Highway Code: Core Driving Regulations
General Rules 103 to 158 (Highway Code) | Free DVSA Theory Practice Test
Master Essential Driving Techniques, Safety Laws & Road Advice
Test Coverage
Rules 103-158 for all drivers & riders
Target Group
Drivers, riders, cyclists & horse riders
Key Topics
Speed limits, phone laws & stopping space
💡 What You Must Know:
This must-practice category forms the backbone of the official UK theory exam. It includes vital code guidelines that ensure safe everyday vehicle operation and structural road compliance:
⚡ Speed limit rules
🛑 Stopping distances
📱 Mobile phone restrictions
🛣️ Lane markings & signals
- Questions are based on General Rules, techniques, and advice for all drivers and riders (Rules 103-158) from The Highway Code.
- Topics include speed limits, signals, lighting, lane markings, mobile phone use, and stopping distances.
- A must-practice section for anyone preparing for their theory test – including drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists, and horse riders.
What should you do if the police signal you to stop?
Speed up and try to find a safer place later.
Pull over and stop as soon as it is safe.
Ignore them unless you have committed an offence.
Stop in the middle of the road immediately.
If police signal you to stop, pull over safely and promptly. Ignoring their request is illegal and may lead to penalties. After stopping, switch off your engine and wait for instructions. Highway Code Rule 106: You must pull over and stop as soon as it is safe when signaled by the police.
What should you do if your indicator signals are not clearly visible to other road users?
Ignore it and continue driving as usual.
Use an arm signal to reinforce your indicator.
Flash your headlights instead of signaling.
Stop driving until visibility improves.
If your indicator lights are not clearly visible due to bright sunlight, heavy traffic, or other obstructions, using an arm signal can help communicate your intentions more effectively to other road users. Highway Code Rule 103: Use an arm signal to emphasize or reinforce your signal if necessary.
What happens if you fail to stop when signaled by a DVSA officer?
Nothing, as only police officers can stop vehicles.
You may face legal consequences for not complying.
The officer will wait for you at the next junction.
You should only stop if you think it is necessary.
Ignoring a DVSA officer’s signal is a legal offence. You must stop or follow their directions. Failing to comply could result in penalties or further enforcement action against you. Highway Code Rule 107: You must obey DVSA officers' signals and stop when directed.
How will the police signal you to stop your vehicle?
Waiting for you to notice them and stop on your own.
By waving from the roadside.
Sending a message to your dashboard.
Flashing blue lights, headlights, siren, or horn, usually from behind.
Police use flashing lights, sirens, or horns to signal drivers, often from behind. They may also point or use indicators. Ignoring these signals can lead to legal consequences. Respond immediately. Highway Code Rule 106: Police may use lights, sirens, or indicators to signal you to stop.
Why is it important to be cautious when another vehicle is indicating?
The driver may have forgotten to turn it off.
Indicators always mean the vehicle will turn.
The signal gives them the right of way.
You must stop immediately whenever you see an indicator.
Indicators do not always confirm a driver’s intent, as they may forget to cancel them or change their decision. Always wait for their actual movement before acting. Highway Code Rule 104: Be aware that an indicator on another vehicle may not have been cancelled.
How should you respond when another road user gives a signal?
Assume they will follow through and proceed immediately.
Stop and wait regardless of the situation.
Ignore their signal and continue as usual.
Observe their signal and move only when certain it is safe.
Drivers may signal incorrectly or change their mind, so never assume their action based solely on the signal. Always confirm their actual movement before proceeding. Highway Code Rule 104: Watch out for signals given by other road users and proceed only when it is safe.
What should you do after completing a turn or lane change?
Cancel your indicator immediately to avoid confusion.
Keep your indicator on for a while to warn others.
Flash your headlights instead of signaling.
Ignore it, as other drivers will figure it out.
Leaving your indicator on after completing a maneuver can mislead other road users, making them think you are about to turn again, which can be dangerous. Always switch off your signal once it is no longer needed. Highway Code Rule 103: Always cancel signals after use to avoid misleading other road users.
What action should be taken when a school crossing patrol signals you to stop?
Continue driving if no children are crossing.
Slow down but keep moving.
Stop and wait until the patrol allows you to proceed.
Ignore them if you are in a hurry.
School crossing patrols protect pedestrians, especially children. Ignoring their signal endangers lives and violates the law. Always stop when signaled and proceed only when instructed, ensuring safety for all road users. Highway Code Rule 105: You must stop when instructed by a school crossing patrol.
How can you ensure your signals are not misleading?
Signal just before turning, so it's not misinterpreted.
Give a signal only when following another vehicle closely.
Make sure to signal only when it clearly reflects your intentions.
Use hand signals instead of indicators.
Incorrect or poorly timed signals can confuse other road users. For example, signaling too early before passing a side road may make others think you are turning into it. Always ensure your signals match your intended action. Highway Code Rule 103: Make sure your signals are not misleading and only use them when necessary.
Who has the authority to stop vehicles on all roads, including motorways and trunk roads?
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) officers.
Only traffic wardens.
Only police officers.
Only motorway patrol officers.
DVSA officers are authorized to stop vehicles on any road. Their role includes enforcing road safety regulations, ensuring compliance with vehicle standards, and checking for legal violations. Highway Code Rule 107: DVSA officers have the power to stop vehicles on all roads.
Under what circumstances can you use hazard warning lights while driving?
When reversing into a parking space.
While driving in heavy traffic to alert others.
On a motorway to warn drivers of a hazard ahead.
To signal that you are stopping at a pedestrian crossing.
Hazard warning lights must not be used while driving, except on motorways or unrestricted dual carriageways to alert other drivers of a hazard ahead. Using them incorrectly can cause confusion. Highway Code Rule 116: Use hazard lights while driving only on motorways or dual carriageways to warn of hazards.