UK driving theory test · Topic chapter 1 · 5 min read
Chapter 1: Alertness
Staying focused at the wheel: mirrors and blind spots, Mirrors - Signal - Manoeuvre, tiredness and breaks, mobile phones, in-car systems and other distractions. Study notes for the UK driving theory test, built from The Highway Code.
Why this chapter matters
Alertness is about noticing what is happening around you early enough to act on it. Questions in this topic ask how you use your mirrors, when to look round, what to do when you feel tired and which distractions the law forbids. The answers come from a handful of Highway Code rules that are worth knowing well.
Mirrors, blind spots and looking round
Mirrors only show part of the picture. The Highway Code tells you to check them often, so that you know at all times what is behind you and alongside, and to use them in good time before you signal, change direction or change speed (Rule 161).
- Every car has blind spots: areas the mirrors do not cover. Before moving off you should check all mirrors, look round into the blind spots, signal if needed and take a final look round (Rule 159).
- Before changing lane, use your mirrors and, if necessary, take a quick sideways glance so you do not force anyone to change course or speed (Rule 133).
- When overtaking, the routine is mirrors, signal, a quick sideways glance into the blind spot, then move out (Rule 163).
Mirrors - Signal - Manoeuvre is the routine the Code repeats throughout: check behind first, tell others what you plan, then act (Rules 161, 179, 184).
Signals
A signal warns others of what you intend. Give it clearly and in good time, cancel it afterwards, and make sure it cannot be misread (Rule 103). A classic example: if you want to stop just after a side road, wait until you are passing the side road before you signal, or drivers may think you are turning into it.
Signalling never gives you priority. Watch the signals of others too, and remember that an indicator may have been left on by mistake (Rule 104). At a junction, do not assume a vehicle signalling left will actually turn: wait and make sure (Rule 170).
Tiredness
Tiredness greatly increases the risk of a collision (Rule 91).
| Highway Code advice | Detail |
|---|---|
| Before a long journey | Get enough sleep; do not set off if you are tired |
| Riskiest hours | Avoid long journeys between midnight and 6 am, when natural alertness is lowest |
| Breaks | At least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving |
| If you feel sleepy | Stop in a safe place, but not in an emergency area or on a motorway hard shoulder |
Motorway driving can be monotonous, which makes drivers sleepy; service areas exist so that you can take a break (Rule 262). Keeping the car well ventilated also helps you avoid drowsiness (Rule 237).
Mobile phones
The law is strict (Rule 149):
- You MUST NOT use a hand-held phone or similar device, such as a tablet, for any purpose while driving or while supervising a learner driver.
- The ban applies even when you are stationary in traffic, and even if the device's connection is switched off.
- You may call 999 or 112 in a real emergency if stopping would be unsafe or impractical.
- You may use a hand-held phone to make a contactless payment only when the vehicle is stationary and you receive the goods or service at the same time or afterwards.
Hands-free phones are legal but still distracting. The Code says it is far safer not to use any phone while driving: find a safe place to stop or let calls go to voicemail. The penalty for using a hand-held phone is 6 penalty points and a fine of up to GBP 1,000 (Annex 5).
Other distractions
Driving needs concentration. The Code lists distractions to avoid, including loud music, reading maps, adjusting the radio, arguing, eating and drinking, and smoking (Rule 148). In England and Wales the driver must not smoke, or let anyone smoke, in an enclosed private vehicle carrying someone under 18.
Satellite navigation, screens and driver assistance systems can also distract. Do not rely on aids such as lane departure warnings or motorway assist; you are still responsible for the vehicle and must stay in full control (Rule 150). If you need to study a map or screen, find a safe place to stop.
Dazzle and glare
If bright sunlight or oncoming headlights dazzle you, slow down and stop if necessary (Rules 93 and 115). At night or in poor visibility do not wear tinted glasses or lenses that restrict your vision (Rule 94).
FAQ
When should I check my mirrors?
Frequently throughout every journey, and always in good time before you signal, change direction or change speed (Rule 161).
Is a hands-free phone legal?
Yes, but the Code warns that it is still likely to distract you and that it is far safer not to use any phone while driving (Rule 149).
Can I hold my phone while I wait at traffic lights?
No. The ban on hand-held phones covers stationary traffic as well as moving traffic (Rule 149).
How often should I take a break on a long drive?
At least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving (Rule 91).
Check yourself
- What are blind spots, and how do you check them before moving off?
- Between which hours does the Code advise you to avoid long journeys?
- Name the two exceptions that allow a hand-held phone to be used by a driver.
- Why might signalling too early before a side road mislead other drivers?
Practise this topic on its own: Alertness drill.
Ready to try a full test? Start UK theory practice test 1.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Based on The Highway Code.