Highway Code Information and Guidelines

What is the Highway Code

The Highway Code is a set of essential rules, advice, and guidelines for all road users, including drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Knowing these rules is vital for your driving test and staying safe and courteous.

The Highway Code includes understanding road signs and their meanings. Road signs in the UK provide important instructions, not only on regular streets but also on motorways. These signs are essential for new drivers, as they indicate speed limits, no entry zones, warnings about upcoming conditions, and more.

Why is the Highway Code important?

All road users should be familiar with the highway code. Following the Code helps reduce road casualties, and breaking the rules of the Official Highway Code is a criminal offence that can result in fines, penalty points, or even prison. So, your knowledge of the Code is assessed during your theory and practical driving tests.

Important rules of the highway code:

The Highway Code is essential reading for all road users, including pedestrians, mobility scooter users, cyclists, horse riders, drivers and motorcyclists. Some of the most important rules are:

Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medicine.
Maximum speed limits are not a target. Use common sense to determine what speed is appropriate for the traffic, road and conditions.
When approaching a pedestrian crossing, road works, traffic lights or control system, you have to be able to stop if necessary.
Be aware of cyclists and pedestrians around you and anticipate what they might do. Especially tourists and children are likely to step out onto the road while looking the other way.
Don’t try to intimidate other road users by driving too close behind them. If they pull out into your path at a junction, slow down and hold back so that they can get clear.
Don’t play loud music while driving. This is distracting and may mask essential sounds around your car.
Don’t operate your satnav, sound system, mobile phone or other distracting devices while driving.

Read the full Highway Code

Read the full Highway Code

Preparing for your driving theory test

Before taking your driving theory test, review the Highway Code in full. The official DVSA guide, “The Official DVSA Guide to Driving – the Essential Skills,” is an excellent resource found in most bookstores.

Remember:

Driving is a skill and a responsibility, not just a way to get from A to B. Studies show that one in five new drivers is involved in an accident within six months of passing their test (DVSA). By learning and applying the Highway Code you help keep yourself and others safe on the road.

Learn to drive with RED

An interactive and accessible way to learn about the Highway Code is to download the Learn to Drive with RED app. This comprehensive app supports learner drivers in preparing for their practical driving tests and driving theory.

The app offers structured lessons on Highway Code topics, including road signs, speed limits, and safe driving practices. It allows you to study at your own pace and test your knowledge through quizzes. Using RED’s app gives you a deeper understanding of safe driving principles, equipping you with the skills and confidence needed to navigate the road safely and responsibly.

CHECK OUT OUR TIPS ON THE HIGHWAY CODE

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FAILED YOUR TEST? WE'RE HERE TO HELP

Failing your test really isn’t the end of the world. We all have bad days, and sometimes nerves can get the better of us. You’ll be better prepared next time around because you already know what it’s like to sit the test!

HAVE YOU PASSED YOUR THEORY TEST YET?

OUR COMPLETE THEORY TRAINING APP HAS EVERYTHING YOU NEED

Tired of flipping through dull textbooks and struggling with complicated rules? Say hello to stress-free learning with our cutting-edge Driving Theory App! Designed to make learning fun, effective, and convenient. Get the knowledge you need to pass first-time!

Complete set of DVSA questions, hazard perception clips and video case studies
Personalised daily training plan
Timed mock tests
Road signs game
Exclusive videos

FAQs

Do I need to know the Highway Code for my driving test?

Understanding the Highway Code is essential for the theory and practical driving tests. Many theory test questions are based on Highway Code rules, and practical driving examiners assess your knowledge during your test.

Who must follow the Highway Code?

The Highway Code applies to everyone on UK roads, including drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians, and horse riders. Specific rules are legally binding for all road users.

Is the Highway Code legally enforceable?

Some rules in the Highway Code, indicated by the words “must” or “must not,” are legal requirements. Breaking them can lead to fines, penalty points, or even prosecution. Other rules are advisory and aim to promote safe and courteous road behaviour.

How can I test my knowledge of the Highway Code?

You can test your knowledge with official DVSA theory test apps, practice tests, or resources like the Learn to Drive with RED app, which includes interactive quizzes on Highway Code topics.

Where can I find the Highway Code?

The Highway Code is available in print and online on the GOV.UK website, and through various apps designed for learner drivers and road safety education.

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