Highway Code rules 168, 172, 188, 221, 265

Highway Code rule 168 says that when a driver is trying to overtake you, you keep a steady course and speed, slowing down if necessary to let them pass. Rules 172, 188, 221 and 265 are below in the same way: the rule number, what it says, and how it turns up in a theory test question. All wording is from The Highway Code on gov.uk, read on 28 October 2026.

Rule 168: being overtaken

Rule 168 says: maintain a steady course and speed, slowing down if necessary to let the vehicle pass. Never obstruct drivers who wish to pass. Speeding up or driving unpredictably while someone is overtaking you is dangerous. If someone overtakes and pulls into the gap in front of you, drop back to keep a two-second gap (rules 159 to 203).

Worked example. A car behind you moves out to overtake on a straight road. The right answer is to hold your speed, or ease off slightly, and keep your position. Speeding up to "help" them past is the wrong answer. When they pull in ahead, ease back until the gap is two seconds again.

Our overtaking guide covers the other side: when you may overtake yourself.

Rule 172: giving way at broken white lines

Rule 172 says the approach to a junction may have a "Give Way" sign or a triangle marked on the road. You must give way to traffic on the main road when emerging from a junction with broken white lines across the road.

Worked example. You are waiting in a side road and the line across it is broken, not solid. Traffic on the main road has priority, so you wait for a safe gap. A "Stop" sign with a solid white line is different: you must stop behind the line first. Our junctions guide has the full set.

Rule 188: mini-roundabouts

Rule 188 says to approach mini-roundabouts the same way as normal roundabouts. All vehicles must pass round the central markings except large vehicles that are physically incapable of doing so. There is less space to manoeuvre and less time to signal. Avoid U-turns at mini-roundabouts, and beware of others doing this.

Worked example. At a mini-roundabout you are in a car, so you go round the central white circle, not over it. Only a vehicle too large to do so may drive over it. Rule 189 adds that at double mini-roundabouts you treat each one separately and give way to traffic from the right. More in our roundabouts guide.

Rule 221: large vehicles

Rule 221 says large vehicles may need extra road space to turn, or to deal with a hazard you cannot see. If you follow a bus or articulated lorry, the driver may not be able to see you in the mirrors. Be prepared to stop and wait if it needs room or time to turn (rules 204 to 225).

Worked example. A lorry ahead swings out to the right before turning left. Do not move into the gap on its left. Stop and wait: that is the answer the Highway Code wants. Our vulnerable road users guide lists the other rules in this section.

Rule 265: the right-hand lane of a motorway

Rule 265 says the right-hand lane of a motorway with three or more lanes must not be used, except in prescribed circumstances, if you are driving any vehicle drawing a trailer, or a goods vehicle over 3.5 tonnes maximum laden weight (the rule gives the weight bands) (rules 253 to 273).

Worked example. A car towing a caravan on a three-lane motorway may use the left and middle lanes but not the right-hand one. A car with no trailer may use all three. See our motorway rules guide.

Practise these rules

Try the free practice questions, or read the rule pages in the Highway Code section. theorytest.ai is independent and is not affiliated with the DVSA.

Frequently asked questions

What does Highway Code rule 168 say?

When a driver tries to overtake you, keep a steady course and speed, slowing down if necessary to let them pass. Never obstruct them (rule 168).

What does Highway Code rule 172 say?

You must give way to traffic on the main road when emerging from a junction with broken white lines across the road (rule 172).

What does Highway Code rule 188 say?

All vehicles must pass round the central markings of a mini-roundabout, except large vehicles that are physically incapable of doing so (rule 188).

What does Highway Code rule 221 say?

Large vehicles may need extra room to turn, and their drivers may not see you in the mirrors. Be prepared to stop and wait (rule 221).

What does Highway Code rule 265 say?

The right-hand lane of a motorway with three or more lanes must not be used by vehicles drawing a trailer or by goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes (rule 265).