Theory test / Alertness
Alertness theory test questions
Up to date with the current Highway CodeLast reviewed October 2026
Alertness is about how well you notice what is going on around you and how early you react to it. The questions cover concentration, mirror use, blind spots, distractions such as phones, sat navs and passengers, tiredness on long journeys, and what to do when you are dazzled by the sun or by headlights. Most of them come down to one idea: you can only react to a hazard you have already seen.
Mobile phone law catches a lot of learners out. Rule 149 says you must not use a hand-held phone or similar device for any purpose while driving, and that includes being stopped at red lights or sitting in a queue of traffic. It also applies to anyone supervising a learner. The only exceptions are calling 999 or 112 in a genuine emergency when it is unsafe or impractical to stop, and paying at a contactless terminal while stationary. Hands-free is legal, but the Highway Code still says it is far safer not to make calls at all while driving.
For tiredness, remember the numbers in Rule 91: take a break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving, and avoid long journeys between midnight and 6 am, when natural alertness is at its lowest. If you feel sleepy, stop somewhere safe. A hard shoulder or an emergency area on a motorway is not a place to rest; leave at the next exit or service area instead (Rule 262).
On observation, the routine is Mirrors, Signal, Manoeuvre (Rule 161). Use your mirrors in good time before you signal or change speed or direction, and remember that mirrors leave blind spots, so look round before moving off (Rule 159) and take a quick sideways glance before changing lanes. Questions often show a cyclist or motorcyclist glancing over their shoulder, which usually means they are about to pull out or turn (Rule 212).
A common trap is picking the answer that sounds busy or helpful rather than the safe one. When you are dazzled, unsure of a sat nav instruction or tired, the right answer is nearly always to slow down, stop somewhere safe or wait, not to speed up, adjust something on the move or push on.
Try 5 free questions
No account needed. Pick an answer to see whether it is right and why.
You are stopped in a queue at red traffic lights when your hand-held phone rings. What does the law say?
The free questions with answers
1. You are stopped in a queue at red traffic lights when your hand-held phone rings. What does the law say?
Answer: You must not pick it up while stopped in traffic
Rule 149 says you must not pick up and use a hand-held phone while stationary in traffic. Being stopped at lights or in a queue still counts as driving.
Highway Code rule 149
2. You are driving on a motorway and start to feel sleepy. What should you do?
Answer: Leave at the next exit or services and take a proper break
If you feel sleepy you should stop somewhere safe. The hard shoulder and emergency areas are for emergencies only, so leave the motorway or use a service area. Fresh air only helps for a short time.
Highway Code rules 91, 262
3. On a long journey, how often does the Highway Code recommend you take a break?
Answer: At least 15 minutes after every two hours
Rule 91 recommends a break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving. Plan your stops before you set off.
Highway Code rule 91
4. You are about to pull away from the kerb and have checked all your mirrors. What else should you do before moving off?
Answer: Look round to check your blind spot
Mirrors do not show everything. Rule 159 says to look round to check the blind spots, signal if necessary, and take a final look before moving off.
Highway Code rule 159
5. A cyclist ahead of you glances over their right shoulder. What is the most likely reason?
Answer: They may be about to pull out or turn right
A look over the shoulder often means the rider intends to pull out, turn right or change direction. Rule 212 says to give them time and space to do so.
Highway Code rule 212
Questions people ask
- Can I use my phone as a sat nav while driving?
- Yes, as long as it is fixed in a holder and you never hold it while driving. Set the route before you set off, and if you need to change it, find a safe place to stop first (Rules 149 and 150).
- What is the penalty for using a hand-held phone at the wheel?
- Six penalty points and a £200 fine. If you passed your test in the last two years, six points is enough to lose your licence, and you would have to reapply for a provisional licence and pass both tests again.
- How often should I take a break on a long drive?
- The Highway Code recommends a break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving. Plan the stops before you set off rather than waiting until you feel tired.
- Is it illegal to eat or drink while driving?
- There is no specific offence, but Rule 148 lists eating and drinking as distractions to avoid. If it stops you being in proper control of the car you can be charged with careless driving.
Other theory test topics
Rule references: The Highway Code (GOV.UK), Open Government Licence v3.0. Questions and explanations are written by PassRank and are not the official DVSA revision questions.