Theory test / Rules of the road
Rules of the road theory test questions
Up to date with the current Highway CodeLast reviewed October 2026
Rules of the road is the broadest topic in the car theory test. It covers the everyday legal framework of driving: speed limits for different roads and vehicles, priority at junctions and roundabouts, lane discipline, pedestrian crossings, overtaking restrictions, reversing, and where you can and cannot stop or park. Most of it comes straight from the Highway Code sections on general rules (Rules 103 to 158), using the road (Rules 159 to 203) and waiting and parking (Rules 238 to 252).
Speed limits are the area learners most often get wrong. For a car the national limits are 60 mph on a single carriageway and 70 mph on dual carriageways and motorways. On roads with street lights the default is 30 mph in England and Scotland, while in Wales it has been 20 mph since 2023 unless signs show otherwise. Remember the limit is a maximum, not a target: Rule 125 says you should slow down for bends, bad weather, darkness and wherever people are walking, cycling or riding.
Junction questions now lean heavily on the 2022 hierarchy of road users. Under Rule H2 you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross the road you are turning into or out of, and under Rule H3 you should not cut across cyclists, horse riders or horse drawn vehicles going straight ahead. At box junctions (Rule 174) you must not enter the yellow box unless your exit is clear, with one exception: you may wait in it to turn right when only oncoming traffic is stopping you.
Roundabout signalling is a classic trap. For the first exit, signal left and approach in the left lane. For an exit to the right, signal right on approach and keep right. For anything in between, you normally do not signal on approach, then signal left after passing the exit before the one you want (Rule 186). Crossings are another favourite: at a pelican crossing the flashing amber means give way to anyone still on the crossing, while puffin, toucan and equestrian crossings have no flashing amber at all (Rule 199).
For parking, learn the numbers and the words MUST and MUST NOT. Do not park within 10 metres of a junction unless in an authorised space (Rule 243). You must not park on the zig-zag lines of a crossing, must not park at night facing against the traffic flow unless in a recognised parking space, and must not sound your horn in a built-up area between 11.30 pm and 7 am except to warn of danger. When parking on a hill, turn the wheels towards the kerb facing downhill and away from it facing uphill (Rule 252).
Try 5 free questions
No account needed. Pick an answer to see whether it is right and why.
You are driving a car on a single carriageway road where the national speed limit applies. What is the maximum speed you may drive at?
The free questions with answers
1. You are driving a car on a single carriageway road where the national speed limit applies. What is the maximum speed you may drive at?
Answer: 60 mph
The national speed limit for cars and motorcycles on a single carriageway is 60 mph. It rises to 70 mph only on dual carriageways and motorways (Rule 124).
Highway Code rule 124
2. You are approaching a box junction marked with yellow criss-cross lines. When may you enter the box and wait in it?
Answer: When turning right and only held up by oncoming traffic
You must not enter a box junction unless your exit road or lane is clear. The one exception is waiting to turn right when you are stopped only by oncoming traffic or other vehicles waiting to turn right (Rule 174).
Highway Code rule 174
3. You are waiting to turn right off a main road into a side road. A pedestrian has started to cross the side road. What should you do?
Answer: Wait until they have finished crossing before you turn
If a pedestrian has started to cross a road you are turning into, they have priority, and Rule H2 also asks you to give way to people waiting to cross. Wait until they are safely across and then complete your turn (Rules H2 and 170).
Highway Code rules H2, 170
4. At a roundabout you intend to take the second of four exits, which goes straight ahead. No signs or markings say otherwise. How should you signal?
Answer: No signal on approach, then left after the first exit
For an intermediate exit you normally do not need to signal on approach. Signal left once you have passed the exit before the one you want, so other road users know you are about to leave (Rule 186).
Highway Code rule 186
5. Unless you are in an authorised parking space, how close to a junction should you avoid parking?
Answer: Within 10 metres
Rule 243 says do not stop or park opposite or within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction unless in an authorised space. A car parked closer hides pedestrians and traffic from drivers turning in or out.
Highway Code rule 243
Questions people ask
- What is the national speed limit for a car?
- 60 mph on a single carriageway and 70 mph on a dual carriageway or motorway. On roads with street lights the default is 30 mph in England and Scotland and 20 mph in Wales, unless signs say otherwise.
- Do I have to give way to pedestrians when turning into a side road?
- Yes. Rule H2 says you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road you are turning into or out of. If they have already started to cross, they have priority.
- When can I wait inside a yellow box junction?
- Only when you want to turn right and the only thing stopping you is oncoming traffic or other vehicles waiting to turn right. In every other case your exit must be clear before you enter the box.
- How close to a junction can I park?
- Rule 243 says do not park opposite or within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction, unless it is an authorised parking space. Parking closer blocks the view for everyone turning in or out.
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.