Alertness is about seeing hazards early and staying focused. Most of it comes down to good observation and cutting out distraction. Read the key points below, then take the short quiz to check it has stuck. Every point is grounded in the Highway Code.
Use the mirror, signal, manoeuvre routine before any change of speed or direction, and take a final shoulder check for the blind spot before moving off or changing lane (rules 159, 161).
Concentrate fully. Hand-held phones are illegal at the wheel, and eating, drinking, smoking or loud distractions all reduce your control (rules 148, 149).
Set your satnav before you drive, never while moving (rule 150).
If you feel tired, stop and rest. Take a break of at least 15 minutes every two hours on a long journey (rule 91).
Where your view is blocked at a junction, edge forward slowly until you can see before you commit (rule 146).
When reversing, check all around, give way to pedestrians, and do not reverse further than you need to (rule 202).
Now test yourself on alertness
8 questions on this topic, with the answer and the cited rule shown the moment you choose. If you miss any, the points above are where to look.
Practice quiz
Ready to test yourself?
Each question shows the correct answer and the Highway Code rule the moment you choose.
Original revision notes and practice questions covering the same topics as the official DVSA theory test. Not the real exam questions, and not affiliated with or endorsed by the DVSA. Based on The Highway Code and Know Your Traffic Signs under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Always check the current Highway Code on gov.uk.