UK Highway Code — Plain-English Summary for Learner Drivers

The official Highway Code is 154 pages. The parts an examiner actually tests you on fit on one page. Here's that page — the priorities, speed limits, roundabout lanes and signalling rules you must know before your UK practical driving test.

Last reviewed 2026-04-24

Speed limits

Priorities at junctions

• Give way to traffic already on the major road.
• At a roundabout, give way to traffic from your right.
• At a T-junction, emerging traffic gives way.
• Pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross at the junction you're turning into have priority (Highway Code rule H2, updated 2022).

Roundabout lane choice

• First exit (usually left): approach in the left lane, signal left.
• Any exit up to 12 o'clock: left lane, no signal on approach, signal left before your exit.
• Any exit past 12 o'clock: right lane, signal right on approach, switch to left before exiting.

See worked examples at driving test manoeuvres.

Signals — when and for how long

• Signal in good time — around 3 seconds before any manoeuvre.
• Cancel the signal as soon as you've completed the move.
• Never signal left too early when passing a parked car — it can confuse traffic behind.

Stopping distances (dry conditions)

Double these in wet weather. On ice, multiply by ten.

Motorways — for when you get your full licence

• Lane 1 is the default. Move out only to overtake, then move back.
• Use the hard shoulder only in an emergency (unless signed otherwise on smart motorways).
• Minimum speed: there isn't one, but drive so you don't hold up faster traffic.

Pedestrians, cyclists and vulnerable road users

• Always give priority to anyone crossing or waiting to cross at the side road you're turning into.
• Leave at least 1.5 m when overtaking a cyclist at 30 mph or under; 2 m above 30 mph.
• Slow right down around horses and pass wide.