Theory test / Vehicle loading
Vehicle loading theory test questions
Up to date with the current Highway CodeLast reviewed October 2026
Vehicle loading is one of the smaller topics in the car theory test, but its questions are very predictable once you know the handful of facts behind them. It covers how to load and secure luggage, roof racks and roof boxes, towing a trailer or caravan, carrying children and animals, and your legal responsibility for passengers. The core Highway Code text is Rule 98 on towing and loading, Rules 99 to 102 on seat belts and child restraints, and Annex 6 on vehicle maintenance.
The key loading rule is simple: you must not overload your vehicle or trailer, and any load must be secured so it cannot fall off or stick out dangerously. A heavy or badly placed load lengthens your braking distance, makes the steering feel lighter or heavier and changes how the car behaves on bends and in crosswinds. Tyre pressures should be set to the manufacturer's figure for the load you are carrying, and you may need to adjust your headlights so they do not dazzle other drivers when the back of the car sits lower.
When towing, distribute the weight evenly with heavy items over the trailer axle, and keep a moderate downward load on the tow ball. You must use towing mirrors if the trailer or caravan is wider than your car or blocks your view behind. If a caravan starts to snake, ease off the accelerator and let the speed fall gently rather than braking hard or steering sharply. The towing speed limits are 50 mph on single carriageways and 60 mph on dual carriageways and motorways, and on a motorway with three or more lanes you must not use the right-hand lane.
For licences, the rules changed in December 2021. If you passed your car test on or after 1 January 1997 you can now tow a trailer of up to 3,500 kg maximum authorised mass (MAM), provided you stay within your car's own towing limits and its gross train weight. A trailer over 750 kg MAM must have its own working brakes, and every trailer needs a breakaway cable or secondary coupling. Trailers can be up to 2.55 metres wide and, behind a car of 3,500 kg or less, up to 7 metres long.
Passenger questions focus on who is responsible. The driver must make sure children under 14 wear a seat belt or use the correct child restraint, and children usually need a child seat suited to their weight or height until they reach 12 years old or 135 cm tall, whichever comes first. A rear-facing baby seat must never be fitted in front of an active frontal airbag. Dogs and other animals should be restrained with a harness, carrier, cage or dog guard so they cannot distract you or be thrown forward in a sudden stop.
Try 5 free questions
No account needed. Pick an answer to see whether it is right and why.
You are loading a caravan for a holiday. Where should you put the heaviest items?
The free questions with answers
1. You are loading a caravan for a holiday. Where should you put the heaviest items?
Answer: Low down and over the axle
Distribute the weight evenly, with heavy items mainly over the axle and kept low down. Weight at either end of a caravan makes it far less stable (Rule 98).
Highway Code rule 98
2. You are towing a caravan on a fast road and it starts to snake from side to side. What should you do?
Answer: Ease off the accelerator and slow down gently
If a trailer or caravan snakes, ease off the accelerator and reduce speed gently to regain control. Harsh braking or steering can make the swaying worse (Rule 98).
Highway Code rule 98
3. You are driving a car towing a trailer on a motorway. What is the maximum speed you may travel at?
Answer: 60 mph
Cars towing caravans or trailers are limited to 60 mph on motorways and dual carriageways, and 50 mph on single carriageways (Rule 124).
Highway Code rule 124
4. You are towing a caravan on a motorway with three lanes. Which lane must you not use?
Answer: The right-hand lane
If you are towing a trailer you must not use the right-hand lane of a motorway with three or more lanes, except in rare cases such as lane closures (Rule 265).
Highway Code rule 265
5. You are giving a 12-year-old a lift in the front passenger seat. Who is legally responsible for making sure they wear a seat belt?
Answer: You, the driver
The driver is responsible for making sure children under 14 wear a seat belt or use the correct child restraint. Passengers aged 14 and over are responsible for themselves (Rules 99 and 100).
Highway Code rules 99, 100
Questions people ask
- What speed can I drive at when towing a caravan?
- With a car towing a caravan or trailer the limit is 50 mph on a single carriageway and 60 mph on a dual carriageway or motorway. In built-up areas the normal 30 mph limit applies, or 20 mph in Wales.
- Can I tow a trailer on a normal car licence?
- If you passed your car test on or after 1 January 1997, you can tow a trailer up to 3,500 kg MAM since the rules changed in December 2021. You must still stay within the towing limits set by your car's manufacturer.
- Who is responsible for a child wearing a seat belt?
- The driver is legally responsible for making sure children under 14 use a seat belt or the correct child restraint. Passengers aged 14 and over are responsible for themselves.
- How should I load a caravan or trailer?
- Put heavy items low down and over the axle, spread the weight evenly and keep a moderate downward load on the tow ball. Secure everything so it cannot shift while you are 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.