DVSA Rules of the Road (Highway Code) 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the legal minimum tread depth for car tyres in the UK?
- 1.0 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread
- 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread (Correct answer)
- 2.0 mm across the full width of the tread
- 1.6 mm across the full width of the tread
Correct answer: 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread
The legal minimum tread depth for car tyres in the UK is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread width, around the entire circumference. Driving with tyres below this is an offence carrying a fine and penalty points per tyre.
Question 2: When must you use dipped headlights?
- Only when it is completely dark
- When visibility is seriously reduced, and at night on unlit roads (Correct answer)
- Only on motorways at night
- Whenever you switch on any lights
Correct answer: When visibility is seriously reduced, and at night on unlit roads
You must use dipped headlights when visibility is seriously reduced (generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres) and at night on unlit roads. You should also use them at dusk and dawn.
Question 3: A pelican crossing differs from a puffin crossing because:
- It has a flashing amber phase for drivers (Correct answer)
- It detects pedestrians and adjusts the green light timing
- It is only used near schools
- It has no lights for pedestrians
Correct answer: It has a flashing amber phase for drivers
A pelican crossing has a flashing amber light phase, during which drivers may proceed if the crossing is clear of pedestrians. Puffin crossings use sensors to detect pedestrians and do not have a flashing amber phase — they go straight from red to green.
Question 4: What is the maximum fine for using a handheld mobile phone while driving?
- £100 and 3 penalty points
- £200 and 6 penalty points
- £1,000 and 6 penalty points (Correct answer)
- £500 and 3 penalty points
Correct answer: £1,000 and 6 penalty points
Using a handheld mobile phone while driving can result in a fixed penalty of £200 and 6 penalty points. However, if the case goes to court, the maximum fine is £1,000 (£2,500 for lorry or bus drivers) and you could be disqualified from driving.
Question 5: You are waiting at a junction and see a vehicle with a flashing green beacon. What does this indicate?
- A doctor on an emergency call (Correct answer)
- An ambulance on a non-emergency call
- A vehicle carrying hazardous materials
- A recovery vehicle
Correct answer: A doctor on an emergency call
A flashing green beacon on a vehicle indicates a doctor on an emergency call. While they do not have the same legal exemptions as blue-light emergency vehicles, you should treat them with consideration and allow them to pass where safe.
Question 6: When driving in the left-hand lane on a three-lane motorway, you see a vehicle broken down on the hard shoulder. What should you do?
- Stop on the hard shoulder to help
- Move to the middle lane if it is safe to do so (Correct answer)
- Flash your headlights to warn other drivers
- Continue in the left lane at the same speed
Correct answer: Move to the middle lane if it is safe to do so
If you see a vehicle on the hard shoulder, you should move over to the next lane if it is safe, to give them more space. This follows the principle of creating a safety buffer and is recommended in the Highway Code.
DVSA Rules of the Road (Highway Code) 2
What is the legal minimum tread depth for car tyres in the UK?