What this topic covers
The everyday rules that keep traffic flowing safely: limits for different roads, who has priority, where you may and may not park, and safe overtaking.
Practice questions
Q1What is the national speed limit for a car on a single carriageway road?
The national speed limit for cars on a single carriageway is 60 mph, rising to 70 mph on dual carriageways and motorways.
Q2Unless signs say otherwise, the speed limit in a built-up area with street lighting is:
Street lighting usually indicates a 30 mph limit unless other signs are shown. Always look for repeater signs that set a different limit.
Q3You must not park or stop on:
Stopping or parking on the zig-zag lines by a crossing is illegal and dangerous, as it blocks the view between drivers and pedestrians.
Q4Before overtaking you should:
Only overtake when you can see it's clear and safe, you have enough room, and you won't force others to slow. Never overtake near junctions or bends.
Q5At a junction with a 'STOP' sign you must:
A STOP sign legally requires you to stop completely at the solid white line, then move off only when it is safe to do so.
Q6The national speed limit for a car on a dual carriageway is:
On a dual carriageway the national limit for a car is 70 mph; on a single carriageway it's 60 mph. Lower limits apply when towing.
Q7You may enter a yellow box junction only when:
Don't enter a box junction unless your exit is clear. The only exception is turning right, when you may wait in the box if you're stopped only by oncoming traffic.
Q8When you park on a road at night, you should normally:
Park facing the direction of traffic at night and use parking lights where required, so you can be seen and reflectors work correctly.
Q9Double yellow lines along the edge of the road mean:
Double yellow lines mean no waiting (parking) at any time. Any separate loading restrictions are shown by nearby signs and kerb marks.
Q10At a roundabout you should normally give way to traffic coming from your:
Unless signs or markings say otherwise, give way to traffic already on the roundabout coming from your right.
Q11In a 20 mph zone you should:
20 mph zones are usually near homes and schools. Keep to 20 or less and watch for people stepping out.
Q12A clearway sign (a red cross in a red ring) means you must not:
On a clearway you must not stop on the main road at any time, so traffic keeps flowing.
Q13A single yellow line along the kerb means:
A single yellow line restricts waiting during the times on the sign; double yellows mean no waiting at any time.
Q14You may pass a vehicle on its left when:
You can pass on the left if the vehicle ahead is signalling to turn right, or in slow queues where your lane is moving.
Q15Before making a U-turn you should:
Only turn where it's permitted and when you can see the road is clear in both directions. Don't U-turn where signs forbid it.
Ready for the real thing?
Mix this topic with all the others in a full, timed mock test.