Vehicle Handling 1
Vehicle Handling Theory Test 2025 (1)
Preparing for the vehicle handling theory test is key to building confidence and skill on the road. This part of the theory test covers everything about how your vehicle responds to different conditions, like weather, road surfaces, and varying speeds.
Try these 44 Vehicle Handling Questions and answers 2025 that are very similar to the dvsa theory test, practice for free
Why is it dangerous to leave rear fog lights on when they’re not needed?
If your rear fog lights are left on when it isn’t foggy, the glare they cause makes it difficult for road users behind to know whether you’re braking or you’ve just forgotten to turn off your rear fog lights. This can be a particular problem on wet roads and on motorways. If you leave your rear fog lights on at night, road users behind you are likely to be dazzled and this could put them at risk.
How would you identify a section of road used by trams?
There would be a different surface texture
When may you overtake another vehicle on the left?
You may pass slower vehicles on their left while travelling along a one-way street. Be aware of drivers who may need to change lanes and may not expect faster traffic passing on their left.
How can you use your vehicle’s engine to control your speed?
You should brake and slow down before selecting a lower gear. The gear can then be used to keep the speed low and help you control the vehicle. This is particularly helpful on long downhill stretches, where brake fade can occur if the brakes overheat.
When may you wait in a box junction?
The purpose of a box junction is to keep the junction clear by preventing vehicles from stopping in the path of crossing traffic. You mustn’t enter a box junction unless your exit is clear. However, you may enter the box and wait if you want to turn right and are only prevented from doing so by oncoming traffic.
When may front fog lights be used?
Your fog lights must only be used when visibility is reduced to 100 metres (328 feet) or less. You need to be familiar with the layout of your dashboard so you’re aware if your fog lights have been switched on in error, or you’ve forgotten to switch them off.
What should you do when you meet an oncoming vehicle on a single-track road?
Take care when using single-track roads. It can be difficult to see around bends, because of hedges or fences, so expect to meet oncoming vehicles. Drive carefully and be ready to pull into or stop opposite a passing place, where you can pass each other safely.
Why could it be dangerous to keep the clutch down, or select neutral, for long periods of time while you’re driving?
Letting your vehicle roll or coast in neutral reduces your control over steering and braking. This can be dangerous on downhill slopes, where your vehicle could pick up speed very quickly.
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ArrayWhat should you do when making a journey in foggy conditions?
If you’re planning to make a journey when it’s foggy, listen to the weather reports. If visibility is very poor, avoid making unnecessary journeys. If you do travel, leave plenty of time
What will happen if you use rear fog lights in good conditions?
Rear fog lights shine more brightly than normal rear lights, so that they show up in reduced visibility. When the visibility improves, you must switch them off; this stops them dazzling the driver behind.
Why should you always reduce your speed when travelling in fog?
You won’t be able to see as far ahead in fog as you can on a clear day. You’ll need to reduce your speed so that, if a hazard looms out of the fog, you have the time and space to take avoiding action. Travelling in fog is hazardous. If you can, try to delay your journey until it has cleared.
You’ve just driven out of fog. What must you do now that visibility has improved?
You must turn off your fog lights if visibility is more than 100 metres (328 feet). Be prepared for the fact that the fog may be patchy and you may need to turn them on again if the fog returns.
What should you do when you’re overtaking at night?
Don’t overtake if there’s a possibility of a road junction, bend or brow of a bridge or hill ahead. There are many hazards that are difficult to see in the dark. Only overtake if you’re certain that the road ahead is clear. Don’t take a chance.
You’re driving at night and are dazzled by vehicle headlights coming towards you. What should you do?
If the headlights of an oncoming vehicle dazzle you, slow down or, if necessary, stop. Don’t close your eyes or swerve, as you’ll increase your chances of having a collision. Don’t flash your headlights either, as this could dazzle other drivers and make the situation worse.
When will you feel the effects of engine braking?
When you take your foot off the accelerator, engines have a natural resistance to turn, caused mainly by the cylinder compression. Changing to a lower gear requires the engine to turn faster and so it will have greater resistance than when it’s made to turn more slowly. When going downhill, changing to a lower gear will therefore help to keep the vehicle’s speed in check.
What should you do to correct a rear-wheel skid?
If your car skids and the rear wheels slide to the right, you need to steer into the skid (ie to the right), until the front and rear wheels are brought into line. Don’t oversteer or you’ll cause a skid in the opposite direction and this will make the situation worse.
You’re driving with your front fog lights switched on. Earlier fog has now cleared. What should you do?
Switch off your fog lights if the weather improves, but be prepared to use them again if visibility reduces to less than 100 metres (328 feet).
You’re driving with your front fog lights switched on. Earlier fog has now cleared. What should you do?
Switch off your fog lights if the weather improves, but be prepared to use them again if visibility reduces to less than 100 metres (328 feet).
You’re driving on the motorway in windy conditions. What should you do as you pass a high-sided vehicle?
The draught caused by other vehicles
You’re on a motorway in fog. The left-hand edge of the motorway can be identified by reflective studs. What colour are they?
Be especially careful if you’re on a motorway in fog. Reflective studs are there to help you in poor visibility. Different colours are used so that you’ll know which lane you’re in. These are red on the left-hand edge of the carriageway, white between lanes, amber on the right-hand edge of the carriageway and green between the carriageway and slip roads.
What should you do if you park on the road when it’s foggy?
If you have to park your vehicle in foggy conditions, try to find a place to park off the road. If this isn’t possible, park on the road facing in the same direction as the traffic. Leave your sidelights switched on and make sure they’re clean.
Why are vehicles fitted with rear fog lights?
Rear fog lights make it easier to spot a vehicle ahead in foggy conditions. Avoid the temptation to use other vehicles’ lights as a guide, as they may give you a false sense of security.
You see these markings on the road. Why are they there?
These lines may be painted on the road on the approach to a roundabout, a village or a particular hazard. The lines are raised and painted yellow, and their purpose is to make you aware of your speed. Reduce your speed in good time so that you avoid having to brake harshly over the last few metres before reaching the junction.
What should you do if you park on the road when it’s foggy?
Why is it dangerous to leave rear fog lights on when they’re not needed?
If your rear fog lights are left on when it isn’t foggy, the glare they cause makes it difficult for road users behind to know whether you’re braking or you’ve just forgotten to turn off your rear fog lights. This can be a particular problem on wet roads and on motorways. If you leave your rear fog lights on at night, road users behind you are likely to be dazzled and this could put them at risk.
The road is wet. Why might a motorcyclist steer round drain covers on a bend?
Other drivers or riders may have to change course due to the size or characteristics of their vehicle. Understanding this will help you to anticipate their actions. Motorcyclists and cyclists will be checking the road ahead for uneven or slippery surfaces, especially in wet weather. They may need to move across their lane to avoid surface hazards such as potholes and drain covers.
What will happen if you use rear fog lights in good conditions?
Rear fog lights shine more brightly than normal rear lights, so that they show up in reduced visibility. When the visibility improves, you must switch them off; this stops them dazzling the driver behind.
You’re travelling in very heavy rain. How is this likely to affect your overall stopping distance?
The road will be very wet and spray from other vehicles will reduce your visibility. Tyre grip will also be reduced, increasing your stopping distance. You should at least double your separation distance.
How can you use your vehicle’s engine to control your speed?
You should brake and slow down before selecting a lower gear. The gear can then be used to keep the speed low and help you control the vehicle. This is particularly helpful on long downhill stretches, where brake fade can occur if the brakes overheat.
When must you use dipped headlights during the day?
You must use dipped headlights when daytime visibility is seriously reduced, generally to 100 metres (328 feet) or less. You may also use front or rear fog lights, but they must be switched off when visibility improves.
Why should you always reduce your speed when travelling in fog?
You won’t be able to see as far ahead in fog as you can on a clear day. You’ll need to reduce your speed so that, if a hazard looms out of the fog, you have the time and space to take avoiding action. Travelling in fog is hazardous. If you can, try to delay your journey until it has cleared.
You’re travelling on a road that has speed humps. What should you do when the driver in front is travelling more slowly than you?
Be patient and stay behind the car in front. You shouldn’t normally overtake other vehicles in areas subject to traffic calming. If you overtake here, you may easily exceed the speed limit, defeating the purpose of the traffic-calming measures.
You’ve just driven out of fog. What must you do now that visibility has improved?
You must turn off your fog lights if visibility is more than 100 metres (328 feet). Be prepared for the fact that the fog may be patchy and you may need to turn them on again if the fog returns.
When must you use dipped headlights during the day?
You must use dipped headlights when daytime visibility is seriously reduced, generally to 100 metres (328 feet) or less. You may also use front or rear fog lights, but they must be switched off when visibility improves.
Why could it be dangerous to keep the clutch down, or select neutral, for long periods of time while you’re driving?
Letting your vehicle roll or coast in neutral reduces your control over steering and braking. This can be dangerous on downhill slopes, where your vehicle could pick up speed very quickly.
What should you do when you’re overtaking at night?
Don’t overtake if there’s a possibility of a road junction, bend or brow of a bridge or hill ahead. There are many hazards that are difficult to see in the dark. Only overtake if you’re certain that the road ahead is clear. Don’t take a chance.
How will your vehicle be affected when you drive up steep hills?
The engine will need more power to pull the vehicle up the hill. When approaching a steep hill you should select a lower gear to help maintain your speed. You should do this without hesitation, so that you don’t lose too much speed before engaging the lower gear.
You’re on a motorway at night, with other vehicles just ahead of you. Which lights should you have on?
If you’re driving behind other traffic on the motorway at night, use dipped headlights. Main-beam headlights will dazzle the other drivers. Your headlights’ dipped beam should fall short of the vehicle in front.
You’re driving in fog. Why should you keep well back from the vehicle in front?
If you’re following another road user in fog, stay well back. The driver in front won’t be able to see hazards until they’re close and might need to brake suddenly. Also, the road surface is likely to be wet and could be slippery.
You’re travelling on a road that has speed humps. What should you do when the driver in front is travelling more slowly than you?
Be patient and stay behind the car in front. You shouldn’t normally overtake other vehicles in areas subject to traffic calming. If you overtake here, you may easily exceed the speed limit, defeating the purpose of the traffic-calming measures.
If you have to park your vehicle in foggy conditions, try to find a place to park off the road. If this isn’t possible, park on the road facing in the same direction as the traffic. Leave your sidelights switched on and make sure they’re clean.
Why should you switch off your rear fog lights when the fog has cleared?
Don’t forget to switch off your fog lights when the weather improves. You could be prosecuted for driving with them on in good visibility. The high intensity of rear fog lights can dazzle following drivers and make your brake lights difficult to notice.
You’re on a motorway at night, with other vehicles just ahead of you. Which lights should you have on?
If you’re driving behind other traffic on the motorway at night, use dipped headlights. Main-beam headlights will dazzle the other drivers. Your headlights’ dipped beam should fall short of the vehicle in front.
When may you overtake another vehicle on the left?
You may pass slower vehicles on their left while travelling along a one-way street. Be aware of drivers who may need to change lanes and may not expect faster traffic passing on their left.
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