--- title: "Alertness Theory Test Questions | Free Practice" description: "Observation, mirrors, signalling, concentration and avoiding distraction. Free alertness practice with an explanation for every answer." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/#organization", "name": "Fast Track Driving Lessons", "url": "https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/", "email": "info@fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk", "areaServed": "GB", "description": "Intensive driving courses and driving lessons across the UK with DVSA-approved instructors." }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/#website", "url": "https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/", "name": "Fast Track Driving Lessons", "publisher": { "@id": "https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/#organization" }, "potentialAction": { "@type": "SearchAction", "target": { "@type": "EntryPoint", "urlTemplate": "https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/search?q={search_term_string}" }, "query-input": "required name=search_term_string" } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Theory test", "item": "https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/theory" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Alertness", "item": "https://fasttrackdrivinglessons.co.uk/theory/quiz/alertness" } ] } ] --- Get an exclusive 15% off - Offer ends next week! [![Fast Track Driving Lessons](/assets/fasttrack-logo-360-B6kGRO06.png)](/) [Log in](/theory/account)[Get me driving](/course-recommender)Menu [Our Courses & Prices](/courses) [Driving Lessons](/driving-lessons) [Areas We Cover](/driving-lessons-in) [Learner Hub](/learn) [Theory Test](/theory) - [Theory hub](/theory) - [Book your test](/theory/book-theory-test) - [Cancellations](/theory/theory-test-cancellations) - [Free practice](/theory/practice) - [Mock tests](/theory/mock-test) - [Hazard perception](/theory/hazard-perception) - [Road signs](/theory/road-signs) - [Highway Code](/theory/highway-code) - [Motorcycle](/theory/motorcycle) - [Pricing](/theory/pricing) [Back to Theory Hub](/theory) # Alertness — free theory test practice Alertness covers the routines that keep you informed: mirror–signal–manoeuvre, blind-spot checks, and how far ahead you should be looking on different roads. It also deals with everything that pulls attention away — satnavs, phones, eating, tuning the radio — and with what to do when you lose concentration or feel drowsy. Once you're passing this topic comfortably, try a [full mock test](/theory/mock-test) under real timed conditions, brush up on [UK road signs](/theory/road-signs), or browse the [full question bank](/theory/questions). Ready to drive? See our [intensive driving courses](/courses). ## Alertness Question 1 of 26 ### Before making a U-turn, what should you do? A Give an arm signal B Choose a higher gear than normal C Do a final check over your shoulder D Check road markings to ensure U-turns are permitted Previous ## What the DVSA tests on alertness - Mirror–signal–manoeuvre and when each mirror is checked - Blind spots and life-saver shoulder checks - Correct signalling, including when not to signal - Tiredness, breaks on long journeys and the 15-minute rest rule - Phones, satnavs and hands-free distraction ## Common mistakes in this topic - Signalling so early that other drivers act on the wrong junction - Checking mirrors after starting a manoeuvre rather than before - Opening a window as a cure for tiredness instead of stopping - Answering a hands-free call and assuming it is a safe alternative **Instructor tip:** If a question offers 'stop somewhere safe and rest' for a tiredness scenario, that is almost always the marked answer. ## Passed your theory? Get the practical booked Your theory certificate lasts two years. Most learners who use it quickly do it with an intensive course — a block of hours with a DVSA approved instructor and a practical test at the end, instead of one lesson a week for months. 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