Alertness theory test questions

5 free questions here · 20 in the app (coming soon)

Checked against GOV.UK · Report a mistake

  1. Alertness

    Which of these does the Highway Code list as a distraction to avoid while driving?

    1. AListening for emergency sirens
    2. BChecking your mirrors
    3. CGlancing at your speedometer
    4. DEating or drinking
    Answer and reason

    D. Eating or drinking. Eating and drinking are distractions; keep your full attention on the road. Source: The Highway Code, rule 148

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  2. Alertness

    A driver passed their first driving test eight months ago. They are caught holding and using a phone to take a photograph while driving. Which outcome does GOV.UK describe for this offence?

    1. A6 penalty points and a £200 fine, with their licence kept for a first offence
    2. B3 penalty points, a £200 fine and permission to keep their licence
    3. C6 penalty points, a £200 fine and loss of their licence
    4. DA £200 fine without points, since the phone was used only as a camera
    Answer and reason

    C. 6 penalty points, a £200 fine and loss of their licence. Hand-held phone use can bring 6 points and a £200 fine; drivers who passed in the last 2 years also lose their licence. Source: GOV.UK: Using a phone, sat nav or other device when driving - Penalties

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  3. Alertness

    You are parked at the kerb and preparing to move off. All your mirrors show clear road. Why should you also look round before moving?

    1. ALooking round is only needed when a mirror shows approaching traffic
    2. BLooking round replaces the need to judge whether moving off is safe
    3. CThere are blind spots that your mirrors cannot show
    4. DClear mirrors give you priority, and looking round confirms it
    Answer and reason

    C. There are blind spots that your mirrors cannot show. Before moving off, look round to check blind spots as well as using all your mirrors. Source: The Highway Code, rule 159

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  4. Alertness

    On a long drive, what minimum break is recommended after every two hours of driving?

    1. A30 minutes
    2. B10 minutes
    3. C5 minutes
    4. D15 minutes
    Answer and reason

    D. 15 minutes. The recommended minimum is a 15-minute break after every two hours of driving. Source: The Highway Code, rule 91

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  5. Alertness

    You drank alcohol last evening. What should you remember before driving this morning?

    1. AA strong coffee makes you fit to drive
    2. BA night's sleep always clears it
    3. CEating breakfast clears the alcohol
    4. DYou may still be unfit to drive
    Answer and reason

    D. You may still be unfit to drive. Alcohol takes time to leave your body; drinking the evening before may leave you unfit to drive in the morning. Source: The Highway Code, rule 95

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What this topic covers

This topic is about noticing what is happening around you and staying focused on driving. Use the questions to think about observation, concentration and planning ahead.

These are our own practice questions, drafted with AI help and checked against their cited sources. No driving instructor has reviewed them: how we write and check our questions. Hazard perception is not covered.

Other theory test topics

Return to the topic question hub or choose another area to practise.

Try a mixed mock theory test

The one free UK mock has 50 questions across the topics. Most of these sample questions also appear in that mock.

Sources

  1. The Highway Code: General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders (103 to 158), GOV.UK
  2. The Highway Code: Rules for drivers and motorcyclists (89 to 102), GOV.UK
  3. The Highway Code: Using the road (159 to 203), GOV.UK
  4. Using a phone, sat nav or other device when driving, GOV.UK

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Traffic sign images are Crown copyright, from the Department for Transport. Sources and image credits.

Continue in the app

This page shows 5 of the 20 alertness questions in our bank. The DriveQuiz app is coming soon with all 20, and Pro will bring back the ones you get wrong until you get them right.

Read each explanation before moving on. Follow its official source to understand the rule in context, then consider why the other choices would be unsuitable. A short sample can help you identify a point to revisit, but it cannot tell you everything that might be asked in the real test. Use the official reading alongside your practice and return to topics you find difficult.