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Motorcycle study notes

Motorway Rules

Joining and leaving, lane discipline, speed limits, hard shoulders and smart motorway signals.

What this topic covers

Joining and leaving, lane discipline, speed limits, hard shoulders and smart motorway signals. The full Motorcycle Theory Test app contains 49 questions on this topic.

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

Worked examples

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

Example 1

Where are amber reflective studs found on a motorway?

A. Between each pair of lanes
B. Between the central reservation and the carriageway ✓ correct
C. Between the acceleration lane and the carriageway
D. Between the hard shoulder and the carriageway

Explanation: On motorways, reflective studs of various colours are fixed in the road between the lanes. These help you to identify which lane you're in when it's dark or in poor visibility. Amber-coloured studs are found on the right-hand edge of the main carriageway, next to the central reservation.

Example 2

What colour are the reflective studs between the hard shoulder and the left-hand lane of a motorway?

A. Amber
B. White
C. Red ✓ correct
D. Green

Explanation: Red studs are placed between the edge of the carriageway and the hard shoulder. Where slip roads leave or join the motorway, the studs are green.

Example 3

You're in the right-hand lane of a three-lane motorway. What do these overhead signs mean?

A. Leave the motorway at the next exit
B. Use the hard shoulder until you've passed the hazard
C. There are roadworks 50 metres (55 yards) ahead
D. Move to the left and reduce your speed to 50 mph ✓ correct

Explanation: You must obey these signs even if there appear to be no problems ahead. There could be queuing traffic or another hazard that you cannot see yet.

Example 4

What colour are the reflective studs between the lanes on a motorway?

A. Red
B. White ✓ correct
C. Amber
D. Green

Explanation: White studs are found between the lanes on motorways. They reflect back the light from your headlights. This is especially useful in bad weather, when visibility is restricted.

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More Motorcycle study notes

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