Indian Driving Licence Test 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What signals should you make if you are going straight across at a roundabout?
- Nothing on entry, left on exit (Correct answer)
- Left on entry, right on exit
- Nothing on entry, right on exit
- Left on entry, nothing on exit
Correct answer: Nothing on entry, left on exit
When going straight at a roundabout, you generally don't signal on entry to avoid confusing other drivers, as you're not turning immediately left or right. You should signal left just before the exit you intend to take, indicating your departure from the roundabout and informing following and waiting traffic of your intention. This ensures clear communication and smooth traffic flow.
Question 2: When pulling away from the curb, what should you do?
- Sound your horn as a warning
- Pull out as the sharpest angle possible
- Pull out as quickly as possible
- Wait for a gap in the traffic then pull away with caution
Before pulling away from the curb, it is crucial to ensure safety. You must check your mirrors and blind spots for approaching traffic, signal your intention, and then wait for a safe gap. Pulling away with caution minimizes the risk of collision and ensures you do not impede or endanger other road users.
Question 3: You want to make a U-turn but there is a lot of traffic around. What should you do?
- Force others to stop and wait for you
- Make the turn as slowly as possible
- Drive on until you find a less busy place (Correct answer)
- Make the turn as quickly as possible
Correct answer: Drive on until you find a less busy place
Attempting a U-turn in heavy traffic is extremely dangerous and disruptive. It can force other drivers to brake suddenly, potentially causing accidents, and significantly impede traffic flow. It is always safer and more responsible to continue driving until you find a less congested area or a designated turning point where you can execute the maneuver safely without risk to yourself or others.
Question 4: It is acceptable to drink and drive…?
- If you are used to drinking
- If you only have a short journey
- Under no circumstances (Correct answer)
- If an unexpected emergency arises
Correct answer: Under no circumstances
Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal and extremely dangerous. Alcohol impairs judgment, reaction time, and coordination, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. There are no acceptable circumstances for combining drinking with driving, as even a small amount of alcohol can affect your ability to drive safely.
Question 5: To ride a motorcycle without gears, a person must be at least what age?
- 14
- 17
- 16 (Correct answer)
- 15
Correct answer: 16
In many jurisdictions, including India, the minimum age to obtain a license for a motorcycle without gears (like a scooter or moped) is 16 years old. This allows younger individuals to operate lower-powered two-wheelers, while a license for geared motorcycles typically requires a minimum age of 18. This age restriction is in place to ensure a basic level of maturity and understanding of road safety.
Question 6: A circular blue sign with a red border and two red diagonal lines crossing it means what?
- No U-turns
- No Stopping (Correct answer)
- Give way
- No Overtaking
Correct answer: No Stopping
This specific sign, a blue circle with a red border and two red diagonal lines forming an 'X', is universally recognized as a 'No Stopping' sign. It indicates that vehicles are prohibited from stopping at any time, even for a brief moment to pick up or drop off passengers. This is stricter than a 'No Parking' sign (which usually has one diagonal line) and is typically used in areas where stopping would cause significant obstruction or danger.
Question 7: The best driving technique for dealing with slippery roads is to…?
- Change up gear
- Drive as quickly as possible
- Constantly apply the brakes
- Change down gear (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Change down gear
On slippery roads, changing down a gear helps to use engine braking, which provides more controlled deceleration than relying solely on the foot brake. This reduces the risk of skidding by preventing the wheels from locking up. It also allows for smoother power delivery and better control, as higher gears can lead to excessive wheel spin on low-traction surfaces.
Question 8: A PUCC (Pollution Under Control Certificate) is valid for how long from the date of issue?
- 4 months
- 8 months
- 12 months (Correct answer)
- 20 months
Correct answer: 12 months
In India, a Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) is typically valid for 12 months from its date of issue. This certificate is mandatory for all motor vehicles to ensure they meet emission standards. Regular renewal is required to continuously monitor and control vehicular pollution.
Question 9: A passenger may not be carried on a motorcycle unless it has…?
- Wide tires
- Mudguards
- Proper foot rests (Correct answer)
- A large engine
Correct answer: Proper foot rests
For a passenger to be safely carried on a motorcycle, it is legally required and essential for the vehicle to have proper footrests. These provide a stable and secure place for the passenger's feet, preventing them from dragging or getting caught, and allowing them to maintain balance and stability during the ride. Without them, carrying a passenger is unsafe and often illegal.
Question 10: A cautionary traffic sign is what shape?
- Triangular (Correct answer)
- Circular
- Rectangular
- Square
Correct answer: Triangular
Cautionary traffic signs, which warn drivers of potential hazards ahead, are typically triangular in shape with a red border and a black symbol on a white background. This distinct shape makes them easily recognizable, allowing drivers to quickly identify and prepare for upcoming dangers like sharp bends, pedestrian crossings, or slippery roads.
Question 11: When you are driving near a school, you should do what?
- Sound your horn constantly
- Accelerate to leave the area quickly
- Reduce your speed (Correct answer)
- Turn your lights on full beam
Correct answer: Reduce your speed
When driving near a school, it is imperative to reduce your speed significantly. Children can be unpredictable and may run into the road without warning. Lowering your speed gives you more time to react to unexpected movements, ensuring the safety of pedestrians, especially children, in the vicinity of the school.
Question 12: If you're approaching an unmanned railway crossing, what should you do?
- Stop and get out to check for trains (Correct answer)
- Drive across slowly
- Speed up and cross as fast as possible
- Sound your horn to warn trains of your presence
Correct answer: Stop and get out to check for trains
At an unmanned railway crossing, there are no barriers or signals to warn of an approaching train, making it extremely dangerous. The safest procedure is to stop your vehicle, get out, and visually check both directions along the tracks for any oncoming trains. Only proceed once you are absolutely certain the crossing is clear, as trains travel at high speeds and cannot stop quickly.
Question 13: Once you have obtained your learner's licence, it is valid for how long?
- 8 months
- 6 months (Correct answer)
- 4 months
- 1 year
Correct answer: 6 months
In India, a learner's license is typically valid for a period of 6 months. This duration allows the learner sufficient time to practice driving under supervision and prepare for the driving test to obtain a permanent driving license. It is important to apply for a permanent license before the learner's license expires.
Question 14: It is permissible to exceed the speed limit…?
- Under no circumstances (Correct answer)
- When making an overtake
- On empty roads
- In perfect conditions
Correct answer: Under no circumstances
Speed limits are legally mandated maximum speeds set for safety reasons and must be adhered to at all times. Exceeding the speed limit, regardless of road conditions or perceived urgency, is illegal and significantly increases the risk of accidents, severe injuries, and fatalities. There are absolutely no circumstances under which it is permissible to break the speed limit.
Question 15: You are driving on a dark road at night when you see another vehicle approaching. What should you do?
- Turn your headlights
- Switch to low beam headlights (Correct answer)
- Switch to high beam headlights
- Sound your horn long and hard
Correct answer: Switch to low beam headlights
When another vehicle is approaching on a dark road at night, you must switch from high beam (full beam) to low beam headlights. High beams can temporarily blind oncoming drivers, creating a dangerous situation and increasing the risk of a head-on collision. Switching to low beam ensures visibility for both drivers while preventing glare.
Question 16: The number plate of your vehicle must be…?
- In Hindi
- In the local language
- In English with Arabic numerals (Correct answer)
- In Arabic with English numerals
Correct answer: In English with Arabic numerals
In India, vehicle number plates are legally required to display registration details in English script with Arabic numerals. This standardization ensures uniformity and readability across the country, making it easier for law enforcement and other road users to identify vehicles. Other languages or numeral systems are not permitted for official registration plates.
Question 17: What shape is a mandatory traffic sign?
- Square
- Rectangular
- Circular (Correct answer)
- Triangular
Correct answer: Circular
Mandatory traffic signs, which indicate commands or prohibitions that drivers must obey, are typically circular in shape. These signs often have a red border for prohibitions (e.g., 'No Entry') or a blue background for positive instructions (e.g., 'Turn Left Ahead'). Their distinct circular shape helps drivers quickly identify instructions that require immediate compliance.
Question 18: Your insurance has expired. How long can you legally drive your vehicle before you renew it?
- 0 days (Correct answer)
- 1 month
- 1 week
- 3 days
Correct answer: 0 days
Driving a vehicle without valid insurance is illegal and carries severe penalties. Once your insurance policy expires, you are immediately uninsured and cannot legally drive your vehicle on public roads for even a single day. It is crucial to renew your insurance before its expiry date to ensure continuous coverage and compliance with the law.
Question 19: What color are the number plates for private car and motorised two-wheeler owners?
- White letters, blue background
- Black letters, white background (Correct answer)
- Black letters, yellow background
- Yellow letters, black background
Correct answer: Black letters, white background
In India, private vehicles, including cars and motorized two-wheelers, are issued number plates with black letters and numbers on a white background. This color combination is specifically designated for non-commercial, private use vehicles. Other color combinations are used for commercial, rental, or electric vehicles.
Question 20: If you drive while drunk, you can face a term of imprisonment of up to…?
- 3 months
- 6 months (Correct answer)
- 8 months
- 5 months
Correct answer: 6 months
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense in India, and penalties are stringent. For a first offense, a person found driving while drunk can face imprisonment for up to 6 months, along with a significant fine. Repeat offenses carry even harsher penalties, including longer prison terms and higher fines, reflecting the gravity of the danger posed by drunk driving.
Question 21: If you're involved in a motor accident, how long do you have to report it to the nearest police station?
- 48 hours
- 12 hours
- 72 hours
- 24 hours
In India, if you are involved in a motor accident, it is legally required to report the incident to the nearest police station within 24 hours. This ensures that the accident is officially recorded, allowing for proper investigation, insurance claims, and legal proceedings if necessary. Failing to report an accident within this timeframe can lead to legal complications.
Question 22: Traveling at 60 km\/h, how far will your vehicle travel in a single second?
- 8.6 m
- 12.2 m
- 4.3 m
- 16.6 m (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 16.6 m
To calculate the distance traveled in one second, convert the speed from km/h to m/s. 60 km/h is equivalent to (60 * 1000 meters) / (3600 seconds). This calculation simplifies to 60000 / 3600, which equals approximately 16.67 meters per second. Therefore, the vehicle will travel about 16.6 meters in a single second.
Question 23: You are parking your vehicle facing downhill. How should you set your wheels?
- Turn towards the curb or edge of the road (Correct answer)
- However they were positioned when you stopped
- Facing straight downhill
- Turned away from the curb or edge of the road
Correct answer: Turn towards the curb or edge of the road
When parking downhill, turning your wheels towards the curb or edge of the road is a critical safety measure. If your brakes were to fail, this positioning would cause the vehicle to roll into the curb, preventing it from rolling further into traffic or down the hill. This simple action significantly reduces the risk of a runaway vehicle.
Question 24: You see a pedestrian waiting at a crossing ahead. You should…?
- Come to a complete stop and wait for them to cross (Correct answer)
- Hoot to warm them not to cross
- Speed up to be fast as quickly as possible
- Slow down and wave them across
Correct answer: Come to a complete stop and wait for them to cross
At a pedestrian crossing, especially when a pedestrian is waiting to cross, you must yield the right-of-way. Coming to a complete stop and waiting for them to cross safely is the correct and legal action. This prioritizes pedestrian safety and prevents potential accidents, demonstrating responsible driving behavior.
Question 25: A state driving license is valid for use…?
- Anywhere in the world
- Anywhere in India (Correct answer)
- Only in the state of issue
- Anywhere in India, Pakistan or Bangladesh
Correct answer: Anywhere in India
In India, a driving license issued by any state's Regional Transport Office (RTO) is valid for use across the entire country. This means you can legally drive in any state or union territory with a license obtained from your home state. There is no requirement to obtain separate licenses for different states within India.
Question 26: A continuous yellow line down the middle of a road means what?
- No overtaking (Correct answer)
- No left turns
- Overtaking compulsory
- No parking
Correct answer: No overtaking
A continuous yellow line down the middle of a road is a road marking that signifies a strict prohibition against overtaking. Drivers must not cross this line to pass other vehicles, as it indicates areas where visibility is limited or passing is unsafe. This rule is crucial for preventing head-on collisions and maintaining traffic flow in potentially hazardous zones.
Question 27: If an ambulance or fire service vehicle approaches you from behind with siren on or lights flashing, what must you do?
- Slow down and activate your hazard lights
- Accelerate
- Pull over as soon as it is safe to do so (Correct answer)
- Maintain your current course and speed
Correct answer: Pull over as soon as it is safe to do so
When an emergency vehicle like an ambulance or fire service approaches with sirens or flashing lights, it indicates they are responding to an emergency and require immediate passage. As a driver, your legal and ethical responsibility is to pull over to the side of the road as soon as it is safe to do so. This action clears the path, allowing emergency services to reach their destination without delay, which can be critical in saving lives.
Question 28: You see a blind person holding up their white cane at the roadside. What should you do?
- Move to the other side of the road to avoid them
- Stop and let them cross (Correct answer)
- Accelerate to get pass them quickly
- Shout a warning from your window
Correct answer: Stop and let them cross
A blind person holding up their white cane at the roadside signals their intention to cross the road and indicates their vulnerability. Drivers must stop their vehicle and allow the blind pedestrian to cross safely. This is a fundamental rule of road safety and courtesy, ensuring the protection of vulnerable road users.
Question 29: How many vehicle lengths should you leave to the vehicle in front when driving at 45 km\/h?
- 1
- 3
- 4
- 2 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 2
When driving at 45 km/h, it is recommended to maintain a safe following distance of at least two vehicle lengths from the car in front. This distance provides sufficient time and space to react and brake safely if the vehicle ahead suddenly stops or slows down. Adhering to this rule helps prevent rear-end collisions and ensures overall road safety.
Question 30: From which of these vehicles may a passenger disembark while it is still moving?
- A motorized rickshaw
- A public transport vehicle
- A medium-sized passenger vehicle
- None of them (Correct answer)
Correct answer: None of them
It is strictly prohibited and extremely dangerous for any passenger to disembark from a vehicle while it is still in motion, regardless of the vehicle type. Doing so can lead to severe injuries or even fatalities due to loss of balance, being run over, or being thrown onto the road. All passengers must wait for the vehicle to come to a complete stop before attempting to exit.
What signals should you make if you are going straight across at a roundabout?