TOP 10 MOST DIFFICULT THEORY TEST QUESTIONS

1. When should you not overtake?

– After navigating a bend
– On a road with a 30mph speed limit
– When driving down a 1-way street
– When the road you are driving down has a dip in it

This question is tricky because all of the answers may well be valid reasons not to overtake! For the purposes of your theory test though, it is the last answer which is right.

2. When travelling on a dry road at 50 mph in decent weather, what is the standard average stopping distance?

– 36 metres
– 75 metres
– 96 metres
– 53 metres

If you are not confident with math, then this could be a tough one for you. You need to remember that stopping distance is equal to thinking distance combined with braking distance.

At 50mph, your thinking distance is 15 metres while 38 metres is the braking distance which makes 53 metres the correct answer.

3. What colour comes after Green on Puffin crossings?

– intermittent amber
– constant red
– constant amber
– intermittent green

Puffin crossings use sensors which can tell when people are crossing. This means there is no need for intermittent or flashing lights – the right answer is a constant amber.

4. When towing a compact-sized trailer on a packed 3 lane motorway, you notice all lanes being open. Should you:

– not go over 50mph
– decide not to overtake anyone
– fit a stabiliser
– stick to the centre and left lanes

While you may think all sound plausible, it is actually the last answer that is the one to pick.

5. In terms of road transport, what percentage of emissions does it account for?

– 20%
– 10%
– 40%
– 30%

This fools people as it is more of a general knowledge question than a pure driving one. While 10% would seem too little with so much traffic about but 40% may be too much, it is sensible to go more down the middle. 20% is the correct reply in this case.

6. If involved in a road incident, it is vital to care for any injured parties. After the scene of the incident is secure, you should:

– Help them from their vehicle
– Offer them something to drink
– Offer them some food
– Make them stay in their vehicle

This comes across as quite an easy one but it is key to not jump in without thinking it through. The last answer is correct as the area is safe in this particular instance.

7. When driving, you observe a pedestrian walking a dog. The dog has a burgundy or yellow coat. This tells you that the person is:

a) A senior citizen

b) Training the dog

c) Is colour blind

d) Deaf

This is quite an obscure one which is why it catches so many out! The correct answer is deaf – make sure to brush up on this kind of question before your theory test.

8. While waiting to turn left, you see a larger vehicle approaching from your right. You could go ahead and turn, but instead, wait. Why is this?

– The larger vehicle could be hiding others from the left
– It could be hiding a vehicle that is overtaking it
– It may decide to turn abruptly
– The larger vehicle may have trouble steering straight

The larger vehicle could easily be hiding another vehicle which is overtaking it so the second option is the answer you want.

9. When is it acceptable to overtake another road user on their left?

– Driving along one-way streets
– Coming up to a motorway slip road at which you plan to exit
– After a vehicle you are behind has signalled to make a left turn
– If a slow vehicle is in the lane on the right when traversing a dual carriageway

Although the presence of ‘right’ and ‘left in different answers may confuse you, do not let it. The right response here is the first.

10. Questions about road signs

While there is no specific example here, it is just a good idea to brush up on all your road signs. Any could crop up on your theory test and you could be asked what they mean. While the more common ones may be obvious, it is the less widely known examples that could trip you up.