are not substitutes for genuine rest. -
Car Theory UK
At a busy roundabout you notice a large goods vehicle signalling left but positioned in the right-hand lane. How should you interpret this?
Correct — D. The Highway Code and DVSA guidance note that large vehicles often need extra road space to negotiate roundabouts and may approach in an unexpected lane; drivers should give way and not assume the signal is an error. -
Car Theory UK
You are driving behind a motorcyclist on a wet road and they suddenly move to the outer edge of their lane. What is the most likely reason, and what should you do?
Correct — C. Motorcyclists frequently adjust their lane position to avoid surface hazards such as diesel, standing water, or drain covers; the Highway Code asks drivers to be aware of these movements and maintain a safe distance. -
Car Theory UK
You are driving at night on an unlit rural road and an oncoming vehicle fails to dip its headlights. What is the correct response?
Correct — A. Rule 114 of the Highway Code advises looking away from oncoming glare towards the nearside edge of the road and slowing down; retaliating with full beam or aggressive steering worsens visibility for both drivers. -
Car Theory UK
Research cited in DVSA guidance shows that using a hands-free mobile phone while driving is dangerous primarily because of which factor?
Correct — B. DVSA guidance and Rule 149 of the Highway Code explain that hands-free phone use can be equally distracting to handheld use because the mental engagement of a conversation — not the physical handling — degrades hazard awareness and reaction time. -
Car Theory UK
You are driving in a 30 mph zone and a ball rolls into the road ahead of you. No child is visible yet. What should your attitude and action be?
Correct — A. The Highway Code specifically uses a ball rolling into the road as an example of a hazard requiring anticipation; a child is likely to follow without looking, so progressive slowing and readiness to stop is the correct attitude. -
Car Theory UK
A driver cuts in front of you aggressively on a motorway and then slows down. You feel a surge of anger. Which response is safest and consistent with the Highway Code's attitude guidance?
Correct — C. The Highway Code explicitly states that drivers should be courteous, avoid confrontation, and never react aggressively; retaliating by tailgating, using the horn in anger, or undertaking escalates danger for all road users. -
Car Theory UK
You are travelling at 60 mph on a dry single carriageway. A child runs into the road 100 metres ahead. Which component of your total stopping distance is most likely to be the deciding factor in whether you stop in time?
Correct — A. At 60 mph the braking distance (73 metres) is considerably longer than the thinking distance (18 metres), so braking distance is the dominant component of the 91-metre total stopping distance. -
Car Theory UK
A driver travelling at 30 mph on a wet road needs to stop urgently. Approximately how much longer is their total stopping distance compared with the same stop on a dry road, according to the Highway Code guidance?
Correct — A. The Highway Code states that in wet conditions your stopping distance can be at least twice the dry stopping distance, because reduced tyre-to-road friction approximately doubles the braking distance component. -
Car Theory UK
You are following a large lorry on a motorway at 65 mph in good visibility. Which gap should you maintain to satisfy the two-second rule?
Correct — D. The two-second rule requires you to count at least two seconds between the vehicle ahead passing a fixed point and your own vehicle reaching it — the actual distance this represents increases with speed. -
Car Theory UK
It starts to rain heavily while you are on a dual carriageway. What adjustment should you make to your following distance?
Correct — D. The Highway Code advises that in wet weather you should at least double the gap you would leave in dry conditions, because wet roads significantly increase braking distances. -
Car Theory UK
Your car begins to skid while cornering on a bend. Which action is most likely to correct a rear-wheel skid?
Correct — D. To correct a rear-wheel skid you should steer gently into the skid (in the same direction the rear is sliding) and ease off the accelerator, allowing the tyres to regain grip gradually. -
Car Theory UK
You are about to drive on a motorway and notice the road surface is covered in packed snow. How should you adjust your following distance compared with a dry motorway?
Correct — B. In snow and ice stopping distances can be up to ten times greater than on a dry road, so the Highway Code recommends leaving a gap that is at least ten times larger than in dry conditions. -
Car Theory UK
A driver's thinking distance at 50 mph is approximately 15 metres. What is their overall stopping distance on a dry road at that speed?
Correct — A. At 50 mph the Highway Code gives a thinking distance of 15 metres and a braking distance of 38 metres, giving a total stopping distance of approximately 53 metres. -
Car Theory UK
You are driving at 70 mph on a motorway when you suddenly hit a large patch of standing water. Your car begins to aquaplane. What is the correct response?
Correct — B. During aquaplaning the tyres are riding on a film of water with no road contact; you should hold the wheel lightly and ease off the accelerator — braking or harsh steering can cause loss of control before grip is restored. -
Car Theory UK
Before a long motorway journey you check your tyres. What is the minimum legal tread depth across the central three-quarters of the tyre width for a car in the UK?
Correct — B. The legal minimum tread depth for car tyres in the UK is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre width and around the entire circumference. -
Car Theory UK
You are driving at 30 mph on a residential street when a pedestrian steps off the pavement 15 metres ahead. Why is this situation particularly dangerous despite you being within the speed limit?
Correct — B. At 30 mph the total stopping distance (thinking distance 9 m + braking distance 14 m) is approximately 23 metres — greater than the 15 metres available — so a collision is unavoidable even at the legal limit. -
Car Theory UK
You notice your brakes feel 'spongy' and the pedal sinks further than usual when you press it. What is the most likely cause and the correct action?
Correct — C. A spongy brake pedal that sinks unusually low typically indicates air in the hydraulic system, which is compressible and reduces braking force — the vehicle must not be driven until a qualified mechanic has bled and checked the system. -
Car Theory UK
Which road-surface condition causes the greatest reduction in tyre grip for the least visible warning?
Correct — A. Black ice is the most hazardous low-visibility surface condition because it forms a transparent layer that is extremely difficult to see, yet reduces grip dramatically — often to a fraction of dry-road levels. -
Car Theory UK
You are driving at 60 mph behind another vehicle when you realise your thinking distance alone already exceeds the gap you are leaving. What does this indicate?
Correct — D. If the gap is shorter than your thinking distance (18 m at 60 mph), you would physically reach the vehicle ahead before your foot even reaches the brake pedal — you must immediately increase the gap. -
Car Theory UK
You are about to drive your car and notice the engine oil level is below the minimum mark on the dipstick. What should you do?
Correct — A. Driving with oil below the minimum level risks serious engine damage and failure; you should top up to within the correct range before driving — checking with the engine cold and the car on level ground. -
Car Theory UK
On a clear dry day at 70 mph on a motorway you are using the two-second rule. Heavy rain then begins. A driver behind you is still less than two seconds from your bumper. What is the most important action for you?
Correct — A. You cannot control the vehicle behind, but you can protect yourself by doubling your own following gap to at least four seconds in rain — this gives you more reaction time and reduces the risk of a chain-reaction collision. -
Car Theory UK
A driver travelling at 70 mph applies the brakes to a car with well-maintained brakes on a dry motorway. They achieve the Highway Code braking distance of 75 metres. If their tyres were worn to exactly the legal minimum tread depth, what effect would this most likely have?
Correct — A. Even on a nominally dry road, worn tyres at minimum tread provide less grip than new tyres, increasing braking distance — the legal minimum is a safety floor, not a performance guarantee, and braking distances will be greater than the Highway Code's ideal-condition figures.
Car Theory UK sample questions
Tap any question below to reveal the answer and a plain-English explanation.
Car Theory UK Before a long motorway journey you check your tyres. What is the minimum legal tread depth across the central three-quarters of the tyre width for a car in the UK?
A. 2.0 mm
B. 1.6 mm ✓
C. 1.0 mm
D. 3.0 mm
Correct — B. The legal minimum tread depth for car tyres in the UK is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre width and around the entire circumference.
Car Theory UK You are driving at 30 mph on a residential street when a pedestrian steps off the pavement 15 metres ahead. Why is this situation particularly dangerous despite you being within the speed limit?
A. The Highway Code only quotes stopping distances for speeds above 40 mph
B. The total stopping distance at 30 mph is approximately 23 metres, which is greater than the available 15 metres ✓
C. At 30 mph thinking distance alone is 23 metres, so you cannot react in time
D. Braking distance at 30 mph is 6 metres, so you would stop well within 15 metres
Correct — B. At 30 mph the total stopping distance (thinking distance 9 m + braking distance 14 m) is approximately 23 metres — greater than the 15 metres available — so a collision is unavoidable even at the legal limit.
Car Theory UK You notice your brakes feel 'spongy' and the pedal sinks further than usual when you press it. What is the most likely cause and the correct action?
A. Cold brake discs; drive gently for a few miles until they warm up
B. Worn brake pads vibrating the callipers; reduce speed and drive to a garage
C. Air in the hydraulic brake lines; you should not drive the vehicle until a qualified technician has bled the brakes ✓
D. Overfilled brake fluid reservoir; drain some fluid and continue cautiously
Correct — C. A spongy brake pedal that sinks unusually low typically indicates air in the hydraulic system, which is compressible and reduces braking force — the vehicle must not be driven until a qualified mechanic has bled and checked the system.
Car Theory UK Which road-surface condition causes the greatest reduction in tyre grip for the least visible warning?
A. Black ice, because it forms a near-invisible glaze on the road ✓
B. Wet tarmac, because water pools are clearly visible
C. Packed snow, because it looks white and drivers always slow down
D. Loose gravel, because it is obvious from the road markings
Correct — A. Black ice is the most hazardous low-visibility surface condition because it forms a transparent layer that is extremely difficult to see, yet reduces grip dramatically — often to a fraction of dry-road levels.
Car Theory UK You are driving at 60 mph behind another vehicle when you realise your thinking distance alone already exceeds the gap you are leaving. What does this indicate?
A. You are within the safe two-second rule so no action is needed
B. You are maintaining exactly the right distance for a 60 mph road
C. Your brakes must be defective because braking distance should exceed thinking distance
D. You would not even begin to brake before reaching the vehicle ahead if it stopped suddenly ✓
Correct — D. If the gap is shorter than your thinking distance (18 m at 60 mph), you would physically reach the vehicle ahead before your foot even reaches the brake pedal — you must immediately increase the gap.
Car Theory UK You are about to drive your car and notice the engine oil level is below the minimum mark on the dipstick. What should you do?
A. Top up the oil to the correct level before driving ✓
B. Only check oil when the engine is warm, then decide
C. Drive carefully to the nearest garage before topping up
D. You can drive safely until the oil warning light comes on
Correct — A. Driving with oil below the minimum level risks serious engine damage and failure; you should top up to within the correct range before driving — checking with the engine cold and the car on level ground.
Car Theory UK On a clear dry day at 70 mph on a motorway you are using the two-second rule. Heavy rain then begins. A driver behind you is still less than two seconds from your bumper. What is the most important action for you?
A. Increase your own gap to the vehicle ahead to at least four seconds, since you cannot control the driver behind ✓
B. Flash your hazard lights for two seconds to warn the tailgater
C. Brake gently to signal to the driver behind to back off
D. Move to the left lane regardless of slower traffic there
Correct — A. You cannot control the vehicle behind, but you can protect yourself by doubling your own following gap to at least four seconds in rain — this gives you more reaction time and reduces the risk of a chain-reaction collision.
Car Theory UK A driver travelling at 70 mph applies the brakes to a car with well-maintained brakes on a dry motorway. They achieve the Highway Code braking distance of 75 metres. If their tyres were worn to exactly the legal minimum tread depth, what effect would this most likely have?
A. Braking distance would increase because reduced tread depth diminishes water dispersal and grip even on nominally dry roads ✓
B. No effect — braking distance depends only on speed and brake condition, not tyre tread
C. The legal minimum tread depth guarantees the same performance as new tyres
D. Braking distance would decrease as less rubber means less rolling resistance
Correct — A. Even on a nominally dry road, worn tyres at minimum tread provide less grip than new tyres, increasing braking distance — the legal minimum is a safety floor, not a performance guarantee, and braking distances will be greater than the Highway Code's ideal-condition figures.
About the Car Theory UK test
Study with original practice questions written for this app from publicly available official material. Every question has a clear explanation.
What you get
- Coverage of alertness and attitude, safety margins, hazard awareness, rules of the road and signs, vehicle handling and incidents, and documents and the environment.
- A clear explanation for every question.
- Timed practice tests that mirror the real exam style.
Original & safe
Every question is written for this app from public study material. Nothing is copied from any real exam, test pool or third-party question bank.
You will be tested on
- Road signs, signals and markings
- Right-of-way and intersection rules
- Speed, stopping distances and safe following
- Hazard perception and defensive driving
How TheoryPractice helps you pass
- Real exam-style questions with instant, detailed explanations
- Full timed mock exams that mirror the real test format
- Flashcards & quiz modes from the same question bank
- Progress tracking so you know exactly when you're ready
Topics in this question bank
Road signs, signals and markings
Right-of-way and intersection rules
Speed, stopping distances and safe following
Hazard perception and defensive driving
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