Theory Hub UK Theory Test

When can you use a mobile phone while you're driving?

Why this is the answer

It's illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while you're driving (except for genuine emergencies). Driving requires your total attention and concentration at all times. Using a mobile phone will distract you and increase your chances of having a collision. Even using a hands-free system will distract you. Be safe: switch off your phone before you start driving and pick up any messages when you stop for a break.

Why the other answers don't fit

A
When you're satisfied that no other traffic is near — An empty road does not make a hand-held call lawful.
B
When you're able to drive one-handed — One-handed driving is not control.
D
When there's a lay-by ahead to stop in — A lay-by ahead is where you would stop to make the call, not permission to make it now.

Where this comes from

  • Driving: the essential skills — section 1
  • The Highway Code — rule 149

Rule numbers link to The Highway Code on gov.uk.

Where this question comes from

The question, its options and the explanation are reproduced word for word from the DVSA revision question bank under licence. The licence requires them to appear unaltered, so we cannot reword them and neither can anyone else — that is why you will meet the same wording on other sites. Everything else on this page is written by Theory Hub: the explanation of why each wrong answer is wrong, the topic guide and the revision notes.

More about our sources and licence

Asked in: Driving Instructor (ADI Part 1)

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