Traffic Law, Rules of the Road and Highway Code Application
This domain tests your working knowledge of the Traffic Act and the Highway Code: the rules that govern where you drive, how fast, who has priority and what you must do after a crash. Questions are practical - they describe a situation and ask for the lawful response.
Core rules
- Keep left. Overtake on the right, only when the road ahead is clear, the markings allow it and you can complete the move without forcing others to change course.
- Speed limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h on rural roads and 100 km/h on highways for private light vehicles; posted signs and carriageway-specific limits take precedence. Limits are maxima, not targets.
- Seat belts are compulsory for the driver and all passengers; children need appropriate restraints.
- Hand-held phones must not be used while driving.
- At zebra crossings pedestrians on the crossing have priority; approach ready to stop.
- At uncontrolled junctions, give way to traffic approaching from your right and never assume priority.
- Emergency vehicles on call should be given a clear path - slow, indicate and move aside predictably.
After a crash
Stop. Switch on hazard lights and secure the scene. Give first aid within your competence and call 999 or 112. Exchange names, addresses, vehicle details and insurance particulars. Report the incident to the nearest police station promptly - the law requires a report, and failing to stop or report is a serious offence.
Worked example
You clip a pedestrian at a zebra crossing. She is conscious and bleeding. You stop, hazard lights on, warning triangle placed behind the vehicle, call 999, control the bleeding with a clean dressing, keep her still and warm, and do not move her unless there is further danger. You then report to the nearest police station and notify your insurer. Leaving the scene is never an option.
Traps
Believing an indicator confers right of way; ignoring the 24-hour reporting duty; assuming police hand signals are advisory; and forgetting that speeding penalties apply even where the limit is below the default.