Real answer to most-searched driving question can save drivers a £70 fine

A motoring expert has shared the real answer to the UK's most commonly searched driving question, warning that the practice could result in a penalty charge notice (PCN) of up to £70. With many unusual signs and markings found across the country, it can be difficult for drivers to know exactly what they need to do in order to avoid breaking the law.

As a result, Joe Parry, spokesperson for the online driving lesson marketplace EzLicence, recommended that all drivers revisit the Highway Code to remind themselves of lesser-known rules that could result in serious fines. He explained: "Our findings demonstrate the importance of brushing up on the Highway Code rules - even if you have been driving for a while. Although some questions about parking and footwear seem trivial, they do highlight a gap in knowledge about road rules.

"Plus, our driving instructors argue that the more you know, the more assured you feel behind the wheel. It’s like driving a route you know well: everything feels smoother and more in control."

According to EzLicence, the most Googled question about the Highway Code is 'can you park on a single yellow line?', with 18,100 Brits entering it into the popular search engine each month.

The company noted that a single yellow line at the roadside means that the street has different parking restrictions that will typically depend on nearby signs or, in many cases, the time of day.

As a result, motorists may be able to leave their car parked on a single yellow line, but should always check what rules or restrictions are enforced on the street first to avoid a maximum PCN of £70, reduced to £35 if it is paid within 14 days.

EzLicence also highlighted that many motorists from across the UK also search whether it is illegal to drive a car on the public roads without a valid MOT, with 3,600 searching this question each month.

Whilst a significant number of drivers believe that they will receive a short period of time to fix any faults after a failed MOT, vehicles will become unroadworthy as soon as they fail the inspection.

The only time a motorist can legally drive a car without a valid MOT on the public roads is when they are taking it to a garage to be inspected. In any other instance, they could be fined up to £1,000.

Finally, the company highlighted that approximately the same number of Brits turn to Google each month to ask what the legal drink driving limit is in the UK.

While several motoring experts have recently called for a zero-tolerance approach to drink driving, current laws state that drivers can still get behind the wheel if they have less than 80mg of alcohol in their blood in England, Northern Ireland and Wales, dropping to 50mg in Scotland.

Since everyone is affected by alcohol in different ways, this can be incredibly hard to determine. As a result, motorists who are planning to drink are advised to leave their car behind and use another form of transport until the alcohol is out of their system.