UK Car Theory: Vehicle Handling Practice Test

Not quite. The answer is select a low gear and apply the brakes carefully.

When you release the accelerator (gas) pedal and the throttle closes, the engine can help slow the car; this is known as engine braking. Select a low gear (even with an automatic gearbox) for increased engine braking effect. This effect allows you to use the brakes less often.

Not quite. The answer is Testing the brakes

As soon as you have driven through water, you should head for a place with little traffic and test your brakes to ensure they are working. This can be done by applying the brakes gently, which will tend to dry them.

Not quite. The answer is Brake as firmly as possible without causing the wheels to lock up.

In an emergency, to stop a car without ABS, apply as much force to the foot brake as possible without causing the wheels to lock and skid. If the wheels start to skid, ease off the brakes. If your wheels do lock up, you will take much longer to stop.

Source: Rule 118, The Highway Code

Not quite. The answer is it will give you the best view of the road.

You should keep to the left so that you can have the best possible view of the road.

Not quite. The answer is Change into a lower gear.

To slow down by using the engine, release the accelerator (gas) pedal and change into a lower gear (even with an automatic gearbox). When the throttle is closed, a partial vacuum is created in the engine's intake and cylinders which generates a braking effect to slow down the vehicle. This is known as engine braking. The lower the gear, the greater the engine braking effect.

Not quite. The answer is Change into a lower gear.

To slow down by using the engine, release the accelerator (gas) pedal and change into a lower gear (even with an automatic gearbox). When the throttle is closed, a partial vacuum is created in the engine's intake and cylinders which generates a braking effect to slow down the vehicle. This is known as engine braking. The lower the gear, the greater the engine braking effect.

Not quite. The answer is Keep both hands on the steering wheel.

On a wet road, your vehicle may be more difficult to control in an emergency stop. Hence, you should keep both hands on the steering wheel so you can control the car effectively.

Not quite. The answer is Slow down and perhaps stop.

You should slow down or even stop until the car has got past you. Any other action could be dangerous.

Not quite. The answer is calming traffic and keeping road speeds low in areas with pedestrians and children.

Typically found in residential areas or near schools, measures such as road humps slow down vehicles and lower the chance of fatalities if a pedestrian is hit by a vehicle.

Not quite. The answer is Reduce your speed.

Speed humps are designed to get motorists to slow down. They are often found in areas where there may be many pedestrians, including children. Driving fast over these humps can affect your ability to steer and control the car and can possibly damage your vehicle's suspension.

Not quite. The answer is be cautious of upcoming bends ahead.

You should only overtake other vehicles on straight stretches of road. (Overtaking on a bend is more likely to result in a serious accident.) At all times, you should only overtake if it is essential for you to do so.

Not quite. The answer is reduce your speed and apply a little pressure on your brakes simultaneously.

Water can decrease the effectiveness of your brakes. To clear the water and dry the brakes, apply the brakes very gently while driving.

Not quite. The answer is Do all of the above.

You should approach any steep downgrade with care. Prepare yourself for hazards early because stopping safely is much harder on a steep downgrade. Be ready to reduce your speed for slowly descending trucks and be mindful that vehicles behind you may not be able to stop as quickly as you can. You should descend at a controlled speed, using a lower gear to protect your brakes. You should use a lower gear even if you have an automatic gearbox - just remember to change back into 'drive' once you have finished descending.

Source: Going Downhill, Driving on Hills, Section Seven: On the Road, The Official DSA Guide to Driving: The Essential Skills

Not quite. The answer is Change into a low gear and apply the brakes carefully.

When going downhill, take your foot off the accelerator (gas) pedal, change into a low gear (even with an automatic gearbox), and apply your brakes carefully to keep the vehicle stable. With the throttle closed, engine braking will help slow the vehicle.

Not quite. The answer is Slowing traffic down

Traffic calming measures are used to slow traffic down.

Not quite. The answer is changing into a lower gear and using your brakes with care.

When driving steeply downhill, you should release the accelerator (gas) pedal and change into a lower gear (even if your vehicle has an automatic gearbox). When the throttle is closed, a partial vacuum is created in the engine's intake and cylinders which generates a braking effect to slow down the vehicle. This is known as engine braking. The lower the gear, the greater the engine braking effect. This will reduce the need to apply the brakes except in emergencies.

Not quite. The answer is the vehicle can gain speed quickly.

Travelling downhill in neutral or by holding the clutch down is known as coasting. If you do this for too long, your vehicle can start to travel too fast, and steering response on bends may be affected.

Not quite. The answer is You drive slowly and apply the brakes gently a few times.

You should drive slowly and apply the brakes gently a few times so that the heat that they generate will dry them.

Not quite. The answer is Dry them out by braking gently when it is safe to do so.

Your brakes may become less effective when they get wet. This may occur during heavy rain or after driving through deep water. You should always test your brakes in such conditions. To test their effectiveness and dry them out, gently apply the brakes when it is safe to do so.

Source: Rule 121, The Highway Code

Not quite. The answer is change into a lower gear.

When driving down a steep hill, you should slow down by releasing the accelerator (gas) pedal and selecting a lower gear. This will allow your engine to help slow down your vehicle, an effect known as engine braking. The lower the gear, the more effective the engine braking - and the less work your brakes will have to do.