How to Revise the Highway Code Without Reading It Cover to Cover

The Highway Code has over 300 rules plus annexes on signs, vehicle maintenance and penalties. Reading it from start to finish is slow, and most of it will not stick. A better approach is to revise it in sections, starting with the parts the theory test returns to again and again, and testing yourself after each one.

I build RoadTick: Driving Theory Test, a free UK theory test app for iPhone and iPad, and the screenshots in this guide come from it. If you want to practise as you read, get RoadTick on the App Store.

Which Highway Code sections matter most for the theory test?

1. Introduction and the hierarchy of road users (Rules H1 to H3).
2. Rules for pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders, because so many questions are about how drivers should treat them.
3. General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers, including speed limits, stopping distances and overtaking.
4. Road junctions and roundabouts.
5. Motorways.
6. Breakdowns and incidents.
7. Signs and road markings. See UK road signs explained.

What changed in the Highway Code in 2022?

In January 2022 the Highway Code was updated to protect the most vulnerable road users. These changes are now examined, and older revision material may not include them:

• Hierarchy of road users (Rule H1): those who can do the greatest harm (drivers of large vehicles, then cars) have the greatest responsibility to reduce danger to others.
• Pedestrian priority at junctions (Rule H2): when turning into or out of a side road, you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross.
• Cyclists going straight ahead (Rule H3): do not cut across cyclists, horse riders or horse-drawn vehicles going ahead when you are turning.
• Overtaking cyclists: leave at least 1.5 metres at speeds up to 30 mph, and more at higher speeds.
• The Dutch reach: open your car door with the hand furthest from it, so you naturally look over your shoulder for cyclists.

Which numbers do I need to know?

Topic	Figure
Stopping distance at 30 mph	23 metres (about 6 car lengths)
Stopping distance at 70 mph	96 metres (about 24 car lengths)
Following distance	At least a 2-second gap in good conditions, doubled in the wet
National speed limit, cars	60 mph single carriageway, 70 mph dual carriageway and motorway
Overtaking cyclists	At least 1.5 m at up to 30 mph
Children in cars	A child car seat until 12 years old or 135 cm tall, whichever comes first
Using a hand-held phone while driving	6 penalty points and a £200 fine
New drivers	Licence revoked at 6 points within 2 years of passing

How do I revise the Highway Code faster?

1. One section per session. Read it, then immediately answer practice questions on it.
2. Turn numbers into flashcards. Speeds, distances, ages and penalties are easy marks once memorised.
3. Read "must" and "should" carefully. Rules that say MUST or MUST NOT are legal requirements. "Should" is advice, but it can still be used as evidence in court.
4. Picture it. For junction and roundabout rules, imagine yourself in the driver's seat.
5. Revisit weak sections a few days later.

Do I need to buy the Highway Code?

No. The Highway Code is free to read on GOV.UK, and it is the official source. Printed copies and apps make revision easier, but the content is the same. RoadTick presents it in a format that is easy to revise, broken into sections with practice questions alongside.

For the full test format, see the UK driving theory test guide.

More guides you may find useful:

• UK Stopping Distances for the Theory Test: Chart, Car Lengths and an Easy Way to Remember
• UK Roundabout Rules: Lanes, Signals and Mini-Roundabouts Explained
• UK Road Markings Explained: White Lines, Yellow Lines, Zigzags and Cat’s Eyes

How RoadTick helps

• Practice questions for every theory topic, each with a plain-English explanation.
• Timed mock tests in the real format: 50 questions in 57 minutes, scored against the pass mark of 43.
• Hazard perception practice to build the timing the second part tests.
• The Highway Code broken into short sections that are easy to revise.
• UK road signs and markings with clear images and meanings.
• Progress tracking that shows which topics still need work before you book.

Download RoadTick free on the App Store and turn spare minutes into theory test practice. RoadTick is an independent app and is not affiliated with the DVSA.