DVSA Motorway Rules and Smart Motorways 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What do variable speed limits on a smart motorway indicate?
- Advisory speeds you may exceed if safe
- Mandatory speed limits that are legally enforceable (Correct answer)
- Minimum speeds you must maintain
- Suggested speeds for fuel efficiency
Correct answer: Mandatory speed limits that are legally enforceable
Variable speed limits displayed on overhead gantries on smart motorways are mandatory and legally enforceable. They are set to manage traffic flow, reduce congestion, and improve safety. Speed cameras enforce these limits.
Question 2: What is the national speed limit on a motorway for a car not towing a trailer?
- 60 mph
- 70 mph (Correct answer)
- 80 mph
- There is no set limit
Correct answer: 70 mph
The national speed limit on motorways for cars, motorcycles, car-derived vans, and dual-purpose vehicles is 70 mph. Cars towing trailers or caravans have a lower limit of 60 mph on motorways.
Question 3: When should you use the left-hand lane on a three-lane motorway?
- Only when joining or leaving the motorway
- When travelling at any speed, unless overtaking (Correct answer)
- Only when driving below 50 mph
- When carrying heavy loads
Correct answer: When travelling at any speed, unless overtaking
On a motorway, you should normally drive in the left-hand lane regardless of your speed. The middle and right-hand lanes are for overtaking only. Once you have finished overtaking, you should return to the left-hand lane. Staying in the middle or right lane unnecessarily is called 'lane hogging' and is an offence.
Question 4: You see amber flashing lights on a motorway gantry with no speed limit displayed. What do they mean?
- There is a hazard ahead — adjust your speed accordingly (Correct answer)
- The motorway is about to close
- There is no restriction
- A contraflow system is operating
Correct answer: There is a hazard ahead — adjust your speed accordingly
Amber flashing lights on a motorway gantry warn of a hazard ahead, such as fog, an accident, or debris. You should reduce your speed and be prepared to slow down further or stop. Look for further information on subsequent signs.
Question 5: What is 'lane hogging' on a motorway?
- Driving too slowly in the left lane
- Driving in the middle or right-hand lane when the left lane is clear (Correct answer)
- Changing lanes too frequently
- Driving on the hard shoulder
Correct answer: Driving in the middle or right-hand lane when the left lane is clear
Lane hogging is when a driver remains in the middle or outside lane of a motorway when the left lane is clear. It forces other drivers to undertake or use the outside lane to pass, both of which are less safe. Lane hogging is a careless driving offence.
Question 6: On a smart motorway, what does a speed limit sign inside a red circle on a gantry mean compared to one without a red circle?
- Red circle means advisory only, no circle means mandatory
- Red circle means mandatory and enforceable, no circle means advisory (Correct answer)
- Both are mandatory
- Neither is enforceable
Correct answer: Red circle means mandatory and enforceable, no circle means advisory
A speed limit displayed in a red circle on a gantry is a mandatory, legally enforceable speed limit. A speed limit displayed without a red circle is advisory — it is recommended but not legally enforceable. However, you should still follow advisory limits as they indicate a hazard.
DVSA Motorway Rules and Smart Motorways 2
What do variable speed limits on a smart motorway indicate?