Roadworks in the theory test: what to do if the left-hand pavement is closed due to street repairs
Updated •5 min read
If the left-hand pavement is closed due to street repairs, pedestrians are directed to use the road, so you should drive carefully and slowly. The Highway Code lists this in rule 206 among the places to take extra care.
This page covers that question, plus what the Highway Code says about speed limits, lane closures, contraflow systems and works vehicles at roadworks. Every rule is from the Highway Code on gov.uk and the rule numbers are given so you can check them.
When the pavement is closed (rule 206)
Rule 206 tells you to drive carefully and slowly in several situations, and one of them is when the pavement is closed due to street repairs and pedestrians are directed to use the road.
Rule 206 also says to go carefully and slowly when going through road works, because there may be people working in or at the side of the road.
In practice that means:
- Slow down early. Pedestrians in the road are close to your path and may be hard to see.
- Leave plenty of room. Rule 163 says to allow at least 2 metres of space and keep to a low speed when passing a pedestrian who is walking in the road (rules 162 to 169).
- Be ready to stop. If you cannot leave that room, wait behind the pedestrian rather than squeezing past.
Road works ahead (rule 288)
When the "Road Works Ahead" sign is displayed, rule 288 says to take extra care and look for additional signs giving more specific instructions. The rule lists what to do:
| Rule 288 says | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| You must not exceed any temporary maximum speed limit | Temporary limits are legally enforceable, like permanent ones |
| Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front | Queues can form quickly at works |
| Get into the correct lane in good time | Follow the signs and cones |
| Do not switch lanes to overtake queuing traffic | Do not jump the queue |
| Where lanes are restricted, merge in turn | See rule 134 below |
| Do not drive through an area marked off by traffic cones | Cones mark a hazard area |
| Watch for vehicles entering or leaving the works | Amber lights mean leave extra space |
The same rule asks you to take extra care near cyclists and motorcyclists, who are vulnerable to skidding on grit, mud or other debris at road works. Our vulnerable road users guide covers them in more detail.
Merging in turn (rule 134)
Rule 134 says merging in turn is recommended, but only if it is safe and appropriate when vehicles are travelling at a very low speed, for example when approaching road works. It says it is not recommended at high speed (rules 103 to 158).
High-speed roads (rules 289 and 290)
Rule 289 asks for special care at roadworks on motorways and other high-speed dual carriageways, where lanes may be closed and a lower speed limit may apply.
- Keep Left or Keep Right signs on a works vehicle: you must move over and pass on the side indicated, and not return to the closed lane until you can see it is safe.
- "Convoy vehicle no overtaking": you must not pass the vehicle.
Our dual carriageways guide covers lane use on those roads.
Narrow lanes and contraflow (rule 290)
Rule 290 says road works can have features that need extra care.
- Narrow lanes: lanes may be narrower than normal and are marked by studs or temporary road markings. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
- Contraflow: you may be in a narrower lane than normal with no permanent barrier between you and oncoming traffic. Slow down and increase your distance from the vehicle in front at the start and finish, because changes in camber can affect stability.
- Breakdown: areas marked off by cones contain significant hazards. If you break down, move to a signed road works refuge where available.
Practise before the test
The free practice questions let you try these rules in question form. If you are booking your test, the test centres page lists centres by city.
Check what you remember
Try the free theorytest.ai diagnostic to see whether roadworks and vulnerable pedestrians are a weak area. theorytest.ai is independent and is not affiliated with the DVSA. Gov.uk does not publish test questions, so we cannot say how many are about roadworks.
Frequently asked questions
What should you do if the left-hand pavement is closed due to street repairs?
Drive carefully and slowly, because pedestrians are directed to use the road (rule 206). Leave at least 2 metres when passing them (rule 163).
Can you exceed the speed limit at roadworks?
No. Rule 288 says you must not exceed any temporary maximum speed limit.
Should you switch lanes to overtake queuing traffic at roadworks?
No. Rule 288 says not to switch lanes to overtake queuing traffic. It also says not to drive through an area marked off by cones.
What is a contraflow system?
Rule 290 says you travel in a narrower lane than normal, with no permanent barrier between you and oncoming traffic. Slow down at the start and finish.
Can you overtake a vehicle marked "convoy vehicle no overtaking"?
No. Rule 289 says you must not pass it.