Rules of the road is the broadest topic in the theory test. It covers speed limits, lane use, overtaking, junctions, roundabouts, crossings, parking and reversing: the everyday rules you will use on every drive.
Last reviewed: September 2026. Checked against the Highway Code and GOV.UK.
What this topic covers in the theory test
This section checks that you know both what the law requires and what good practice looks like. Expect questions on:
- national speed limits for different roads and vehicles
- which lane to use on dual carriageways, one-way streets and multi-lane roads
- road markings such as double white lines and hatched areas
- when you MUST NOT overtake
- priority at junctions, Stop and Give Way lines, box junctions and traffic lights
- roundabouts and mini-roundabouts
- pedestrian crossings
- where you can and cannot stop, wait or park, by day and at night
- using the horn, and reversing safely
The rules come mainly from three sections of the Highway Code: General rules (103 to 158), Using the road (159 to 203) and Waiting and parking (238 to 252). Remember that a rule using MUST or MUST NOT is a legal requirement. Rules using “should” are advice, but not following them can be used as evidence against you in court.
Speed limits
National speed limits
Rule 124 sets out the national speed limits. They depend on the type of road and the type of vehicle. The built-up area limit applies generally to all roads with street lights (other than motorways) unless signs show otherwise. In Wales, the Highway Code table shows 20 mph for built-up areas.
| Vehicle | Built-up areas (England and Scotland) | Built-up areas (Wales) | Single carriageways | Dual carriageways | Motorways |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cars and motorcycles (including car-derived vans up to 2 tonnes maximum laden weight) | 30 | 20 | 60 | 70 | 70 |
| Cars towing caravans or trailers (including car-derived vans and motorcycles) | 30 | 20 | 50 | 60 | 60 |
| Motorhomes or motor caravans (not exceeding 3.05 tonnes maximum unladen weight) | 30 | 20 | 60 | 70 | 70 |
| Motorhomes or motor caravans (exceeding 3.05 tonnes maximum unladen weight) | 30 | 20 | 50 | 60 | 70 |
| Buses, coaches and minibuses (not exceeding 12 metres overall length) | 30 | 20 | 50 | 60 | 70 (60 if over 12 metres long) |
| Goods vehicles (not exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight) | 30 | 20 | 50 | 60 | 70 (60 if articulated or towing a trailer) |
| Goods vehicles (exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight) in England and Wales | 30 | 20 | 50 | 60 | 60 |
| Goods vehicles (exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum laden weight) in Scotland | 30 | 20 | 40 | 50 | 60 |
All figures are in mph. Source: Highway Code rule 124, checked September 2026.
A limit is not a target
Rule 125 says the speed limit is the absolute maximum and does not mean it is safe to drive at that speed in all conditions. Rule 146 says do not treat speed limits as a target, and adapt your driving to the road and traffic around you. Slower speeds are often needed near schools, in residential streets, in bad weather and at night. Rule 261 adds that you MUST NOT exceed a speed limit shown in a red circle, including variable limits on motorway gantries.
Road position, lanes and one-way streets
Rule 160 says keep to the left unless road signs or markings tell you otherwise. The exceptions include when you are overtaking, turning right, or passing parked vehicles or pedestrians in the road.
- On a two-lane dual carriageway, stay in the left-hand lane and use the right-hand lane only for overtaking or turning right (rule 137).
- On roads with three or more lanes, you may use the middle or right-hand lane to overtake, but should return to the middle and then the left-hand lane when it is safe (rule 138).
- Before changing lanes, use your mirrors and, if necessary, take a quick sideways glance to check your blind spot (rule 133).
- On one-way streets, traffic MUST travel in the direction shown by signs (rule 143). Choose the correct lane early for your exit: normally the left lane to turn left and the right lane to turn right, unless signs or markings say otherwise.
- You MUST NOT drive or park in a cycle lane marked by a solid white line during its times of operation (rule 140), and you should not drive in a bus lane during its period of operation unless signs allow it (rule 141).
Road markings you must know
Rules 127 to 131 explain the lines along the middle of the road:
- A broken white centre line marks the middle of the road. When the lines get longer and the gaps shorter, there is a hazard ahead. Do not cross it unless the road is clear and you want to overtake or turn (rule 127).
- Double white lines where the line nearest you is broken mean you may cross them to overtake if it is safe and you can complete the move before reaching a solid line on your side (rule 128).
- Double white lines where the line nearest you is solid mean you MUST NOT cross or straddle them, unless it is safe and you need to enter a side road or adjoining premises. You may also cross, if the road is clear, to pass a stationary vehicle or to overtake a pedal cycle, horse or road maintenance vehicle travelling at 10 mph or less (rule 129).
- Areas of white diagonal stripes or chevrons separate traffic lanes or protect turning traffic. If the area is bordered by a solid white line, you MUST NOT enter it except in an emergency (rule 130).
Overtaking: when you must not
Rules 162 to 169 cover overtaking. Before you pull out, make sure the road is clear far enough ahead, that nobody behind is starting to overtake you, and that there is a suitable gap to return to. Use mirror, signal, manoeuvre, and do not cut in.
Rule 165 lists the places where you MUST NOT overtake:
- if you would have to cross or straddle double white lines with a solid line nearest you
- if you would have to enter an area bordered by a solid white line
- the nearest vehicle to a pedestrian crossing, especially when it has stopped to let pedestrians cross
- if you would have to enter a bus, tram or cycle lane during its hours of operation
- after a “No overtaking” sign, until you pass a sign cancelling the restriction
Rules 166 and 167 add many places where you should not overtake: approaching a bend, the brow of a hill or a hump bridge, at or near junctions, where the road narrows, near school crossing patrols, at level crossings, and when it would force another road user to swerve or slow down. When overtaking cyclists, leave at least 1.5 metres at speeds up to 30 mph (rule 163).
Junctions and traffic lights
Priority at junctions
Rule 170 says take extra care at junctions and give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross the road you are turning into or out of. If they have started to cross, they have priority. This follows rule H2 of the hierarchy of road users, added in 2022.
- At a Stop sign with a solid white line, you MUST stop behind the line, even if the road looks clear (rule 171).
- At a Give Way sign or triangle marking, with broken white lines, you MUST give way to traffic on the main road (rule 172).
- You MUST NOT enter a box junction (criss-cross yellow lines) unless your exit road or lane is clear. You may wait in the box when turning right if you are only stopped by oncoming traffic or other vehicles waiting to turn right (rule 174).
- When turning, do not cut across cyclists, horse riders or horse-drawn vehicles going ahead (rule H3).
Traffic lights
The traffic light sequence is red, red and amber, green, amber, then red again (light signals controlling traffic). Rule 175 says you MUST stop behind the white stop line unless the light is green. You may go on amber only if you have already crossed the line or are so close that stopping might cause a collision. Rule 176 says you MUST NOT move forward over the white line when the red light is showing, and you should only go forward on green if there is room to clear the junction safely.
At junctions with an advanced stop line for cyclists, rule 178 says you MUST stop at the first white line when the lights are amber or red, and must not encroach on the cyclists’ area.
Turning right
Rules 179 and 180 say check your mirrors and signal well before turning, position just left of the middle of the road, and wait for a safe gap in oncoming traffic. Before you turn, check your mirrors and blind spot again in case something is overtaking you. When two vehicles facing each other both turn right, rule 181 says passing offside to offside (keeping the other vehicle on your right and turning behind it) is generally the safer method, because you can see oncoming traffic.
Roundabouts
Rule 185 says that when you reach a roundabout you should give priority to traffic approaching from your right, unless signs, road markings or traffic lights tell you otherwise. Rule 186 sets out the normal procedure:
- Taking the first exit to the left: signal left, approach in the left-hand lane, keep to the left and keep signalling left to leave.
- Going right or full circle: signal right, approach in the right-hand lane, keep to the right on the roundabout until you need to change lanes, then signal left after the exit before the one you want.
- Any intermediate exit: choose the right approach lane, normally with no signal on approach, and signal left after passing the exit before the one you want.
Rule 188 says all vehicles MUST pass round the central markings of a mini-roundabout, except large vehicles that physically cannot. Remember that cyclists, horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles may stay in the left-hand lane while going round, and should signal right to show they are not leaving (rule 186).
Pedestrian crossings
- You MUST NOT park on a crossing or in the area covered by the zig-zag lines, and you MUST NOT overtake the moving vehicle nearest the crossing or a vehicle that has stopped to let people cross (rule 191).
- At a zebra crossing, you MUST give way once someone has moved onto the crossing, and you should give way to people waiting to cross (rule 195). Parallel crossings work the same way for pedestrians and cyclists.
- At a pelican crossing, the flashing amber phase means you MUST give way to anyone still on the crossing, but you may go on with caution if it is clear (rule 196).
- Puffin, toucan and equestrian crossings have no flashing amber phase: the lights follow the normal traffic light sequence (rule 199).
- Do not wave people across, flash your lights or rev your engine to hurry them (rules 194 and 195).
Waiting, parking and using your horn
Where you must not stop or park
- You MUST NOT wait or park on yellow lines during the times shown on nearby plates. Double yellow lines mean no waiting at any time, even if there are no upright signs (rule 238).
- You MUST NOT stop or park on the zig-zag lines of a pedestrian crossing, on a clearway, or on a red route unless signs permit (rule 240).
- You should not park opposite or within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction, except in an authorised parking space (rule 243). The same rule lists other places to avoid, including near a school entrance, at a bus stop, on a bend and where you would block a dropped kerb.
- You MUST NOT park partly or wholly on the pavement in London or Scotland, other than in limited circumstances, and should not do so elsewhere unless signs permit it (rule 244).
Parking at night
- You MUST NOT park on a road at night facing against the direction of traffic, unless in a recognised parking space (rule 248).
- All vehicles MUST display parking lights when parked on a road, or a lay-by on a road, with a speed limit greater than 30 mph (rule 249).
- Cars (and some other light vehicles) may park without lights on a road with a limit of 30 mph or less if they are at least 10 metres (32 feet) from any junction, close to the kerb and facing in the direction of traffic, or in a recognised parking place (rule 250).
Opening your door
Before opening a door, check for cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians. Rule 239 suggests opening the door with the hand on the opposite side, which makes you turn and look behind (sometimes called the Dutch reach).
Using your horn
Rule 112 says the horn is only to warn other road users of your presence. Use it only while moving, and never aggressively. You MUST NOT use your horn while stationary on the road, or when driving in a built-up area between 11.30 pm and 7.00 am, except when another road user poses a danger.
Reversing
Rules 200 to 203 cover reversing. Choose a safe, quiet place. Do not reverse from a side road into a main road, and if you use a driveway, reverse in and drive out if you can. Before and during reversing, check all around, including your blind spots, look mainly through the rear window, and get someone to guide you if you cannot see clearly. You MUST NOT reverse further than necessary.
Common mistakes learners make
- Assuming the speed limit is 30 mph everywhere with street lights. In Wales the Highway Code table shows 20 mph, and signs can set other limits anywhere.
- Treating the national speed limit as a target on a narrow country lane.
- Entering a yellow box junction when the exit is not clear.
- Signalling right at a roundabout when taking an intermediate exit, then confusing other drivers.
- Parking within 10 metres of a junction, or facing the wrong way at night.
- Overtaking the car that has stopped at a zebra crossing.
- Using the horn at night in town to greet a friend.
- Forgetting that pedestrians waiting to cross a side road should be given priority since 2022.
Quick-reference table
| Rule | What it says | Highway Code rule |
|---|---|---|
| Stop sign | MUST stop at the line | 171 |
| Box junction | MUST NOT enter unless exit is clear (except when turning right and blocked only by oncoming traffic) | 174 |
| Red traffic light | MUST NOT cross the stop line | 176 |
| Solid white line nearest you | MUST NOT cross or straddle, except in listed cases | 129, 165 |
| Parking near a junction | Not within 10 metres | 243 |
| Parking at night | MUST face the direction of traffic (unless in a recognised space) | 248 |
| Parking lights | MUST be shown on roads with a limit over 30 mph | 249 |
| Horn in a built-up area | MUST NOT use it between 11.30 pm and 7.00 am, except for danger | 112 |
| Reversing | MUST NOT reverse further than necessary | 203 |
Practice questions
These practice questions are written by Get Driving Test Ready to help you revise. They are not official DVSA questions.
Q1. What is the national speed limit for a car on a single carriageway road?
A) 70 mph
B) 50 mph
C) 40 mph
D) 60 mph
Answer: D. For cars and motorcycles, the national speed limit is 60 mph on single carriageways and 70 mph on dual carriageways and motorways. (Highway Code rule 124)
Practise this on the road: On country roads, practise judging a safe speed for bends and hazards rather than aiming for the limit.
Q2. You are towing a small caravan on a dual carriageway. What is the maximum speed limit?
A) 70 mph
B) 50 mph
C) 40 mph
D) 60 mph
Answer: D. Cars towing caravans or trailers are limited to 60 mph on dual carriageways and motorways, and 50 mph on single carriageways. (Highway Code rule 124)
Practise this on the road: Ask your supervisor to show you the towing speed limits and point out single and dual carriageways as you drive.
Q3. You want to turn right at a box junction. Your exit road is clear, but oncoming traffic is stopping you from turning. What does the Highway Code allow?
A) Waiting inside the box even when your exit road is blocked
B) Entering the box and then reversing out if no gap appears
C) Turning left instead and doing a U-turn in the box
D) Entering the box and waiting for a gap in the oncoming traffic
Answer: D. You must not enter a box junction until your exit is clear, but you may enter and wait when turning right and you are stopped only by oncoming traffic or others waiting to turn right. (Highway Code rule 174)
Practise this on the road: At the next box junction, say out loud whether your exit is clear before you move into the box.
Q4. The double white lines along the centre of the road have a solid line on your side. When may you cross them?
A) To overtake any vehicle going slower than you
B) Whenever the road ahead is clear
C) To pass a stationary vehicle or turn into a side road, when safe
D) Never, under any circumstances
Answer: C. You MUST NOT cross or straddle double white lines with a solid line nearest you, except in listed cases such as passing a stationary vehicle, turning into a side road or property, or passing a cyclist, horse or maintenance vehicle doing 10 mph or less. (Highway Code rule 129)
Practise this on the road: On roads with double white lines, say out loud which line is nearest to you and what you may do.
Q5. How close to a junction should you avoid parking?
A) 2 metres
B) 20 metres
C) 5 metres
D) 10 metres
Answer: D. You should not park opposite or within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction, except in an authorised parking space. (Highway Code rule 243)
Practise this on the road: When parking on your next drive, practise choosing a spot well away from junctions.
Q6. You are parking on a road at night. Which way must your car face?
A) In the direction of the traffic flow, unless in a recognised parking space
B) Against the traffic flow, so you can see oncoming cars
C) It does not matter on a one-way street
D) Either way, if you leave your sidelights on
Answer: A. You MUST NOT park on a road at night facing against the direction of the traffic flow unless you are in a recognised parking space. (Highway Code rule 248)
Practise this on the road: On an evening drive, practise parking on the left facing the same way as the traffic.
Q7. At what times must you not use your horn while driving in a built-up area, unless another road user poses a danger?
A) 11.30 pm to 7.00 am
B) 11.00 pm to 7.00 am
C) 10.00 pm to 6.00 am
D) Midnight to 6.00 am
Answer: A. You MUST NOT use your horn when driving in a built-up area between 11.30 pm and 7.00 am, except when another road user poses a danger. (Highway Code rule 112)
Practise this on the road: Discuss with your supervisor when using the horn is appropriate, and practise finding it without looking.
Q8. You are approaching a roundabout and intend to take the first exit to the left. What should you normally do?
A) Give no signal and use any lane
B) Signal left and approach in the left-hand lane
C) Signal left only once you are on the roundabout
D) Signal right and approach in the right-hand lane
Answer: B. For the first exit, signal left, approach in the left-hand lane and keep signalling left as you leave, unless signs or markings show otherwise. (Highway Code rule 186)
Practise this on the road: Practise approaching roundabouts for the first exit, signalling left in good time and using the left lane.
Q9. A car in front has stopped at a zebra crossing to let people cross. What must you do?
A) Overtake it carefully if nobody is coming the other way
B) Not overtake it
C) Overtake it on the left
D) Sound your horn to hurry the pedestrians
Answer: B. You MUST NOT overtake the moving vehicle nearest a crossing, or a vehicle that has stopped to let pedestrians cross. (Highway Code rules 165 and 191)
Practise this on the road: When approaching zebra crossings, practise scanning for pedestrians and never overtaking a vehicle near the crossing.
Q10. What does a flashing amber light at a pelican crossing mean?
A) You may drive on without looking
B) The lights are faulty
C) You must stop, even if the crossing is clear
D) You must give way to anyone on the crossing, but may go on if it is clear
Answer: D. During the flashing amber phase you MUST give way to pedestrians on the crossing. If it is clear, you may go on with caution. (Highway Code rule 196)
Practise this on the road: At pelican crossings, practise watching the flashing amber phase and checking the crossing is clear before moving off.
Next steps
Go back to the theory test hub to choose another topic. Related topics are road and traffic signs and motorway rules. To learn the signs and lines that go with these rules, see our guides to regulatory signs, road markings and traffic lights and signals.
Every rule mentioned here can be read in full in the Highway Code on GOV.UK.