--- title: "What is the meaning of this sign on a smart m… | Theory Test" description: "What is the meaning of this sign on a smart motorway? The correct answer is “Use every lane, including the hard shoulder”. 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This sign shows that the hard shoulder is currently open as an extra traffic lane to help manage congestion. When a speed limit is displayed above the hard shoulder, you should use every lane available, including the hard shoulder. You must only avoid using the hard shoulder if a red X is displayed above it or if there is no speed limit shown above that specific lane." }, "suggestedAnswer": [ { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Only use the hard shoulder" }, { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Pick a different lane than the hard shoulder." }, { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Use the three right hand lanes only" } ] } } ] --- Get an exclusive 15% off - Offer ends next week! 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DVSA-style practice question · Motorway Rules ![Illustration for the theory test question: What is the meaning of this sign on a smart motorway?](/quiz-images/AB2857.gif) ## The answer options - Only use the hard shoulder - Pick a different lane than the hard shoulder. - Use every lane, including the hard shoulder**Correct** - Use the three right hand lanes only ## Why that is the answer This sign shows that the hard shoulder is currently open as an extra traffic lane to help manage congestion. When a speed limit is displayed above the hard shoulder, you should use every lane available, including the hard shoulder. You must only avoid using the hard shoulder if a red X is displayed above it or if there is no speed limit shown above that specific lane. ## How this comes up in the real test Questions from motorway rules appear throughout the 50-question multiple-choice section, and the wording changes between versions. Learn the rule rather than the sentence: the DVSA can ask the same point from the opposite direction, and a memorised answer falls over the moment the phrasing moves. The pass mark is 43 out of 50, so seven wrong answers is your entire margin. If a whole category is shaky, run the topic practice below until you are getting every question right for the right reason, then go back to full mocks under the clock. [Practise Motorway Rules](/theory/quiz/motorway-rules)[Sit a full mock test](/theory/mock-test) ## More motorway rules questions - [Before making a journey on the motorway it is important to check your vehicle fully. Why is this?](/theory/questions/before-making-a-journey-on-the-motorway-it-is-important-to-check-your-vehicle-fully-why-is) - [Following a breakdown on the hard shoulder, how should you rejoin the motorway?](/theory/questions/following-a-breakdown-on-the-hard-shoulder-how-should-you-rejoin-the-motorway) - [How do smart motorways avoid traffic clustering?](/theory/questions/how-do-smart-motorways-avoid-traffic-clustering) - [How should you deal with traffic already on the motorway when joining from a slip road?](/theory/questions/how-should-you-deal-with-traffic-already-on-the-motorway-when-joining-from-a-slip-road) - [In England and Wales, traffic officers work on motorways as well as some secondary routes. What powers do they have?](/theory/questions/in-england-and-wales-traffic-officers-work-on-motorways-as-well-as-some-secondary-routes-w) - [On a motorway, how are the lanes to be used?](/theory/questions/on-a-motorway-how-are-the-lanes-to-be-used) ## Ready to book the real thing? 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