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Car study notes

Rules of the Road

Junctions, roundabouts, parking, speed limits and who has priority.

What this topic covers

Junctions, roundabouts, parking, speed limits and who has priority. The full Car Driving Theory Test app contains 66 questions on this topic.

In the app's syllabus: Speed limits, Lane discipline, Parking, Lighting.

Worked examples

Here are a few practice questions from this topic. Try answering each before reading the explanation.

Example 1

What signal should you give when you're going straight ahead at a roundabout?

  • A. Signal left when you're approaching the roundabout
  • B. Signal right when you're approaching the roundabout
  • C. Do not signal at any time
  • D. Signal left before leaving the roundabout ✓ correct
Explanation: When going straight ahead at a roundabout, do not signal as you approach it. Signal left just after passing the exit before the one you wish to take.
Example 2

When may you enter a box junction?

  • A. When traffic signs direct you
  • B. When your exit road is clear ✓ correct
  • C. When signalled by another road user
  • D. When there are fewer than 2 vehicles ahead
Explanation: Yellow box junctions are marked on the road to prevent the road becoming blocked. Do not enter the box unless your exit road is clear. You may wait in the box if you want to turn right and your exit road is clear but oncoming traffic or other vehicles waiting to turn right are preventing you from making the turn.
Example 3

What should you do if you want to overtake a tractor but are not sure that it's safe?

  • A. Stay behind it if you're in any doubt ✓ correct
  • B. Speed past, flashing your lights at oncoming traffic
  • C. Sound your horn to make the tractor driver pull over
  • D. Follow another vehicle as it overtakes the tractor
Explanation: Following a tractor can be frustrating, but never overtake if you're unsure whether it's safe. Ask yourself: 'Can I see far enough down the road to be sure that I can complete the manoeuvre safely?' It's better to be delayed for a minute or 2 than to take a chance that may cause a collision.
Example 4

What should you do if the amber lights come on and a warning sounds while you're driving over a level crossing?

  • A. Stop immediately and use your hazard warning lights
  • B. Keep going and clear the crossing ✓ correct
  • C. Stop and reverse back to clear the crossing
  • D. Get everyone out of the vehicle immediately
Explanation: Keep going; do not stop on the crossing. If the warning sounds and the amber lights come on as you're approaching the crossing, you must stop unless it's unsafe to do so. Red flashing lights together with the audible warning mean you must stop.

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Get all 66 questions on this topic in the Car Driving Theory Test app.

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