You’re riding at night. You have your headlights on main beam. When should you dip your headlights if another vehicle overtakes you?
- A When the other vehicle signals to overtake
- B As soon as the other vehicle moves out to overtake
- C As soon as the other vehicle passes you
- D After the other vehicle pulls in front of you
Why this is the answer
At night, you should dip your headlights to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers or those ahead of you. If you’re being overtaken, dip your headlights as the other vehicle comes past. When you switch to dipped beam, your view of the road ahead will be reduced, so look ahead for hazards on your side of the road before you do so.
Why the other answers don't fit
- A
- When the other vehicle signals to overtake — A signal is only an intention. The other driver may not go through with it.
- B
- As soon as the other vehicle moves out to overtake — While they are still alongside, your main beam is lighting the road they are about to join.
- D
- After the other vehicle pulls in front of you — Waiting until they are in front means your main beam has already been in their mirrors.
Where this comes from
- Riding: the essential skills — section 13
- The Highway Code — rule 115
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.
Asked in: Motorcycle
More questions on Alertness
- What does the term ‘lifesaver’ mean?
- What should you do before riding a motorcycle you've never ridden before?
- What should you do if you’re riding at night and are dazzled by the headlights of an approaching vehicle?
- What should you do if you see an incident on the other side of the motorway?
- What should you do if you're riding at night and are dazzled by the headlights of an oncoming car?
- What should you do to move off safely from a parked position?
- What will happen if you become very cold while you're riding your motorcycle?
- What's the ‘lifesaver’ when riding a motorcycle?