Test your focus while driving with online interactive tests, find out about mobile myths and learn what the law is around using your mobile phone while driving.
Test how focused you are as a driver
Do you think you’re a focused driver? Find out if you're alert when behind the wheel by taking this interactive focused driver test.
You may think that you can drive safely and work effectively at the same time using hands-free. See how well you perform when trying to spot hazards whilst keeping track of a work call by taking the interactive distracted driver test.
Mobile distractions
You could be the best driver in the world but that does not mean you can use your phone and drive safely. It is illegal to hold a phone and drive and the penalties aren’t the only risk. Using hands-free technology also distracts you from driving. Research shows that if you’re driving and using a mobile phone you are four times more likely to crash, injure or kill yourself and other people!
Drivers who use a mobile phone including hands-free:
- are less aware of what’s happening around them
- fail to see road signs
- fail to keep correct lane position or steady speed
- are more likely to ‘tailgate’
- react more slowly
- are more likely to enter unsafe gaps in traffic
- get more stressed or frustrated
Find out how to avoid distractions whilst driving and when you could be at risk of fines, points or losing your licence.
Mobile myths
We will dispel myths about using mobile phone while driving:
Using a mobile as a Sat Nav
“It’s legal to touch your phone whilst driving if you’re using it as a Sat Nav.”
False.
It’s illegal to touch your mobile phone for anything, including looking for directions while driving. Set it up before you set off!
Checking your phone at traffic lights or in traffic
“You can check your phone at traffic lights or stopped in traffic.”
False.
It’s illegal to hold and use a phone, tablet or any device that can send or receive data while driving. You must not use a device in your hand for any reason, whether online or offline.
Find out more in the law on using your phone while driving section.
Hands-free
“Talking on a mobile phone whilst driving is no different to speaking to a passenger.”
False.
Talking to someone over the phone is much harder than talking to someone sat next to you. Not only are people on the phone harder to hear, they also cannot see the road and can’t respond to any changes, for example keeping quiet when you need to concentrate more.
Research shows that drivers using hands-free take 1 second longer to react to unexpected diving events - that’s an extra stopping distance of three Ford Fiesta’s or 13.41 metres at 30mph!
Bluetooth
“Using your phone via Bluetooth or hands-free device is safe.”
False.
It is almost impossible to concentrate on two things at once safely and using a hands-free phone or Bluetooth can be just as distracting as a hand-held device. Your brain cannot concentrate on two things at once equally, it will always pick what seems to be the most important activity and focus on that.
Learner drivers
“It is legal to use a hand-held phone whilst supervising a learner driver
False.
You are not legally allowed to use a hand-held phone whilst supervising a learner driver. As a supervisor, you need to be looking and concentrating as much as the driver to spot hazards.” Find out more about the law and using a phone whilst driving on GOV.UK.
In an emergency
“You cannot call 999 or 112 if the vehicle is moving or if you are stuck in traffic”
False.
In an emergency, you can make a call to the emergency services. It is better to find a safe place to stop, take the keys out of the ignition and call the emergency services.
Find out more in the law on using your phone while driving section.
Tips to stop distractions
Research shows that using a mobile phone including hands-free whilst driving acts as a significant distraction and increases the risk of crashing (PDF, 209 KB).
There are steps you can take to limit phone distractions for when you’re on the road:
- use the phones do not disturb setting
- if you can turn your phone off or switch it to silent mode
- before your start your car check your phone and see if there’s any messages or calls you need to respond to
- before you set off set up your sat nav
- before you set off pick and queue your playlists
- put you phone in a safe place where you can’t reach it, like the glovebox
- install an app that blocks communications or locks your phone for your journey time
- if a passenger is travelling with you ask them to communicate via phone for you
If you need to make or take a hands-free call:
- stop somewhere safe to answer or leave it to go to voicemail
- if you need to talk on hands-free, keep it quick or say that you’ll find a safe, legal place to stop and phone back
The law on using your phone while driving
It’s illegal to hold and use a phone, sat nav, tablet, or any device that can send or receive data, while driving or riding a motorcycle.
Check your driving for work policy, could you lose your job for using your phone whilst driving? No job! No money! No house! How would that affect you and your family?
If you choose to use your phone whilst driving the consequences are:
- 6 penalty points and a £200 fine if you hold and use a phone
- you could lose your licence if you passed your driving test in the last 2 years
- 3 penalty points if you do not have a full view of the road and traffic ahead or proper control of the vehicle
You can also be taken to court where you can:
- be banned from driving
- get a maximum fine of £1,000 (£2,500 if you’re driving a lorry or bus)
Even if you’re using hand-free technology you can receive penalties if you are not driving safely:
- 3 points and up to £100 fine if ‘not in proper control’ while using a hands-free device
- 3 points or discretionary disqualification and a fine up to £1,000, or £2,500 (for a bus or goods vehicle)
You must stay in full control of your vehicle at all times. The police can stop you if they think you’re not in control because you’re distracted and you can be prosecuted.
To keep yourself and others safe and avoid getting penalties familiarise yourself with The Highway Code and travel safely.