UK Highway Code – Key Rules

The most important Highway Code rules for your Theory Test — speed limits, right of way, alcohol, and safe driving.

Speed Limits

Speed limits depend on road type and vehicle class. The limits below apply to cars and motorcycles:

30 mph — built-up areas with street lighting (default unless signed)
60 mph — single carriageway without street lighting
70 mph — dual carriageway and motorway (national speed limit)
20 mph — many residential areas and near schools (where signed)

The national speed limit sign is a white circle with a diagonal black stripe. It means the default limit for the road type applies.

Drink-Driving Limits

Drink-drive limits vary across the UK:

England, Wales & Northern Ireland: 80 mg per 100 ml of blood (35 μg per 100 ml of breath)
Scotland: 50 mg per 100 ml of blood (22 μg per 100 ml of breath)

The only safe approach is to not drink at all before driving. Even small amounts impair reaction time and judgement.

Right of Way & Give Way

At a junction without signs, give way to traffic on the major road
A Give Way sign (inverted red triangle) means slow or stop and give way
A Stop sign (octagon) means come to a complete stop before the line
At a roundabout, give way to traffic from the right already on the roundabout
Emergency vehicles (police, fire, ambulance) using sirens — pull left and stop safely

Motorway Rules

Maximum speed: 70 mph (60 mph for cars towing)
Keep left unless overtaking — do not use the right lane unnecessarily
Minimum speed: none stated, but you must not drive unreasonably slowly
Hard shoulder: only for emergencies — use designated emergency refuge areas on smart motorways
Learner drivers may drive on motorways only in a car with dual controls and an ADI
Stopping on the hard shoulder (traditional motorways): only in an emergency

Safe Following Distance

Use the 2-second rule in dry conditions: pick a fixed point; the vehicle ahead should pass it at least 2 seconds before you do. In wet conditions, double this to 4 seconds.

2 seconds — dry conditions minimum
4 seconds — wet or slippery conditions
10 seconds — icy or snowfall conditions

Parking Rules

No Stopping (clearway): no stopping for any reason
Double yellow lines: no parking at any time (restrictions may vary)
Single yellow line: parking restricted at certain times (check the sign)
Red route / red lines: stricter restrictions — no stopping
Do not park within 10 metres of a junction
Do not park opposite or within 10 metres of a junction on the other side