ADI Part 1 band 2: Traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians and mechanical knowledge
Traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians and mechanical knowledge is one of the 4 question categories in the ADI Part 1 multiple-choice test. On this site we call it band 2, because it is second in the GOV.UK list.
What this category is
- These rules apply in Great Britain. The ADI part 1 test works differently in Northern Ireland. [1]
- The GOV.UK guidance names this category as "traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians and mechanical knowledge". It is second in its list of 4 categories. [1]
- The guidance gives the category name only. It does not describe the topics inside it, so we do not add any. [1]
- The other categories are: road procedure; driving test, disabilities, and the law; publications and instructional techniques. [1]
How many questions, and the score you need
- There are 25 questions in this category, out of 100 multiple-choice questions in 1 hour and 30 minutes. [1]
- You need at least 20 out of 25 in this category, so you can get no more than 5 wrong in it. [1]
- You also need at least 85 out of 100 overall. A score of 85 or higher overall still fails if this category is below 20. [1]
- If you fail, the letter you get at the test centre tells you which parts you did not score enough points on. [1]
What to study
- GOV.UK lists the publications for the multiple-choice questions as a whole, not for each category. The full list is on our theory test questions page. [1]
- You can also study using the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency theory test kit for approved driving instructors e-Learning. [1]
Sample band 2 questions
Our own practice questions, each checked against its GOV.UK source. These are not questions from the real test.
1. According to The Highway Code, when are arm signals for use by drivers?
- When direction indicator signals are not used, or when necessary to reinforce indicators and stop lights
- Only when the direction indicators have failed or the stop lights are not working
- Only by pedal cyclists and those in charge of horses, not by drivers of motor vehicles
- Instead of brake lights whenever you slow down, so that following traffic is warned
Show answer
A: When direction indicator signals are not used, or when necessary to reinforce indicators and stop lights
Arm signals are for use when indicators are not used, or to reinforce indicators and stop lights. They are also for use by pedal cyclists and those in charge of horses.
Source: The Highway Code, Signals to other road users
2. A school crossing patrol shows the 'ready to cross pedestrians' signal described in The Highway Code. What does it say vehicles must do?
- Be prepared to stop
- Continue normally, as no pedestrians are crossing yet
- Speed up to clear the crossing before pedestrians step out
- Sound the horn to warn the waiting pedestrians
Show answer
A: Be prepared to stop
When the school crossing patrol is ready to cross pedestrians, vehicles must be prepared to stop. A separate signal from the patrol means all vehicles must stop.
Source: The Highway Code, Signals by authorised persons
3. Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency officers want to stop your vehicle. How will they attract your attention?
- By flashing blue lights
- By flashing amber lights
- By flashing green lights
- By sounding a siren
Show answer
B: By flashing amber lights
DVSA officers use flashing amber lights, either from the front asking you to follow them to a safe place to stop, or from behind directing you to pull over. You MUST obey any signals they give.
Source: The Highway Code, Rule 107
4. According to The Highway Code, where do waiting restrictions indicated by yellow lines apply?
- The carriageway only
- The carriageway, pavement and verge
- The carriageway and pavement, but not the verge
- The pavement and verge, but not the carriageway
Show answer
B: The carriageway, pavement and verge
Waiting restrictions shown by yellow lines apply to the carriageway, the pavement and the verge.
Source: The Highway Code, Road markings
5. A pedestrian is walking along a road where there is no pavement. Which side of the road should they keep to?
- The left-hand side, moving with the traffic
- The right-hand side, so they can see oncoming traffic
- Whichever side has the wider verge
- The middle of the road, where drivers can see them
Show answer
B: The right-hand side, so they can see oncoming traffic
Keeping to the right lets the pedestrian see oncoming traffic. They should keep close to the side of the road and be prepared to walk in single file.
Source: The Highway Code, Rule 2
Find your weakest band before the test does. Free 25-question diagnostic, scored using the same ratios as the real multiple-choice pass rule (hazard perception not included).
Take the free diagnostic