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Theory Quiz One
What is “kickdown” used for in an automatic car?
Rapid acceleration. “Kickdown” makes an automatic car accelerate (speed up) as quickly as possible, by forcing it to select a lower gear. It is enabled by pressing the gas (accelerator) pedal down quickly and hard. This is really important and useful when (for example) overtaking.
What is a Statutory Off Road Notice (SORN)?
It’s a declaration that your car isn’t being used on the road – so you don’t have to pay vehicle tax. Your SORN is automatically cancelled when you tax your vehicle again or it’s sold, scrapped or permanently exported.
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What do these two road signs mean?
The first sign means “No Waiting” – it’s the same as yellow lines along the side of the road. You can stop but only for long enough to drop a passenger off. This is normally found in urban areas.
The second sign means “No Stopping” and is also called a “Clearway.” You can only stop for traffic jams, breakdowns, accidents or if the police tell you to. This is usually found on bigger, faster roads. A motorway is always a clearway.
How much room should you leave between your car and the car in front of you?
The smart answer to this question is “Enough room so I don’t hit the car in front if it stops suddenly” 🙂
Normally you should leave the stopping distance for the speed you are moving at. On a fast road a two second gap may be enough. Remember, in the wet stopping distances are doubled, and it can take up to ten times longer to stop on snow and ice.
Highway Code rule 126
What is the legal minimum depth of tread for car tyres?
1.6 mm (one point six millimetres – about the thickness of a matchstick). Worn tyres are particularly dangerous in the wet because a tyre’s tread helps disperse water away from the contact patch between tyre and road. If there’s less tread depth, less water can be shifted, increasing the risk of aquaplaning and losing grip.
Which side of the road can you park on at night?
Only the left, unless you are parking on a one way street, or in a marked parking space. Your car is harder to see as the red reflectors at the rear of your car won't be seen.
Highway Code rule 248
If the overhead signs show a red cross over every lane on a motorway what action should you take?
Stop! There's probably a serious incident ahead and the emergency services need safe access to the road.
Highway Code rule 258
How far back should you place a warning triangle from a broken down car?
At least 45 metres. Never use your warning triangle on a motorway – it’s too dangerous.
Highway Code rule 276
You break down on a motorway, and you have your dog in the car with you. Where should the dog wait while you are waiting for the breakdown service – in the car or outside with you in a safe place?
In the car. It’s the law (unless there is immediate danger – e.g. the car is on fire). The driver and any passengers should wait in a safe place well away from traffic.
Highway Code rule 277
What does “Third party” insurance cover?
Other people and their property, and not your own vehicle or property – you need fully comprehensive insurance for that.
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You want to turn right at the end of a one way street. Which lane should you position your car in?
The right hand lane.
Highway Code rule 143
At what age does your car require it’s first MOT certificate?
Three years. After that it’s every year.
When parking at night when must you leave your parking lights (side lights) on?
When parking on any road (or lay-by on a road) where the speed limit is greater than 30 mph.
Highway Code rule 249
Why are these two road signs a different shape to all the others?
“Stop” and “Give Way” are very important signs. If these signs are covered in snow (or otherwise difficult to read) you can still identify them from their unique shape.
What do two solid unbroken white lines in the centre of the road mean?
You must not cross the line nearest to you.
Highway Code rule 129
Your insurance has a £250 excess. What does this mean?
You will have to pay the first £250 of any claim.
You are following a horse rider approaching a roundabout. The horse is in the left lane. Which direction should you expect them to go at the roundabout?
They could go in any direction. Horse riders and cyclists might use the left lane to turn right at a roundabout. It is sometimes too dangerous for them to use the right lane, as they cannot go as fast as other traffic.
Highway Code rule 186