Highway Code: Stationary Regulations
Rules 238-252: Waiting & Parking | Free DVSA Theory Practice Test
Master Curb Markings, Night Parking Lighting & Enforcement Laws
Test Coverage
Rules 238–252 of The Highway Code
Core Focus
Night positioning & marker clearance
Key Value
Avoid fines and dangerous obstructions
💡 Parking Compliance Blueprint:
This section evaluates your knowledge of static road safety. Knowing where and when it is legal to drop passengers or leave your vehicle is highly tested on the theory exam:
🟡 Double yellow restrictions
💡 Night sidelight criteria
🛑 Clearway & junction limits
📋 Decriminalised enforcement
- Questions are based on the ‘Waiting and Parking’ section (Rules 238–252) of The Highway Code.
- Topics include general waiting rules, parking restrictions, and how to park safely and legally.
- This section also includes questions on how to park at night, including the use of lights and how to avoid posing a danger to others.
- Covers real-life issues like double yellow lines, decriminalised parking enforcement, and safe positioning.
If your car has an automatic gearbox, what gear should it be left in when parked on a hill?
Neutral
Reverse
Park
Drive
Using ‘Park’ in automatic vehicles locks the transmission, making it harder for the vehicle to move even if the handbrake fails. It’s an essential step when parking on slopes. Highway Code Rule 252: Use ‘Park’ when parking on a hill in an automatic vehicle.
What should you do with charging cables after using an electric vehicle charge point?
Leave them on the ground nearby
Wrap them around the charge point loosely
Take them home with you
Return them neatly to avoid hazards
Leaving charging cables trailing creates a serious trip hazard. Always return cables and connectors neatly to reduce risk to pedestrians and to avoid obstructing other vehicles or people nearby. Highway Code Rule 239: After using the charge point, you should return charging cables and connectors neatly to minimise the danger to pedestrians.
As a goods vehicle driver over 7.5 tonnes, when is it legally acceptable to stop on a verge or pavement?
While resting between delivery stops
If your hazard lights are on
After business hours in non-residential areas
Only during essential loading and while attended
Heavy goods vehicles may only stop on verges or pavements if loading or unloading is essential and the driver remains with the vehicle. Leaving it unattended or parking casually is prohibited unless police allow it. Highway Code Rule 246: You MUST NOT park on a verge, pavement or land between carriageways unless essential for loading and unloading and the vehicle is not left unattended.
How might a driver misinterpret double yellow lines if there are no upright signs present?
They mean waiting is never allowed
They allow parking at night
They indicate limited loading times
They apply only during weekdays
Double yellow lines indicate that waiting is not allowed at any time, even if there are no upright signs nearby. Misunderstanding this could lead to fines or cause traffic disruption. Highway Code Rule 238: Double yellow lines mean no waiting at any time, even without upright signs.
While parking on a hill, the only available space is right on the brow. What’s the safest option?
Park and angle your wheels into the kerb
Park there only if it’s during daylight
Avoid parking on the brow and find another spot
Use hazard lights while parked there
Parking on the brow of a hill limits visibility for approaching drivers, increasing the chance of a collision. Always avoid parking where visibility is reduced. Highway Code Rule 243: DO NOT stop or park near the brow of a hill or hump bridge.
As you approach a busy junction, you consider stopping briefly on the corner to check directions. There’s no designated parking. What’s the safest decision?
Stop on the corner for a moment
Pull up partially on the pavement
Park there with hazard lights on
Continue driving to find a safer place
Stopping near junctions or corners can obstruct views and create hazards for other drivers. Always avoid leaving your vehicle in positions that could cause danger or block traffic unnecessarily. Highway Code Rule 242: You MUST NOT leave your vehicle or trailer in a dangerous position or where it causes any unnecessary obstruction of the road.
A collision could occur at night if a heavy goods vehicle is parked without lights. Why?
Drivers assume it’s a building
It may be invisible on dark roads
Its colour might blend in
Reflectors can be distracting
Large vehicles without lights are extremely hard to see on unlit roads, creating a major risk of nighttime collisions. Lights ensure the vehicle’s presence is visible to other drivers. Highway Code Rule 250: Lights are mandatory for visibility and safety of large or projecting vehicles.
Under what situations do you NOT stop or park, even if space is available?
On a quiet bend with clear visibility
In front of a property’s driveway
In a marked bay on a residential street
Next to the kerb when traffic is light
Parking in front of a driveway can block access for residents and create frustration or disputes. Even short stops can cause inconvenience or delay, so you must avoid doing so at all times. Highway Code Rule 243: DO NOT stop or park in front of an entrance to a property.
Which of the following is a legal reason to stop on a road marked with double white lines (with a broken line on your side)?
To answer a phone call
To drop off a passenger
To check a map
To wait for someone
Stopping on double white lines is only allowed in very limited circumstances, such as setting down or picking up passengers, or for loading and unloading goods. Other reasons are not permitted. Highway Code Rule 240: You MUST NOT stop or park on a road marked with double white lines… except to pick up or set down passengers, or to load or unload goods.
How can you reduce the risk of injuring a cyclist or pedestrian when opening your car door?
Open the door quickly to exit faster
Open the door slightly and wait
Use the hand nearest the door to open it
Use the opposite hand to open the door, making you look over your shoulder
Opening the door with the opposite hand encourages you to turn and look behind you. This helps you notice approaching cyclists, motorcyclists, or pedestrians, reducing the risk of injuring someone. Highway Code Rule 239: Where you are able to do so, you should open the door using your hand on the opposite side to the door you are opening.
You're delivering goods on a road with yellow kerb markings and an upright sign nearby. What determines whether you can load or unload there?
If you're using hazard lights
Both kerb markings and upright signs must allow it
The absence of a loading bay
If you complete unloading within five minutes
Yellow kerb markings and accompanying upright signs indicate loading restrictions. You must obey both. If either prohibits loading at the time, you are not permitted to stop for that purpose—even briefly. Highway Code Rule 247: Do not load or unload where there are yellow markings on the kerb and upright signs advising restrictions.
You’re visiting a friend in a residential area and see a parking bay marked “Residents only.” You plan to stay for just 10 minutes. What should you do?
Park in the bay since it's only for a short time
Park in the bay if there are other spaces available
Avoid parking there unless you're a resident or have a permit
Leave a note on your dashboard with your contact number
Parking spaces marked for residents are reserved for those with proper authorization. Using them without permission, even briefly, is not allowed and may result in enforcement action. Highway Code Rule 241: You MUST NOT park in parking spaces reserved for specific users, such as Blue Badge holders, residents or motorcycles, unless entitled to do so.
You spot a parking space 6 metres from a junction. Is it appropriate to park there?
Yes, if you’re not blocking the junction
Yes, if you're using hazard lights
No, it's too close to the junction
Yes, unless signs prohibit it
You must not stop or park within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction unless it’s a designated parking area, as it can reduce visibility and increase collision risk. Highway Code Rule 243: DO NOT stop or park within 10 metres of a junction, except in authorised parking spaces.
You notice a parked vehicle ahead on a foggy road with no lights on. What danger does this present?
It poses a serious visibility hazard to other drivers
It might confuse GPS systems
It could distract wildlife
It reduces road temperature
In fog, unlit vehicles are difficult to see and can cause accidents. Lights help make the vehicle visible from a distance, warning approaching drivers and improving road safety. Highway Code Rule 251: Always use parking or sidelights when parked in fog to avoid creating a hazard.
At night, when is it acceptable to park facing against the direction of traffic flow?
Only in a marked or recognised parking space
If the road has street lighting
When your hazard lights are on
When traffic is light
Parking facing oncoming traffic at night is prohibited unless you're in a clearly marked parking space. Doing so poses a hazard to other road users and may reduce visibility of your vehicle. Highway Code Rule 248: You must not park at night facing against the traffic flow unless in a recognised parking space.
You are on a motorway and feel tired. There is no service station nearby. What should you do?
Pull over onto the hard shoulder and take a nap
Stop in the emergency area for a break
Keep driving until you find a suitable rest area
Park on the carriageway with hazard lights on
Stopping on a motorway carriageway, emergency area, or hard shoulder is only allowed in emergencies. Fatigue does not qualify unless it creates immediate danger, so keep driving to a safe stopping point. Highway Code Rule 240: You MUST NOT stop or park on the carriageway, an emergency area or a hard shoulder of a motorway except in an emergency.
What is the best practice when parking on a steep hill, regardless of direction?
Leave the vehicle in neutral and apply handbrake
Use appropriate gear, handbrake, and turn wheels based on the slope
Rely solely on the steering wheel lock
Park across both lanes to reduce rolling risk
Combining correct gear selection, the handbrake, and proper wheel positioning keeps the vehicle stationary and helps prevent it from moving if one measure fails. Highway Code Rule 252: Park close to the kerb, use proper gear, and angle wheels correctly on hills.
Why must you not park partially or fully on the pavement in London unless signs permit it?
It blocks emergency vehicles
It causes damage to the road surface
It obstructs and inconveniences pedestrians
It reduces visibility for other drivers
Parking on the pavement can block access for people using wheelchairs, those with visual impairments, or anyone with a pushchair. In London, it’s prohibited by law unless signs specifically allow it. Highway Code Rule 244: You MUST NOT park partially or wholly on the pavement in London, and should not do so elsewhere unless signs permit it.
A driver parks uphill in first gear but forgets to angle the wheels. What is the consequence if the handbrake fails?
The car stays in place due to the gear
The car may roll into the kerb
The car could roll into the road
The engine won’t start later
Without angling the wheels, even a car parked in gear can roll downhill if the handbrake fails. Proper wheel position acts as a final safety defense. Highway Code Rule 252: Always combine gear selection with proper wheel positioning on hills.
Before you park a motorcycle at night on a 30 mph road without lights, what must you ensure?
It’s near a streetlamp
It’s not within 5 metres of a sign
The exhaust is cooled down
It’s more than 10 metres from a junction and close to the kerb
To avoid danger, a motorcycle must be parked at least 10 metres from a junction, close to the kerb, and in the direction of traffic if left unlit on a 30 mph road at night. Highway Code Rule 250: Motorcycles may be parked unlit under specific, safe conditions.
What is the legal guidance if you must park on the road during foggy conditions?
You may leave your vehicle unlit to avoid glare
Park only on a bend or hilltop for visibility
Use main beam headlights at all times
Leave your parking or sidelights on
Parking on the road in fog is dangerous due to reduced visibility. If unavoidable, the law requires you to leave your parking or sidelights on to help other road users spot your vehicle. Highway Code Rule 251: In fog, use sidelights or parking lights when parked to maintain visibility.
You want to use a hand-held device to assist with parking. What should you check before doing so?
That the parking space is close to your destination
That it's safe to do so and that you're in control at all times
That it's legal to use the device
That no pedestrians are watching you
Before using a hand-held device to park, you must ensure it is safe. You must also remain fully in control of your vehicle and only use the device for parking purposes. Highway Code Rule 239: You MUST make sure it is safe to do so. You MUST remain in control of the vehicle at all times.
What could happen if you park on the road in thick fog without leaving your parking or sidelights on?
Other road users may not see your vehicle
You could receive a discount on insurance
Your battery might last longer
The fog will clear faster
In foggy conditions, visibility is severely reduced. Failing to leave your parking or sidelights on when parked on the road could make your vehicle invisible, increasing the risk of a collision. Highway Code Rule 251: Lights must be used when parked in fog to remain visible to others.
You want to park in a Controlled Parking Zone but aren’t sure if restrictions apply at the current time. What’s the best step to take?
Refer to the CPZ entry sign you passed
Park and wait for a warden to clarify
Check the nearest shop for advice
Use your hazard lights while parked
The entry sign of a Controlled Parking Zone tells you when restrictions are active. If you’re unsure, refer back to it—this ensures you follow the correct rules and avoid fines. Highway Code Rule 245: The zone entry signs show when waiting restrictions apply.
What must you do before leaving your vehicle after parking on the roadside?
Leave the engine running briefly
Switch off the engine and apply the handbrake
Turn off only the headlights
Leave your door slightly open for ventilation
You must always secure your vehicle before leaving it. This includes switching off the engine, lights, and fog lights, applying the handbrake, and ensuring the car is safe to prevent movement or danger. Highway Code Rule 239: You MUST switch off the engine, headlights and fog lights, apply the handbrake before leaving the vehicle.