Driving MasteryTheory categories
Attitude: what the DVSA theory test category covers
Attitude is one of the 14 DVSA theory test categories. What it covers, from courtesy to crossings, and where learners lose marks.
Practise attitude questionsQuick answer
- Attitude is one of the 14 DVSA theory test topic categories, answered as multiple-choice questions.
- It is about how you respond to other road users: patience, courtesy, giving priority to people, and keeping a safe distance.
- Some of it is law, such as giving way to a pedestrian who has moved onto a zebra crossing. Much of it is Highway Code advice.
Attitude sounds like a topic about manners, so learners expect easy marks. It is really about safety: how the way you react to other people on the road makes a collision more likely or less likely, including when the other person is the one in the wrong.
What the category covers
Our attitude lesson works through these areas:
- Courtesy as a safety tool: patience with other road users, and what to do when someone else drives aggressively.
- Priority for people: pedestrian crossings, emergency vehicles, animals and horse riders.
- Space, position and lights: following distance, positioning so others can see what you intend, and using your lights without dazzling anyone.
Where learners lose marks
- Choosing the answer that wins the argument rather than the one that keeps everyone safe.
- Using the horn or a headlight flash to say something. In the Highway Code each has one narrow purpose.
- Mixing up the pedestrian crossings. Zebra, pelican, puffin and toucan crossings do not all work the same way.
Related learning
When you are ready to revise
Theory Access — £5.99, one payment
Work through the question bank by category, see every question you got wrong and why, and sit timed mock tests in the real format. No subscription.
Not sure yet? The free 25-question diagnostic needs no account and shows you which categories are weakest.
See what Theory Access includesPart of a topic guide
DVSA theory test categories
Part of Driving Mastery's guide to the DVSA theory test categories, explaining what each topic covers and how to revise it.
What are the 14 DVSA theory test categories?
Learn the DVSA theory test topic categories and how to use them to organise your revision.
Safety margins: what the DVSA theory test category covers
Safety margins is one of the 14 DVSA theory test categories. Learn what it covers, the gap rules that actually apply, and how to revise it properly.
Hazard awareness: what the DVSA theory test category covers
Hazard awareness is one of the 14 DVSA theory test categories. What it covers, how it differs from hazard perception, and where learners lose marks.
Rules of the road: what the DVSA theory test category covers
Rules of the road is one of the 14 DVSA theory test categories. What it covers, the difference between law and advice, and where learners lose marks.
Vulnerable road users: what the DVSA theory test category covers
Vulnerable road users is one of the 14 DVSA theory test categories. Who it is about, what it covers, and where learners lose marks.
Alertness: what the DVSA theory test category covers
Alertness is one of the 14 DVSA theory test categories. What it covers, from mirrors to tiredness, and where learners lose marks.
Safety and your vehicle: what the DVSA theory test category covers
Safety and your vehicle is one of the 14 DVSA theory test categories. What it covers, from tyres to seat belts, and where learners lose marks.
Vehicle handling: what the DVSA theory test category covers
Vehicle handling is one of the 14 DVSA theory test categories. What it covers, from gears to fog, and where learners lose marks.
Motorway rules: what the DVSA theory test category covers
Motorway rules is one of the 14 DVSA theory test categories. What it covers, from joining to breakdowns, and where learners lose marks.
Essential documents: what the DVSA theory test category covers
Essential documents is one of the 14 DVSA theory test categories. What it covers, from insurance to the MOT, and where learners lose marks.
Incidents, accidents and emergencies: what the DVSA theory test category covers
Incidents, accidents and emergencies is one of the 14 DVSA theory test categories. What it covers, from breakdowns to first aid, and where learners lose marks.
Vehicle loading: what the DVSA theory test category covers
Vehicle loading is one of the 14 DVSA theory test categories. What it covers, from roof racks to trailers, and where learners lose marks.
Other types of vehicle: what the DVSA theory test category covers
Other types of vehicle is one of the 14 DVSA theory test categories. What it covers, from lorries to trams, and where learners lose marks.
Driving Mastery's learner guidance is written and reviewed by Niall Cullen, a UK approved driving instructor, so it stays practical, safe, and grounded in real driving lessons.