A selection of traffic signs from the UK – could you name what they mean in exam conditions? Photograph: HMSO
Newly released figures show that there are some areas of the country where it appears to be much easier to pass your driving test than others . But, regardless of where you take the practical test, would-be drivers in Great Britain are required to take a theory test as well before getting their driving licence.
But, once we are out on the road, not all of us can remember every detail. And some of us started driving long enough ago that the theory test didn’t exist.
Take our quiz to see how well you would fare if you had to sit your theory test today.
Would you still pass your driving theory test?
Traffic signs giving orders are normally which shape?
A white rectangle with a red border.
A white circle with a red border.
A white triangle with a red border.
A blue rectangle with a white border.
You arrive at a section of road where two red lines are marked along the kerbside. What do these lines mean?
No parking is allowed.
No parking or waiting is allowed.
No parking, waiting, or loading is allowed during certain hours.
No parking, waiting or loading is allowed at any time.
What precautions should you take when you drive down a steep hill?
Avoid stopping suddenly if possible.
Be ready to reduce your speed for slowly descending vehicles.
Use your gears to help you slow down.
Do all of the above.
Following a collision, someone has suffered a burn. The burn needs to be cooled. What's the shortest time it should be cooled for?
5 minutes.
20 minutes.
2 minutes.
15 minutes.
When can you drive in an operational cycle lane?
Never.
When the cycle lane is bordered by a broken white line.
When the cycle lane is bordered by a broken white line and crossing the border is unavoidable.
When the cycle lane is bordered by a solid white line.
What does this sign mean?
No vehicles allowed past this point.
There is a tunnel ahead.
National speed limits now apply.
The road is closed ahead.
You wish to tow a trailer. Where would you find the maximum noseweight allowed on your vehicle's tow hitch?
In the vehicle handbook.
In The Highway Code.
In your vehicle registration certificate.
In your licence documents.
You are driving an ordinary car along the motorway. Can you enter this HOV lane?
Yes, at any time.
Yes, but you must remain in the lane for at least two miles.
Yes, but you must be carrying at least two passengers.
Yes, but you must be carrying at least one passenger.
You're coming up to a roundabout. A cyclist is signalling to turn right. What should you do?
Signal the cyclist to move across.
Give a warning with your horn.
Overtake on the right.
Give the cyclist plenty of room.
What does this sign mean?
Watch out for horses in this area.
No horses permitted beyond this point.
There is an equestrian crossing ahead.
Equestrian trail begins.
What is the total stopping distance, including reaction time, when travelling at 50mph?
36 metres (118 feet).
53 metres (175 feet).
73 metres (240 feet).
96 metres (315 feet).
You're approaching a red light at a puffin crossing. Pedestrians are on the crossing. When will the red light change?
When you start to edge forward onto the crossing.
When the pedestrians push the button on the far side of the crossing.
When the pedestrians have cleared the crossing.
When a driver from the opposite direction reaches the crossing.
When are you allowed to use a hand-held mobile phone, or similar device, when driving or when supervising a learner driver?
Never.
When you receive an incoming message of phone call.
To check weather and traffic conditions for the road ahead.
To call 999 or 112 in a genuine emergency when it is unsafe or impractical to stop.
You may use front fog lights with headlights ONLY when visibility is reduced to less than?
100 metres (328 feet)
200 metres (656 feet)
300 metres (984 feet)
400 metres (1312 feet)
Solutions
1:B - Orders that must be obeyed are usually on a white circle with a red border. White triangles with a red border are used for warnings., 2:D - Red lines are used on some roads instead of yellow lines. In London the double and single red lines used on Red Routes indicate that stopping to park, load/unload or to board and alight from a vehicle (except for a licensed taxi or if you hold a Blue Badge) is prohibited. , 3:D - You should approach any steep downgrade with care. Prepare for hazards early as stopping safely is harder on a steep downgrade. Be mindful that vehicles behind you may not be able to stop as quickly. You should descend at a controlled speed, using a lower gear., 4:B - The Highway Code includes basic first aid information that drivers need to learn. The code was updated this week, and now, rather than 10 minutes as previously stated, it recommends cooling the burn for at least 20 minutes with plenty of clean, cool water., 5:C - You must not drive in a bicycle lane unless it is bordered by a broken white line and entering is unavoidable - you need to enter to turn or to avoid an obstruction., 6:A - The sign states that no vehicles are allowed past this point. Bicycles may only proceed past this sign if pushed., 7:A - Information about the maximum permitted noseweight should be found in your vehicle handbook or obtained from the manufacturer., 8:D - This HOV lane requires cars to have at least two occupants - the driver and at least one passenger., 9:D - Rule 187 of the Highway Code states that in all cases watch out for and give plenty of room to cyclists and horse riders who may stay in the left-hand lane and signal right if they intend to continue round the roundabout. Allow them to do so., 10:B - No horses may be taken beyond this point., 11:B - At 50mph it will take 13 car lengths to stop - the equivalent of 53 metres or 175 feet, 12:C - Puffin crossings use sensors to determine if pedestrians have completed their crossing, and will hold the red light phase longer if they are crossing slowly., 13:D - This is the only time it is permitted to use a hand-held phone. The Highway Code states that it is far safer not to use any telephone, even hands-free, while you are driving or riding - it recommends you find a safe place to stop first., 14:A - It is an offence to use fog lights if the visibility is better than 100 metres. The Highway Code stresses that you must switch front fog lights off if the fog clears to avoid dazzling others, but also remain aware that fog may be patchy.
Scores
12 and above.
Congratulations, you passed.
0 and above.
This score would fail you in the real test. Proceed to the nearest post office and hand in your driver's licence.
13 and above.
Congratulations, you passed.
Please note: in the real test candidates face 50 multiple choice questions if they are seeking a licence for cars and motorcycles, and 100 questions if they want to drive lorries, buses and coaches. The pass mark for the 50 question test is 43.
Additionally, would-be drivers have to take a video-based hazard perception test, which they also have to pass before being allowed to take the practical driving test.
This quiz has used sample questions referring to the Highway Code as it applies to England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland has a different version of the Highway Code.