Car Lights and Headlights
Car lights and headlights help you see the road ahead and make sure other road users can see
you. They include sidelights, dipped headlights, main beam, fog lights, brake lights, indicators and hazard
warning lights. Knowing how and when to use your car lights and headlights is essential for
passing the
DVSA driving theory test and for staying safe on
real UK roads.
Use this Car Lights and Headlights guide to learn the key rules for learner drivers, see how
they apply in everyday driving, and help you prepare for the UK
car theory test,
motorcycle theory test,
HGV / LGV theory test,
PCV theory test, or
ADI Part 1 DVSA theory test.
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What are car lights and headlights for?
Car lights and headlights are there to help you see and be seen. They make your vehicle
visible to others, light up the road ahead at night or in poor visibility, and show other road users when
you are slowing down, turning or stopped.
As a learner driver or rider, you must understand when to use dipped headlights, when main beam is
appropriate, when fog lights are allowed and when hazard warning lights should (and should not) be used. You must use your lights so that you can see clearly without dazzling or confusing other
road users.
Key car lights and headlights rules
As a learner driver or rider, you need to show that you understand how to use your car lights and
headlights correctly and can apply these rules on real roads. Here are the key lights and headlights
rules you should know:
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Make sure all your lights are working, clean and in good order before driving, including
headlights, sidelights, brake lights, indicators and number plate lights.
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Use dipped headlights at night in built-up areas and whenever visibility is reduced, such
as in rain, mist or poor light. Switch to dipped headlights when meeting or following other traffic so you
do not dazzle other road users.
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Use main beam headlights on unlit roads at night to see further ahead, but switch back to
dipped headlights in good time when another road user is coming towards you or when you are following
another vehicle.
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Only use front and rear fog lights when visibility is seriously reduced, for example in
thick fog. Turn them off as soon as visibility improves so that you do not dazzle other drivers.
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Use your brake lights to show clearly when you are slowing down or stopping, and your
indicators in good time to signal turns and lane changes.
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Use hazard warning lights to warn other road users when your vehicle is stationary and
causing an obstruction or danger. Do not use them while driving, except briefly to warn traffic behind of a
hazard or sudden slowing on a motorway or dual carriageway.
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Do not use lights in a way that dazzles, confuses or misleads other road users. For
example, by leaving main beam on, misusing fog lights or flashing your lights aggressively.
These lights and headlights rules are based on Rules 113-116 of the UK Highway Code, which
cover lighting requirements, use of headlights, fog lights and hazard warning lights. Want to see the
Highway Code car lights and headlights rules?
View the Highway Code lighting requirements.
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Types of car lights and when to use them
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Sidelights - help others see you and your vehicle's width. Used in dull
conditions and sometimes when parked on certain roads at night.
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Dipped headlights - your main everyday driving lights at night and in poor visibility.
Give good light ahead without dazzling other road users.
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Main beam headlights - provide a longer, brighter beam on unlit roads. Only use when you
will not dazzle oncoming drivers or those in front of you.
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Front and rear fog lights - extra-bright lights used only when visibility is seriously
reduced, for example in thick fog. Must be switched off when visibility improves.
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Brake lights - show red at the back when you press the brake pedal to warn following
drivers that you are slowing down or stopping.
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Indicators (direction indicators) - show others which way you intend to turn or move.
Always signal in good time and cancel the signal once the manoeuvre is complete.
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Hazard warning lights - all indicators flash together to warn of a hazard when you are
stationary or when traffic behind needs urgent warning of danger ahead.
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Daytime running lights (DRLs) - come on automatically in many modern vehicles to make you
more visible during the day.
Knowing what each type of light does, and when to use it, will help you stay safe, avoid dazzling others
and answer lights and headlights questions correctly in your DVSA theory test.
Car lights and headlights in real driving situations
Lights and headlights rules are not just theory test facts - you will use them in everyday driving. You'll
need them whenever you:
- Drive at night on unlit rural roads and must switch safely between dipped and main beam.
- Drive in heavy rain, fog or mist and must use dipped headlights or fog lights correctly.
- Park at night on roads with or without street lighting and need to decide which lights to leave on.
- Break down or stop in a dangerous place and need to use your hazard warning lights to alert others.
In your practical driving test, examiners will expect you to use your lights correctly for the conditions,
avoid dazzling others and use hazard warning lights appropriately when needed.
Car lights and headlights theory test questions in the DVSA theory test
Car lights and headlights appear in the multiple-choice part of the DVSA theory test in several ways. You
may be asked:
- When you should use dipped headlights, main beam or sidelights.
- When you may use front and rear fog lights and when you must switch them off.
- When it is appropriate to use hazard warning lights.
- How incorrect use of headlights or fog lights can dazzle or endanger other road users.
Explore a sample of the latest DVSA theory test revision questions in Driving Theory 4 All's
theory test questions and answers
section.
Source: Department for Transport (GOV.UK) - The Highway Code. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.