Highway Code

Introduction

The Highway Code is the list of rules that apply to drivers and vehicles in the UK. The rules differ slightly in Northern Ireland, however are labelled as such.

Some rules are legal requirements and failure to adhere to them may be considered a criminal offence. These are clearly labelled with MUST or MUST NOT. Other rules are for guidance, although may be used as reference in court proceedings. These rules are labelled with words such as ‘should’, ‘should not’, ‘do’ or ‘do not’.

It is important that all road users are aware of the Code and are considerate towards each other. This applies to pedestrians as much as to drivers and riders.

The rules are intended to greatly reduce accidents and casulties and for all road users to reach their destinations safely.

Don’t be put off by the importance of The Highway Code. The rules are mostly easy to understand, easy to remember and easy to apply.

This website also provides practice tests for your DVSA theory test. Feel free to practice as many times as you need – there are plenty of questions to try. Click here to start a practice test.

Structure

The Highway Code groups the different rules to make them easier to follow:

The Highway Code also provides the following examples of signs, signals and markings that may be tested:

Light Signals Controlling Traffic (PDF)
Signals to Other Road users (PDF)
Signals by Authorised Persons (PDF)
Traffic Signs (PDF)
Road Markings (PDF)
Vehicle Markings (PDF)

Finally, the Annexes provide additional useful information:

Knowing and Applying the Rules

Knowing and applying the rules contained in The Highway Code could significantly reduce road casualties. Cutting the number of deaths and injuries that occur on our roads every day is a responsibility we all share. The Highway Code can help us discharge that responsibility.

Legislation

Rules that are also legal requirements are cross-referenced to the appropriate legislation and laws that outline the offence.