Highway Code for taxi and private hire drivers: questions and answers

1. What do road signs with a red circle mostly tell you?

1. Something that you must not do (correct answer)
2. About a hazard on the road ahead
3. The direction to a town or place
4. Something that you must do

Answer: A. Something that you must not do. Signs with red circles are mostly prohibitive: they tell you what you must not do. Plates below a sign add details, such as times. Highway Code, Traffic signs (signs giving orders)

2. A circular sign has a blue background and no red border. What does it usually do?

1. It bans a type of vehicle from the road ahead
2. It warns you about a bend or a junction ahead
3. It shows the route to a tourist attraction
4. It gives an order you must follow, such as 'turn left' (correct answer)

Answer: D. It gives an order you must follow, such as 'turn left'. Signs with blue circles but no red border mostly give a positive instruction, such as 'ahead only' or 'keep left'. Highway Code, Traffic signs (signs giving orders)

3. What shape are most warning signs?

1. Circular
2. Triangular (correct answer)
3. Rectangular
4. Octagonal

Answer: B. Triangular. Warning signs are mostly triangular. Direction and information signs are mostly rectangular, and signs giving orders are mostly circular. Highway Code, Traffic signs (warning signs)

4. Direction signs on primary routes have what colour background?

1. Blue
2. Green (correct answer)
3. Brown
4. White

Answer: B. Green. Primary routes have green signs. Motorway signs are blue, local routes are white with a black border, and brown signs show tourist attractions. Highway Code, Traffic signs (direction signs)

5. You drive a licensed hackney carriage. When may you drive in a bus lane during its hours of operation?

1. At any time, because a taxi is a type of public transport
2. Only when you have a fare-paying passenger on board
3. Never, even when the signs show that taxis are allowed
4. Only when the bus lane signs show that taxis are allowed (correct answer)

Answer: D. Only when the bus lane signs show that taxis are allowed. Bus lane signs show which vehicles, if any, may use the lane. Unless the signs allow your vehicle, you should not drive in it while it is in operation. Highway Code, rules 141 and 142

6. You drive a private hire vehicle. A bus lane sign shows a bus, a bicycle and the word 'taxi'. What does this mean for you?

1. You may not use it, unless the sign also allows private hire vehicles (correct answer)
2. You may use it, because a private hire vehicle counts as a taxi
3. You may use it, but only when you are carrying a booked passenger
4. You may use it, but only to get past a long queue of traffic

Answer: A. You may not use it, unless the sign also allows private hire vehicles. The Highway Code lists taxis and licensed private hire vehicles as separate types of vehicle. A sign that shows only taxis does not include private hire vehicles. Highway Code, rule 142

7. The times on a bus lane sign show the lane is not in operation now. Who may drive in it?

1. Only buses, taxis and cycles, the same as at busy times
2. Any vehicle, as long as other signs do not say otherwise (correct answer)
3. Only vehicles that are carrying one or more passengers
4. No vehicle, because a bus lane is for buses at all times

Answer: B. Any vehicle, as long as other signs do not say otherwise. You should not drive in a bus lane during its period of operation unless the signs allow you. Outside the times shown, the lane can be used by other traffic. Highway Code, rule 141

8. True or false: every bus gate and bus lane allows licensed taxis to use it.

1. True
2. False (correct answer)

Answer: B. False. Each bus lane or bus gate has signs that say which vehicles are allowed. Some include taxis and some do not, so you must read the sign each time. Highway Code, rules 141 and 142

9. What does the Highway Code say about a road, lane or route reserved for trams?

1. You must not drive into it (correct answer)
2. You may use it if you cannot see a tram coming
3. Taxis may use it to pick up waiting passengers
4. You may use it outside the busy morning peak

Answer: A. You must not drive into it. You must not enter a road, lane or other route reserved for trams. Trams cannot steer round an obstruction. Highway Code, rule 300

10. When may you drive into a yellow box junction?

1. When the traffic lights ahead have turned green
2. When the vehicle in front of you has moved in
3. When you are carrying a passenger to a booking
4. When your exit road or lane is clear (correct answer)

Answer: D. When your exit road or lane is clear. You must not enter the box until your exit is clear. You may wait in it to turn right if only oncoming traffic, or other vehicles waiting to turn right, stop you. Highway Code, rule 174

11. What is the national speed limit for a car on a single carriageway road?

1. 40 mph
2. 50 mph
3. 60 mph (correct answer)
4. 70 mph

Answer: C. 60 mph. For cars, the national limit is 60 mph on single carriageways and 70 mph on dual carriageways and motorways. Highway Code, rule 124

12. What is the national speed limit for a car on a dual carriageway?

1. 50 mph
2. 60 mph
3. 70 mph (correct answer)
4. 80 mph

Answer: C. 70 mph. Cars may do up to 70 mph on dual carriageways and motorways, unless signs show a lower limit. Highway Code, rule 124

13. In England, what speed limit usually applies on a road with street lights, unless signs show a different limit?

1. 20 mph
2. 30 mph (correct answer)
3. 40 mph
4. 50 mph

Answer: B. 30 mph. A 30 mph limit generally applies to roads with street lights (not motorways) in England and Scotland, unless signs show otherwise. Highway Code, rule 124

14. In Wales, what speed limit usually applies on a road with street lights, unless signs show a different limit?

1. 20 mph (correct answer)
2. 25 mph
3. 30 mph
4. 40 mph

Answer: A. 20 mph. In Wales the default limit on roads with street lights is 20 mph. Some roads have a 30 mph limit set locally. Highway Code, rule 124

15. You drive a minibus that is not more than 12 metres long. What is the speed limit on a dual carriageway, unless signs show a lower limit?

1. 40 mph
2. 50 mph
3. 60 mph (correct answer)
4. 70 mph

Answer: C. 60 mph. Buses, coaches and minibuses up to 12 metres long have a limit of 50 mph on single carriageways and 60 mph on dual carriageways. Highway Code, rule 124

16. What is the typical overall stopping distance for a car at 30 mph?

1. 9 metres
2. 14 metres
3. 23 metres (correct answer)
4. 36 metres

Answer: C. 23 metres. At 30 mph the typical thinking distance is 9 metres and the braking distance is 14 metres, so the overall stopping distance is 23 metres. Highway Code, rule 126 (typical stopping distances)

17. At 30 mph, what is the typical thinking distance?

1. 6 metres
2. 9 metres (correct answer)
3. 14 metres
4. 23 metres

Answer: B. 9 metres. Thinking distance is how far you travel before you start to brake. At 30 mph it is about 9 metres. Highway Code, rule 126 (typical stopping distances)

18. What is the typical overall stopping distance for a car at 40 mph?

1. 23 metres
2. 24 metres
3. 36 metres (correct answer)
4. 53 metres

Answer: C. 36 metres. At 40 mph it is 12 metres thinking distance plus 24 metres braking distance: 36 metres in total. Highway Code, rule 126 (typical stopping distances)

19. What is the typical overall stopping distance for a car at 70 mph?

1. 53 metres
2. 73 metres
3. 75 metres
4. 96 metres (correct answer)

Answer: D. 96 metres. At 70 mph it is 21 metres thinking distance plus 75 metres braking distance: 96 metres in total. Highway Code, rule 126 (typical stopping distances)

20. It is raining. How should you change the two-second gap to the vehicle in front?

1. Keep it the same, at two seconds
2. Make it at least twice as long (correct answer)
3. Make it one second shorter
4. Make it ten times as long

Answer: B. Make it at least twice as long. The gap should be at least doubled on wet roads, and up to ten times greater on icy roads. Highway Code, rule 126

21. Which of these statements about speed limits is right?

1. A limit is a target speed that you should try to reach
2. You may go 10% over the limit when you are overtaking
3. A limit is the most you may do, and it is not always safe (correct answer)
4. Taxis with a passenger on board may go over the limit

Answer: C. A limit is the most you may do, and it is not always safe. The speed limit is the absolute maximum. It does not mean it is safe to drive at that speed in all conditions. Highway Code, rules 125 and 146

22. Under the hierarchy of road users, who has the greatest responsibility to reduce danger to others?

1. Pedestrians, because they move the slowest on the road
2. People driving the vehicles that can do the most harm (correct answer)
3. Cyclists, because they are the hardest people to see
4. Nobody, as every road user has exactly the same duty

Answer: B. People driving the vehicles that can do the most harm. Those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm in a collision bear the greatest responsibility. This applies to drivers of cars and taxis, as well as larger vehicles. Highway Code, rule H1

23. Which road users does the Highway Code say are most likely to be injured in a collision?

1. Car, van, minibus and taxi drivers and their passengers
2. Pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists (correct answer)
3. Bus, coach and lorry drivers on busy main roads
4. Drivers who have held their licence for under two years

Answer: B. Pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists. Pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists are most at risk. Children, older adults and disabled people are at even greater risk. Highway Code, Hierarchy of road users

24. You are turning left into a side road. A pedestrian is waiting to cross the side road. What should you do?

1. Turn first, because traffic has priority here
2. Sound your horn and then turn in front of them
3. Give way and let the pedestrian cross first (correct answer)
4. Flash your headlights to wave them across

Answer: C. Give way and let the pedestrian cross first. At a junction you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road that you are turning into or out of. Highway Code, rules H2 and 170

25. True or false: under the Highway Code, people using wheelchairs and mobility scooters count as pedestrians.

1. True (correct answer)
2. False

Answer: A. True. Rule H2 says only pedestrians may use the pavement, and that pedestrians include wheelchair and mobility scooter users. Highway Code, rule H2

26. As a guide, how much space should you leave when you overtake a cyclist at up to 30 mph?

1. At least 1.5 metres (correct answer)
2. At least 50 cm
3. At least 75 cm
4. At least 1 metre

Answer: A. At least 1.5 metres. Leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30 mph, and more space at higher speeds. Wait behind if you cannot leave enough space. Highway Code, rule 163

27. How should you pass a person riding a horse?

1. Below 20 mph, leaving at least 1 metre
2. At normal speed, leaving at least 1.5 metres
3. Below 10 mph, leaving at least 1 metre
4. Below 10 mph, leaving at least 2 metres (correct answer)

Answer: D. Below 10 mph, leaving at least 2 metres. Pass horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles at under 10 mph and allow at least 2 metres of space. Highway Code, rule 163

28. You want to turn left at a junction. A cyclist is going straight ahead in the cycle lane beside you. What should you do?

1. Turn in front of the cyclist, as you are a bigger vehicle
2. Speed up so that you get ahead of them before you turn
3. Wait and let the cyclist go past before you turn (correct answer)
4. Sound your horn so the cyclist knows to stop for you

Answer: C. Wait and let the cyclist go past before you turn. You should not cut across cyclists going ahead when you turn. Do not turn if it would make the cyclist stop or swerve. Highway Code, rule H3

29. A cyclist stays in the left-hand lane to go right round a roundabout. What should you do?

1. Give them plenty of room and do not cut across them (correct answer)
2. Overtake them inside the lane so that you can get to your exit
3. Sound your horn to tell them to move into the right lane
4. Drive close behind them so that nobody else cuts in

Answer: A. Give them plenty of room and do not cut across them. Give priority to cyclists on the roundabout. Give them plenty of room and do not try to overtake them within their lane. Highway Code, rule 186

30. You have parked at the kerb. How does the Highway Code advise you to open the driver's door on your right-hand side?

1. With your right hand, because it is closer to the door
2. With your left hand, so you turn and look behind you (correct answer)
3. Quickly, so that the door is open for as short a time
4. After a check in the mirror, with no need to turn round

Answer: B. With your left hand, so you turn and look behind you. Where you can, open the door with the hand on the opposite side. This makes you look over your shoulder, so you are more likely to see cyclists and motorcyclists. Highway Code, rule 239

31. Is it safe to wave a pedestrian across a zebra crossing to be helpful?

1. Yes, it is polite and helps traffic to keep moving
2. Yes, but only if you flash your headlights at the same time
3. No, as another vehicle may be coming that they cannot see (correct answer)
4. Yes, as long as you also sound your horn to warn others

Answer: C. No, as another vehicle may be coming that they cannot see. Do not wave, flash your lights or use your horn to invite pedestrians across. This could be dangerous if another vehicle is approaching. Highway Code, rule 195

32. When may you hold and use a mobile phone while you are driving?

1. To call 999 or 112 in an emergency when it is unsafe to stop (correct answer)
2. When you are stopped at red traffic lights or in a queue
3. To accept a new booking that your operator has just sent
4. To check the route on a map when you are in slow traffic

Answer: A. To call 999 or 112 in an emergency when it is unsafe to stop. You must not use a hand-held phone for any purpose while driving, even when stationary in traffic. There is an exception to call 999 or 112 in a genuine emergency when it is unsafe or impractical to stop. Highway Code, rule 149

33. Your phone is in a holder on the dashboard. Can you use it for sat nav while driving?

1. Yes, if you do not hold it and it does not block your view (correct answer)
2. No, any use of a phone while driving is against the law
3. Yes, and you may pick it up to type in a new address
4. Only when the engine is off at traffic lights

Answer: A. Yes, if you do not hold it and it does not block your view. You may use a device hands-free, for example in a holder, as long as you do not hold it and it does not block your view of the road. You must still stay in full control. GOV.UK, Using your phone when driving: the law; Highway Code, rules 149 and 150

34. What is the penalty for holding and using a phone while driving?

1. 3 penalty points and a £100 fine
2. 6 penalty points and a £100 fine
3. 6 penalty points and a £200 fine (correct answer)
4. 3 penalty points and a £200 fine

Answer: C. 6 penalty points and a £200 fine. You can get 6 penalty points and a £200 fine. If you passed your test in the last 2 years, you will lose your licence. GOV.UK, Using your phone when driving: the law

35. When does the contactless payment exception let you use a hand-held phone in a vehicle?

1. When you are moving slowly in a car park or drive-through
2. When the vehicle is stopped and you pay at a payment terminal (correct answer)
3. When a passenger asks you to take a card payment on the way
4. When you are paying for fuel on an app as you drive away

Answer: B. When the vehicle is stopped and you pay at a payment terminal. You may use a hand-held device to make a contactless payment only when the vehicle is stationary and the goods or services are received at the same time or after. Highway Code, rule 149

36. Who is responsible for making sure an adult passenger wears a seat belt?

1. The driver
2. The operator
3. The vehicle owner
4. The passenger (correct answer)

Answer: D. The passenger. Adult passengers aged 14 and over must wear a seat belt if one is available. The passenger is responsible for this. Highway Code, rule 99 (seat belt table)

37. A child aged 5 sits in the back of your licensed vehicle. No child seat is available. What must the child do?

1. Travel without a seat belt
2. Wear the adult seat belt (correct answer)
3. Sit on an adult's lap
4. Sit in the front instead

Answer: B. Wear the adult seat belt. From age 3 up to 1.35 metres or age 12, a child must use an adult belt in the rear if the correct child restraint is not available in a licensed taxi or private hire vehicle. Highway Code, rule 99 (seat belt table)

38. When does a licensed taxi driver not have to wear a seat belt?

1. Only when they are driving on a motorway
2. Only on short journeys of under one mile
3. Never, because taxi drivers have no exemption
4. While plying for hire or carrying passengers (correct answer)

Answer: D. While plying for hire or carrying passengers. A licensed taxi driver does not need to wear a seat belt while looking for customers (plying for hire) or while carrying passengers. GOV.UK, Seat belts: the law (exceptions)

39. You drive a private hire vehicle. You are on your way to collect a booked passenger and the car is empty. Must you wear a seat belt?

1. No, private hire drivers never have to wear a seat belt at work
2. No, because you are on your way to a passenger who has booked
3. Yes, as the exemption is only for when you carry passengers (correct answer)
4. Only if you are driving faster than 30 mph on the way there

Answer: C. Yes, as the exemption is only for when you carry passengers. A private hire driver is exempt only while carrying passengers. With no passengers in the car, you must wear your seat belt. GOV.UK, Seat belts: the law (exceptions)

40. In England and Wales, what is the legal alcohol limit for drivers in breath?

1. 22 microgrammes per 100 ml
2. 35 microgrammes per 100 ml (correct answer)
3. 50 microgrammes per 100 ml
4. 80 microgrammes per 100 ml

Answer: B. 35 microgrammes per 100 ml. In England and Wales you must not drive with more than 35 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. The limit in Scotland is lower, at 22. Highway Code, rule 95

41. You drank alcohol late last night. What does the Highway Code warn about driving the next morning?

1. You will always be fine after sleep
2. You may still be unfit to drive (correct answer)
3. Coffee will remove the alcohol faster
4. Only beer is still in your body then

Answer: B. You may still be unfit to drive. Alcohol takes time to leave your body. You may be unfit to drive in the morning after drinking the evening before. Highway Code, rule 95

42. How often does the Highway Code recommend a break of at least 15 minutes?

1. After every 2 hours of driving (correct answer)
2. After every 3 hours of driving
3. After every 4 hours of driving
4. After every hour of driving

Answer: A. After every 2 hours of driving. Plan your journey to take enough breaks. A break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving is recommended. Highway Code, rule 91

43. You develop a health condition that is likely to affect your driving. Who must you tell under the Highway Code?

1. Your insurance company, but nobody else at all
2. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) (correct answer)
3. Your operator, but only if they ask you about it
4. Nobody, as long as you feel well enough to drive

Answer: B. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). You must report to the DVLA any health condition likely to affect your driving. Your council licence conditions may also ask you to tell the council. Highway Code, rule 90

44. Can you stop on the zig-zag lines at a pedestrian crossing to let a passenger out?

1. Yes, as long as the passenger gets out quickly
2. Yes, as long as you put your hazard lights on
3. No, you must not stop or park on the zig-zag lines (correct answer)
4. Yes, but only at night between 7 pm and 7 am

Answer: C. No, you must not stop or park on the zig-zag lines. You must not stop or park on a pedestrian crossing or in the area marked by the zig-zag lines. Highway Code, rules 191 and 240

45. There are yellow 'school keep clear' markings and an upright sign that bans stopping. Can you stop to drop off a child?

1. Yes, as long as you stay with the vehicle all the time
2. Yes, if the school day has not started yet
3. Yes, if you stop for less than two minutes
4. No, you must not stop there even to set down a passenger (correct answer)

Answer: D. No, you must not stop there even to set down a passenger. You must not wait, park, or stop to set down and pick up passengers on school entrance markings when upright signs show a ban on stopping. Highway Code, rule 238 and Road markings

46. There are double yellow lines with no other signs. May you stop briefly while a passenger gets in or out?

1. Yes, you may stop while passengers get in or out (correct answer)
2. No, you may never stop on double yellow lines
3. Only if the passenger has a Blue Badge to show
4. Only for up to 20 minutes at a time

Answer: A. Yes, you may stop while passengers get in or out. Double yellow lines mean no waiting at any time, but you may stop while passengers board or alight, unless other restrictions apply. Highway Code, Road markings (waiting restrictions)

47. On a red route, which vehicle may stop on the red lines for passengers to get in or out, unless signs say otherwise?

1. A private hire vehicle
2. Any car with hazard lights
3. A licensed taxi (correct answer)
4. Any vehicle for 2 minutes

Answer: C. A licensed taxi. Red lines ban stopping to park, load or unload, or to let people board or alight. The exceptions are a licensed taxi and a Blue Badge holder. Highway Code, Road markings (red route stopping controls)

48. Unless you are in an authorised parking space, how close to a junction should you not stop or park?

1. Within 5 metres
2. Within 10 metres (correct answer)
3. Within 15 metres
4. Within 20 metres

Answer: B. Within 10 metres. Do not stop or park opposite or within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction, except in an authorised parking space. Highway Code, rule 243

49. Where should you not stop to set down a passenger?

1. In a marked parking bay
2. In a lay-by off the road
3. In an off-street car park
4. At or near a bus stop (correct answer)

Answer: D. At or near a bus stop. Do not stop or park at or near a bus or tram stop or taxi rank, or anywhere you would block access for emergency services. Highway Code, rule 243

50. A sign says: no stopping during the times shown, except for as long as necessary to set down or pick up passengers (an urban clearway). What may you do?

1. Wait there for a passenger who is running a few minutes late
2. Park there for up to 20 minutes to load heavy luggage
3. Stop just long enough for passengers to get in or out (correct answer)
4. Nothing, as you may not stop there for any reason

Answer: C. Stop just long enough for passengers to get in or out. You must not stop on an urban clearway in its hours of operation, except to pick up or set down passengers. Highway Code, rule 240 and Traffic signs

51. A circular sign has a blue background, a red border and a red cross. It marks a clearway. May you stop to pick up a passenger?

1. Yes, but only to pick up or set down a passenger
2. Yes, if you keep the engine running all the time
3. Yes, but only outside the morning and evening peak
4. No, you must not stop on the main carriageway of a clearway (correct answer)

Answer: D. No, you must not stop on the main carriageway of a clearway. This sign means no stopping (clearway). You must not stop or park on a clearway. Only an urban clearway allows stopping to pick up or set down. Highway Code, rule 240 and Traffic signs

52. You drive a private hire vehicle. Can you wait for a booked passenger in a taxi bay marked with signs and road markings?

1. Yes, if the passenger has already booked you
2. No, you must not stop or park in a taxi bay (correct answer)
3. Yes, if no hackney carriages are in the bay
4. Yes, if you wait for less than five minutes

Answer: B. No, you must not stop or park in a taxi bay. You must not stop or park on taxi bays shown by upright signs and markings. These are for hackney carriages. Highway Code, rule 240

53. You will wait at the kerb for several minutes for a passenger. What should you do with the engine?

1. Switch it off and apply the parking brake (correct answer)
2. Leave it running so the car stays warm
3. Keep revving it so the battery stays charged
4. Leave it running but turn the radio off

Answer: A. Switch it off and apply the parking brake. You must not leave an engine running unnecessarily while stationary on a public road. If you will be stopped for more than a couple of minutes, apply the parking brake and switch off the engine. Highway Code, rule 123

54. You arrive at 1 am to collect a passenger from a house in a residential street. May you sound your horn to tell them you are there?

1. Yes, if you only use one short and polite beep
2. Yes, because the passenger asked you to do it
3. No, not between 11.30 pm and 7 am in a built-up area (correct answer)
4. Yes, as long as you are parked with the engine off

Answer: C. No, not between 11.30 pm and 7 am in a built-up area. You must not use your horn while stationary, or in a built-up area between 11.30 pm and 7 am, except when another road user poses a danger. Highway Code, rule 112