Rules for Drivers & Motorcyclists

📖 DVSA Revision Lesson ⏱️ 10 Min Read ❓ 10 Practice Questions 🌐 68 Languages Support

Last updated: 7 September 2026

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Slide 0: Road Ready : A Driver's Guide to the UK Highway Code ( Rules 89-102 ) Personal Fitness & Readiness Pre - Departure Checklist Safe Towing & Loading The 20 - Metre Vision Test Drivers must be able to read a vehicle number plate from 20 metres ( 20.6m for old - ctyle plates ) in good daylight , using glasses or contacts if prescribed . Fight Fatigue with the 2/15 Rule To minimize collision risk , plan a minimum break of at least 10 minutes after every two hours of driving . Alcohol Limits : England / Wales vs. Scotland Legal & Roadworthy Status You must ensure your vehicle has a valid licenes , insurance , and complies with flead Vehicles Construction and Use Regulations . The " Before You Start " Adjustments Adjust your seat , mirrors , and head reairainie ( ta reduce neck injury risk ) and ensure your clothing / footwear allow full control of the vehicle . Journey Planning Ensure you have sufficient fool or charge for the trip and have planned your reute to include safe stopping places . Never Overload You must not exceed the manufacturer's recommended weight for the vehicle or the tow bail load to prevent swerving and loss of control . Secondary Coupling Devices All trailers must be fitted with a secondary coupling device , such as a safety sludn , to ensure security if the main hitch falls . The Danger of " Morning Affer " Driving Alcohol takes time to leave the body ; you may still be unfit to drive the morning after drinking or in the evening after a lunchtime drink . Medicine & Drug Compliance It is illegal to drive under the influence of druge or impaired by medicine ; check with a doctor / pharmacist to ensure your prescription doesn't affect . prowon doesn't affect your driving . Motorway Lane Restrictions When towing , you must NOT drive in the right - hand lane of a motorway that has three or more lanes . Correcting a " Snake " If a trailer starts to swerve or snake , ease off the accelerator and reduce speed gently , do not brake harahty . Seat Belt Legal Responsibilities Seat Belts & Child Safety Passenger Type Bs Front Seat Requirement Rear Seat Requirement Who is Responsible ? Driver Must be worn Ensure you have cufficient fual or fior even safe stopping placsees . Medicine & Drug Compliance It is illegal to drive under the influence of druge or impaired by medicins ; check with a doctor ( pharmaclat or ensure your prescription doesn't affect your driving . The Height / Age Threshold Children must use a correct child reetraint ontil they are 1.35 metres tail ( apores . 4ft llin ) or reach their 12th birthday . The Airbag Danger You MUST NOT Or a real - facing balty acat in a seat protected by an active frontal airbag ; It can cause serious injury or death in a crash . The " Kerb - Side " Rule For maximum safety , children should always ents ) and exit the vehicle through the door nearest the kerb . Correct restraint used Correct restraint used * Child 12-13 $ 1.35m Belt must be worn Adult 14+ The Passenger * Specific exceptions apply for taxis or unexpected short distance necessity . Slide 1: The Pre - Flight Manual A visual guide to driver readiness , vehicle compliance , and passenger safety ( Highway Code Rules 89-102 ) . The Payload A The Driver The Machine The Passengers Slide 2: Decoding the Highway Code The Code operates on two strict levels of authority . Recognizing the difference is critical for legal compliance and optimal road safety . SHOULD / RECOMMENDED Statutory Legal Requirement Ignoring these rules constitutes a criminal offense . They dictate the absolute baseline of safe driving . Best Practice & Safety Advisory While not explicitly illegal to ignore , failing to follow these can be used as evidence of liability in the event of a collision . Slide 3: The Chemical Impairment Spectrum The Alcohol Diagnostic Matrix You MUST NOT drive above these limits . Alcohol creates a false sense of confidence while slowing reactions . The Drug & Medicine Spectrum Prescription Medicine Check with doctor / pharmacist . A statutory medical defence exists if driving is not impaired . Illegal Drugs Specified at extremely low levels ; even small amounts trigger legal action . Effects are unpredictable and often more severe than alcohol . Slide 4: Minimum Visual Thresholds and Health VEHICL PLATE You MUST be able to read a number plate from this distance in good daylight . Sun Glare ( Rule 93 ) : Slow down or stop if dazzled by bright sunlight . Night Driving ( Rule 94 ) : Do not use tinted glasses , lenses , or visors at night or in poor visibility if they restrict vision . If you need glasses or lenses to achieve this , you MUST wear them at all times while driving . Rule 90 ( Fitness to Drive ) : You MUST report to the DVLA any health condition likely to affect your driving . Slide 5: The Fatigue Management Timeline The Danger Zone : Natural alertness is at its absolute minimum . Avoid undertaking long journeys . 2 Hours Driving 15 Min Break ( Min ) Plan journeys to take ! sufficient breaks . Do not begin a journey if tired . If you feel sleepy , stop in a safe place . You MUST NOT stop in an emergency area or on a hard shoulder of a motorway to rest . Slide 6: Pre - Ignition Dashboard Checklist Legal Readiness Valid driving licence and insurance . Vehicle and trailer comply with Construction , Use , and Lighting Regulations ( roadworthy ) . Cabin Setup Mirrors and seat adjusted for comfort , control , and maximum vision . Head restraints properly adjusted to reduce neck / spine injury risk in a collision . Clothing and footwear allow correct use of controls . Journey Logistics Route planned with allowed time for delays / breaks . Sufficient fuel / charge for the journey ( especially motorways ) . Recommended additions : Mobile phone for emergencies and high- visibility clothing . Slide 7: The Seatbelt and Restraint Matrix The driver is legally responsible for the restraint compliance of all passengers under 14 years of age . Demographic Front Seat Legal Responsibility Under 3 years 3 years to 1.35m ( or 12th b - day ) Over 1.35m ( approx 4ft 5ins ) or 12-13 yrs Correct child restraint MUST be used . Rear Seat Correct child restraint MUST be used ( may travel unrestrained in taxi if unavailable ) . Correct restraint MUST be used if belts fitted . ( Exceptions apply for taxis or short unexpected journeys ) . Seatbelt MUST be worn . Adult ( 14+ ) Passenger Slide 8: The Airbag Danger Zone You MUST NOT fit a rear - facing baby seat into a seat protected by an active frontal airbag . In a crash , the explosive force of the airbag will strike the seat , causing serious injury or death . General Child Safety Children should enter the vehicle through the kerbside door . Engage child safety door locks . Do not allow children to sit behind rear seats in an estate / hatchback without a special seat . Slide 9: The Physics of Safe Towing Ensure a downward load on the tow ball to anchor the connection . Distribute weight evenly with heavy items directly over the trailer's axle to minimize swerving or snaking . Do not tow more weight than your licence permits . Trailer MUST have working brakes , legal tyres , and working lights . Load MUST be secured and MUST NOT stick out dangerously . MUST use towing mirrors if the trailer is wider than the car or obstructs rearward view . Trailer MUST be fitted with a secondary coupling device ( e.g. , safety chain ) . Slide 10: Dynamics of a Pulled Load You MUST NOT drive in the right - hand lane on motorways with three or more lanes when towing . Operational Adjustments Speed & Space : Reduced speed limits apply . Stopping distances increase significantly due to the added mass . Loss of Control : If the trailer starts to swerve or snake , ease off the accelerator and reduce speed gently . Do NOT brake harshly . Breakdowns : Towing a broken - down vehicle on a rope is potentially dangerous . Consider a solid tow bar or professional recovery . Slide 11: The Complete Safe - Drive Ecosystem The Operator Biologically clear ( zero impairment ) , fatigue-managed , with 20m visual acuity . The Machine Mechanically roadworthy , legally insured , with optimally adjusted seating . The Cabin Passengers secured strictly by height / weight metrics ; active airbags disabled for infants . The Payload Mass centered over axles , anchored via downward tow - ball load , extended mirrors . Compliance is not merely a legal obligation ; it is a meticulous system of physical preparation . A safe journey is mathematically determined before the key is ever turned .

📜 Official Lesson Transcript & Audio SRT Dialogue 144 Timestamps

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00:00 You know, most of us probably think a journey starts the moment you turn that key in the ignition.

00:05 But what if I told you the most critical part of any drive actually happens before you even get in the car?

00:10 Today we're going to dig into the official highway code pre-drive checklist.

00:14 The stuff every single driver really needs to know by heart.

00:18 OK, so here's our game plan.

00:20 First, we're going to check in on you, the driver.

00:22 Then we'll get into impairment, the state of your vehicle, how to handle extra loads,

00:27 and finally, the absolute must-nose for keeping your passenger safe.

00:31 Sound good? Let's dive right in.

00:33 Alright, first things first. Before we even think about touching the car keys,

00:37 the number one check is, well, it's us.

00:40 I mean, seriously, your physical and mental state, that's the bedrock of every single safe journey you'll ever take.

00:46 And right away, we hit a big one.

00:49 You gotta remember, anytime you see the word must in the highway code, that's not just friendly advice.

00:54 That's the law. It's a legal requirement.

00:56 And being a responsible driver starts with being totally upfront about any health condition

01:01 that could possibly affect you behind the wheel.

01:03 You know, driver fatigue, it's a silent killer.

01:07 It really is.

01:08 And rule 91 gives us the super practical three-step plan to fight back.

01:12 And listen, this isn't just about feeling a little bit tired.

01:15 This is about actively planning your journey to stay alert.

01:18 So build in those breaks, and seriously, try to avoid those long hauls when your body's

01:22 naturally screaming for sleep.

01:24 It makes a huge difference.

01:26 OK, 20 meters. What's that all about?

01:28 Well, that's the magic number.

01:30 It's the standard eyesight test.

01:32 You must, there's that word again, be able to read a license plate from 20 meters away.

01:36 And hey, if you need glasses or contacts to do it, you have to wear them.

01:40 No ifs, ands, or buts.

01:41 It's a super simple check.

01:43 You can literally do yourself right now.

01:45 And speaking of vision, it's not just about how good your eyes are.

01:49 It's also about what's going on around you.

01:51 You know that moment when you're hit with blinding sun glare, the only safe thing to do

01:56 is to slow right down or maybe even pull over for a second until you can see clearly.

02:01 And as for driving at night with tinted glasses, just no, don't do it.

02:05 It sounds like basic common sense, and it is, but it's the kind of common sense that saves

02:09 lives.

02:10 OK, let's move on to our second big check, and this one is huge, impairment.

02:16 When it comes to alcohol and drugs, let's be absolutely crystal clear about this.

02:20 The highway code leaves zero, and I mean zero room for interpretation.

02:25 There's just no gray area when safety's on the line.

02:28 I mean, look at this quote right from the code, it really says it all, doesn't it?

02:32 The only truly foolproof strategy.

02:35 It's not about counting units or trying to guess if you're OK to drive.

02:39 The smartest, safest, and yep, officially recommended move is to just completely separate drinking

02:44 from driving.

02:45 End of story.

02:47 So this is pretty interesting.

02:49 You can see the legal maximums here, and you'll notice Scotland's limit is actually lower.

02:53 But here's the most important thing to take away from this.

02:56 These limits are not a target.

02:58 They're a cliff edge you don't want to get near.

03:00 The reality is, any amount of alcohol messes with your driving.

03:04 Even one drink is enough to slow your reaction time.

03:07 And if you're wondering why it's so dangerous, here you go.

03:10 Alcohol creates this really toxic cocktail of effects.

03:14 It jacks up your confidence, but at the same time, it's completely destroying your actual

03:17 ability to drive.

03:19 It's a terrifying combination, right?

03:21 Your coordination goes, your reactions get sluggish, and your brain just can't properly

03:25 judge speed or distance anymore.

03:27 And listen, this isn't just about booze.

03:29 The law is every bit as strict when it comes to drugs.

03:32 You must not drive if you're impaired.

03:34 And that includes illegal drugs for sure, but also prescribed or even over-the-counter medicine.

03:39 If that little label says it might make you drowsy, it is 100% your responsibility to

03:44 check with a doctor before you even think about getting behind the wheel.

03:47 All right, so we've established your fit and clear to drive.

03:51 Great.

03:52 Now let's turn our attention to the car itself.

03:54 And this is where the highway code makes a really important distinction, a line in the

03:57 sand between what the law absolutely demands and what smart, safe drivers just do.

04:03 And here it is, laid out perfectly.

04:05 That must call them on the left?

04:07 That's the law.

04:08 Totally non-negotiable.

04:10 But the should call them on the right?

04:12 Ah, now that's the good stuff.

04:14 That's what separates an average driver from a truly great one.

04:18 Planning your route, making sure you have in a fuel, getting your seat and mirrors just right,

04:22 these are the simple habits that stop problems before they can even start.

04:26 Okay, next up.

04:28 What happens when you're carrying more than just passengers?

04:31 It could be a trunk crammed with luggage for a holiday, or a full-on trailer hits to the

04:36 back.

04:37 But whatever it is, you have to remember this one simple rule.

04:41 Extra weight always, always means extra responsibility.

04:45 So if you're towing anything at all, rule 98 basically gives you a non-negotiable checklist.

04:52 And look, every single one of these points is a legal must.

04:55 It's not optional.

04:57 For making sure your license actually covers you to ensuring the load is totally secure,

05:02 these aren't just helpful tips.

05:04 They are the law, and they exist to prevent truly catastrophic accidents.

05:09 And now we come to our final check.

05:10 And honestly, it might just be the most important one of all.

05:14 Making sure that every single person in your vehicle is buckled up properly and legally.

05:20 This is the key, underline it, memorize it.

05:22 If there's a child under 14 in your car, you the driver are legally on the hook for making

05:27 sure they're in the right restraint.

05:29 The buck stops with you.

05:31 OK, I know a table like this can look a little intimidating at first glance,

05:35 but it actually makes everything super clear.

05:37 Just follow along with the child's age and height.

05:39 But hey, notice the pattern?

05:41 Just look at that last column.

05:43 See?

05:43 Up until they hit 14, who's responsible, the driver, every single time.

05:48 It's only after that that it's on the passenger to buckle themselves up.

05:51 I have to stop here for a second, because this is probably one of the most

05:55 critical safety warnings in the entire highway code.

05:59 An active airbag firing into the back of a rear-facing baby seat is a catastrophic event.

06:05 It can be fatal.

06:06 This is a life or death rule.

06:08 Never, ever forget it.

06:10 So on top of the strict laws, rule 102 gives us these, well, these pro tips for keeping kids safe.

06:17 Little things, right?

06:18 Like using the door on the curb side,

06:20 clicking on the child's safety locks,

06:22 and triple checking that the car seat is fitted exactly how the manufacturer

06:26 says it should be.

06:27 It's all about building layers of safety,

06:29 creating the most secure little bubble you can for your passengers.

06:33 So wow, that was a lot of really vital information, wasn't it?

06:36 Let's boil it all down, shall we?

06:38 Let's create a simple but powerful checklist.

06:41 You can run through in your head before you even think about starting the car.

06:45 And here it is.

06:46 At the end of the day, it all comes down to just three simple questions.

06:50 Number one, check yourself.

06:52 Are you fit to drive, alert, sober?

06:55 Number two, check your vehicle.

06:57 Is it legal?

06:58 Is it safe?

06:59 Is it loaded correctly?

07:01 And number three, check your passengers.

07:03 Is everyone in the car safely and legally strapped in?

07:07 Answering those three questions, honestly, before every single trip,

07:11 that's what separates a good driver from a great one.

07:14 So I'll leave you with this to think about.

07:16 After everything we've gone through today,

07:18 what's the one pre-drive check that you are absolutely positively never going to skip again?

📖 Rules for Drivers & Motorcyclists (Rules 89-102)

📌 1. Vehicle Condition and Fitness to Drive (Rules 89-94)

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Rule 89 ↗ (Vehicle condition): You MUST ensure your vehicle and trailer comply with the full requirements of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations and Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations.
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Rule 90 ↗ (Fitness to drive): Make sure that you are fit to drive. You MUST report to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) any health condition likely to affect your driving.
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Rule 91 ↗: Driving when you are tired greatly increases your risk of collision. To minimise this risk:
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make sure you are fit to drive. Do not begin a journey if you are tired. Get sufficient sleep before embarking on a long journey.
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avoid undertaking long journeys between midnight and 6 am, when natural alertness is at a minimum.
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plan your journey to take sufficient breaks. A minimum break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving is recommended.
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if you feel sleepy, stop in a safe place. Do not stop in an emergency area or on a hard shoulder of a motorway.
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Rule 92 ↗ (Vision): You MUST be able to read a vehicle number plate, in good daylight, from a distance of 20 metres (or 20.5 metres where the old style number plate is used). If you need to wear glasses (or contact lenses) to do this, you MUST** wear them at all times while driving.
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Rule 93 ↗: ** Slow down, and if necessary stop, if you are dazzled by bright sunlight.
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Rule 94 ↗: ** At night or in poor visibility, do not use tinted glasses, lenses or visors if they restrict your vision.

📌 2. Alcohol and Drugs (Rules 95-96)

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Rule 95 ↗: Do not drink and drive as it will seriously affect your judgement and abilities. In England and Wales you MUST NOT drive with a breath alcohol level higher than 35 microgrammes/100 millilitres of breath or a blood alcohol level of more than 80 milligrammes/100 millilitres of blood. In Scotland the legal limits are lower. You MUST NOT drive with a breath alcohol level higher than 22 microgrammes/100 millilitres of breath or a blood alcohol level of more than 50 milligrammes/100 millilitres of blood.
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Rule 96 ↗: You MUST NOT** drive under the influence of drugs or medicine. For certain medicines, you must be able to prove that you have taken them according to the instructions of a healthcare professional. Check the instructions or ask your doctor or pharmacist.

📌 3. Before Setting Off (Rule 97)

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Rule 97 ↗: Before setting off. You MUST** ensure that you have a valid licence and insurance. You should ensure that:
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you have planned your route and allowed sufficient time
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clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner
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you know where all the controls are and how to use them before you need them
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your mirrors and seat are adjusted correctly to ensure comfort, full control and maximum vision
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head restraints are adjusted properly to reduce the risk of neck and spine injuries in the event of a collision.

It is recommended for emergency use that you have a mobile telephone containing emergency contacts (e.g. breakdown assistance) and you have high-visibility clothing.

🖼️ Rule 97: Make sure head restraints are properly adjusted

📌 4. Vehicle Towing and Loading (Rule 98)

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Rule 98 ↗: Before towing. As a driver:
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you MUST NOT tow more than your licence permits. If you passed your car driving test on or after 1 January 1997, you are restricted on the weight of trailer you can tow.
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you MUST ensure that both your vehicle and your trailer are in a roadworthy condition. This includes checking that all tyres are legal, the trailer braking system is in full working order and all trailer lights are working correctly.
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you MUST NOT overload your vehicle or trailer. You should not tow a weight greater than that recommended by the manufacturer of your vehicle.
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you should distribute the weight in your caravan or trailer evenly with heavy items over the axle(s) and ensure a downward load on the tow ball. The manufacturer’s recommended weight and tow ball load should not be exceeded. This should minimise the possibility of swerving or snaking and loss of control.
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you MUST secure your load and it MUST NOT stick out dangerously. Make sure any heavy or sharp objects and any animals are secured safely. If there is a collision, they might hit someone inside the vehicle and cause serious injury.
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if your vehicle is narrower than your trailer or load, or your trailer or load obstructs your rearward view, then towing mirrors MUST be used.
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your trailer MUST be fitted with a secondary coupling device, such as a safety chain.
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carrying a load or pulling a trailer may require you to adjust your headlights.

During towing. As a driver:

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you should be aware that reduced speed limits apply (see Rule 124 ↗).
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you should be aware that your stopping distance may increase significantly when towing (see Rule 126 ↗).
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you MUST NOT drive in the right-hand lane on motorways with three or more lanes (see Rule 265 ↗).
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if the trailer starts to swerve or snake, or you lose control, ease off the accelerator and reduce speed gently to regain control. Do not brake harshly.

Breakdowns. In the event of a breakdown, be aware:

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that towing a vehicle on a tow rope is potentially dangerous. You should consider using a solid tow bar or professional recovery.
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it may take longer to build up speed when rejoining a carriageway.

📌 5. Seat Belts and Child Restraints (Rules 99-102)

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Rule 99 ↗: You MUST wear a seat belt in cars, vans and other goods vehicles if one is fitted. Adults, and children aged 14 years and over, MUST use a seat belt or child restraint, where fitted, when seated in minibuses, buses and coaches. Exemptions are allowed for the holders of medical exemption certificates and those making deliveries or collections in goods vehicles when travelling less than 50 metres (approx 162 feet).
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Rule 100 ↗: The driver MUST** ensure that all children under 14 years of age in cars, vans and other goods vehicles wear seat belts or sit in an approved child restraint where required.

🖼️ Rule 100: Make sure that a child uses a suitable restraint which is correctly adjusted

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Rule 101 ↗: A rear-facing baby seat MUST NOT be fitted into a seat protected by an active frontal airbag, as in a crash it can cause serious injury or death to the child.
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Rule 102 ↗: Children in cars, vans and other goods vehicles. Drivers who are carrying children in cars, vans and other goods vehicles should also ensure that:
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children should get into the vehicle through the door nearest the kerb.
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child restraints are properly fitted to manufacturer’s instructions.
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children do not sit behind the rear seats in an estate car or hatchback, unless a special child seat has been fitted.
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the child safety door locks, where fitted, are used when children are in the vehicle.
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children are kept under control.

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