Lorries and buses are much heavier than cars and will have a greater impact on the road surface.

When a warning light or device indicating a loss of brake pressure comes on, you must stop safely and get the fault put right immediately. The safety of you, your load, your passengers and all other road users is at risk.

When discharging a load from a tipper vehicle, the centre of gravity is raised as the tipper body rises. To avoid the vehicle rolling over, it's vital that it's positioned on a level, solid surface before the tipper mechanism is engaged.

Take care if you're driving an empty high-sided vehicle when it's windy. Watch for places where the conditions could suddenly change, such as a gap between buildings or when passing under a bridge. Reduce your speed and stay alert for other road users who are also affected by these weather conditions.

A heavy vehicle will lose speed when climbing a steep hill. Changing to a lower gear will help you to maintain an appropriate speed.

As well as a height restriction, the tunnel may have a restriction on the available width of headroom for high vehicles. The advance warning gives you the opportunity to find another route if your vehicle is too high or wide to drive through the tunnel.

Staying well behind the vehicle in front will improve your view of the road ahead. This will give you more time and room to react to hazards. Use the two-second rule to make sure you're not too close. Don't move out to the right, as this could put you into the path of an oncoming vehicle or obstruct smaller vehicles that wish to overtake.

Concentration and good judgement are needed to be a good, safe driver. You're strongly advised not to drink any alcohol before driving. Alcohol can stay in your system for 24-48 hours, so you should also consider your intake the day and night before driving.

There will be an orange label on the side and rear of the tanker. Look at this carefully and report what it says when you phone the emergency services. Details of hazard warning plates are given in The Highway Code.

Sometimes, drivers or riders use arm signals as well as direction indicators and brake lights; for example, in bright sunshine or when approaching a zebra crossing. Using the arm signals shown in The Highway Code can help other road users to understand your intentions.

You should take precautions against dropping mud on the road, because it's a hazard to other road users. It's also an offence for which you could be prosecuted.

While moving, hazard warning lights may only be used on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway to warn drivers behind of a need to slow down, due to a hazard ahead.

Puffin crossings have sensors that detect when pedestrians are using the crossing. The sensors control the timing of the traffic lights, and this means that there's no flashing amber phase as there is with a pelican crossing.

Air-brake systems are fitted with a warning device that operates if the air pressure in the tanks drops below a safe level. There may be a warning buzzer and/or pressure gauges. You must be aware of the function of all gauges on your vehicle, and check them as you drive.

Major roadworks often cause complicated diversions for large vehicles. Drivers may be advised to follow a special symbol until the original road can be rejoined. Look for the yellow-and-black symbols in these shapes:

• square
• triangle
• diamond
• circle.

They'll often be shown with additional information and will help guide you around the diversion.

Don't continue to drive if you feel the onset of tiredness. Find a safe place to stop for a rest. Walking around in the fresh air during your break will help but it's no substitute for adequate rest.

Goods vehicles exceeding 2500 kg laden weight must always have their parking lights switched on when they're parked on the road at night. This includes parking in lay-bys: other drivers entering the lay-by must be able to see the vehicle.

When you're being overtaken, the other driver has to decide when it's safe to complete the manoeuvre. Don't give an unofficial signal, however well intended. There may be a hazard you're unable to see from your position.

Motorcycles can be very vulnerable to strong side wind. Allow extra room when overtaking them in windy weather. Check your nearside mirror while alongside and before moving back to the left.

If you don't give your name and address at the time of an incident, report it to the police as soon as you can, or in any case within 24 hours. If any other person is injured and you don't produce your insurance certificate to the police at the time of the incident, or to any other person who has reasonable grounds to request it, you must also

• report the incident to the police as soon as possible, or in any case within 24 hours
• produce your insurance certificate to the police either when reporting the incident or within seven days (five days in Northern Ireland) at any police station.

If you're driving an articulated vehicle or a trailer combination, it's vital that you understand the rules that apply to coupling and uncoupling the brake lines. If you take a practical driving test with a trailer, you'll be expected to demonstrate this during the test. The lines are colour-coded: red is the emergency line, blue is the auxiliary line and yellow is the service line. They must be connected strictly in accordance with the correct procedure.

Always think of your own and others' physical safety before lifting any heavy object. Plan the lift and move any other items out of the way. Decide whether you need assistance.

Closed curtains on large empty vehicles can hold the wind. Strong side wind can blow a semi-trailer off course and, in severe cases, can blow the whole vehicle over onto its side. To reduce the risk of this happening, you should tie the curtains open.

Too much weight on an axle can reduce braking efficiency and cause brake fade. As well as being dangerous, exceeding the axle weight limit is an offence that can result in prosecution.

The marker boards should be red and white. They must be kept clean and independently lit at night and in poor visibility, so that other road users can see them.

Some exposed places are frequently subject to high winds. These include high-level bridges and roads, viaducts and some motorways. Check the weather forecast and plan an alternative route. Remember, you're responsible for your passengers' safety. Don't ignore warnings of severe winds.

Children getting off the bus will be hidden from your view, and they may not be able to see you. Even if they can see you, they may have poor judgement of danger. You should drive slowly as you pass the bus and be ready to stop.

Most incidents happen as a result of a lapse in concentration. Don't let this happen to you. If you start to feel tired, you won't perform as well as you should. Your reactions will slow down, and your anticipation and judgement of hazards will become flawed. If you feel tired, stop and rest as soon as it's safe to do so.

Research shows that approximately 40% of SRVIs involve commercial vehicles. The consequences are usually very serious because of the size of the vehicle and the fact that there is no braking before the impact.

As a local-service bus driver, you may use the bus lane at any time. The restrictions apply to other road users, to keep the lane clear for you at peak times. Don't be tempted to speed when driving up the inside of slow-moving or stationary traffic. Be alert for pedestrians who may be trying to cross the road.

Prepare to slow down and stop, as you would for a person without a disability. Don't wave them across, as other traffic may not stop.

If you intend to turn right, check your right-hand (offside) mirror first. All of your mirrors should be properly adjusted to give a clear view around and behind your vehicle. They should be kept clean at all times and shouldn't be cracked or broken.

If you overfill the engine with oil, you could cause the engine to build up too much pressure when it's running. This could cause damage to oil seals and gaskets.

There's a particular risk when driving between 2 am and 7 am. This is when the 'body clock' is programmed for sleep in most people. There's another, smaller, dip between 2 pm and 4 pm. If you feel that tiredness is affecting your ability to drive, stop in a safe place and rest.

If a one-way street has two lanes, you can use either lane and overtake on either side. Use the lane that's more convenient for your destination unless directed by road signs or markings.

In icy or snowy weather, your stopping distance can increase by up to ten times. Because snowy weather increases the distance needed to stop, you must look further ahead and leave an increased safety margin.

Red Routes operate in many busy cities and are designed to ensure the route has no obstructions to cause delays during peak periods. Road signs and red road markings identify roads where Red Route waiting and loading restrictions apply.

During high winds, one of the lanes on a high bridge might be closed to traffic to create a buffer lane. The buffer lane is kept free to prevent vehicles from being blown into the path of other road users in the next lane. The closure of this lane may cause traffic congestion and delay.

Even though the warning light is showing, there may be sufficient pressure to release the parking brake. However, you mustn't do this, because there may not be enough air pressure to operate the service brake.

When a tyre explodes, fragments are thrown over a wide area. This can create a serious hazard for other drivers. You should regularly check your tyres for cuts, damage and pressure. Frequent checks and proper maintenance can help prevent a blow-out.

Plan your journey and take breaks to keep in touch if necessary. When driving on motorways, you can't just stop to use your mobile phone. You'll need to turn off the motorway or wait until you reach the next service area. Avoid being distracted by switching your phone off while you're driving; use the message facility to listen to any calls when you've parked safely.

If you demount the body on a poor or soft surface, there's a danger of it sinking and becoming difficult to handle. Always think carefully before you demount the body and be sure that the site is suitable.

Some lanes are set aside for certain types of vehicle. Signs and road markings show the authorised vehicles in words or pictures. There's usually also a sign showing the times that the lane is in operation. Some lanes might only be in operation for a short time. Check the sign and only use the lane if you're allowed to do so.

Coolant solution is also known as anti-freeze. It provides protection from freezing and also contains a corrosion inhibitor that prolongs the life of the cooling system. Remember to check the coolant level regularly.

Continually using the brakes could cause them to overheat. When that happens, they become less effective. This is called brake fade, and it occurs most often when the driver has to control the vehicle's speed on a long downhill gradient. To help prevent brake fade, use the endurance brake (retarder) and a lower gear to keep the vehicle's speed in check, rather than the wheel-mounted brakes.

A red cross above the hard shoulder means that it's closed as a running lane and should only be used for emergencies or breakdowns. At busy times, the hard shoulder may be used as a running lane; the red cross will then be replaced by a mandatory speed-limit sign.

Spray reducers or spray-suppression equipment are attachments fitted around the wheel arches of large vehicles. They effectively trap spray thrown up from the wheels, which would otherwise reduce visibility for other road users.

Even though there are no restrictions, make sure that you park where you won't cause an obstruction or endanger other road users.

Following the vehicle manufacturer's guidelines for service intervals will enable worn components to be replaced before they fail. This will help prevent costly breakdowns.

When an emergency arises, pull onto the hard shoulder and use the emergency telephone to report your problem. You'll be connected to an operator, who will put you through to a breakdown service. Never cross the carriageway or a slip road to use a telephone.

Before entering a tunnel, you should switch on your dipped headlights; these help you to see and be seen. In many tunnels, using headlights is a legal requirement. You should also remove your sunglasses before you drive into a tunnel.

If you can't return to base within a week of the tachograph becoming defective, it must be repaired during the journey. While it's broken, you must keep a manual record.

The lighter the vehicle, the more likely it is to be affected by the buffeting from your vehicle in windy weather. Give motorcyclists and cyclists extra room when you overtake them, as your vehicle's draught can easily upset their control and balance.

The risk of fire will be reduced if all fuel supplies are switched off. However, don't put yourself or your passengers at any risk. If there's a fire, call the fire service.

Always be prepared to give way to overtaking lorries or buses. Maintaining your speed will only block the motorway to other traffic unnecessarily. You may find yourself in a similar situation if the limiter on your vehicle doesn't allow you enough speed to successfully overtake another vehicle.

Hazardous substances in transit are readily identified by a diamond-shaped warning label. This label carries other information to identify the type of hazard more specifically, such as

• flammable gas
• toxic gas
• corrosive agents.

These are just some of the types of hazard encountered. Strict regulations apply to the storage and carriage of these goods. All drivers of this type of load must receive specific certificated training.

Don't frustrate other road users by driving for long distances with a queue of traffic behind you. This could cause them to lose concentration and overtake in an unsafe way. Stop where it's safe and let them pass.

Vehicles overtaking in the right-hand lane may return to the centre lane when they've finished their manoeuvre. You should look for this before starting to pull out. Don't rely on the size of your vehicle to claim right of way.

Every year, there are hundreds of incidents in the UK where vehicles hit railway or motorway bridges. Most involve buses, coaches and lorries. Make sure your route doesn't take you under a bridge that's too low for your vehicle. If you hit a bridge, you'll be putting yourself and any passengers at risk, and you could cause a major disruption to road and rail transport.

If you feel the onset of tiredness, you need to take a break. This might be at a motorway service station, but if there isn't one nearby you'll need to leave at the next exit and find a safe place to stop and rest.

Too much oil in an engine can be just as bad as too little. Overfilling an engine can create excess pressure, cause oil leakage through seals and result in expensive damage.

If your vehicle is too long to fit into a passing place, you may need to wait opposite one. This will allow a following or approaching driver to pass. When you use this type of road, you need to plan and look well ahead to avoid meeting another road user at an inappropriate place.

When you see this sign, beware of traffic queues ahead. Check your mirrors and reduce your speed. Research shows that you make poor decisions when you're angry, so you're less likely to spot and respond safely to hazards. Be patient when you're delayed and reduce the possibility of being involved in an incident.

When diesel fuel spills onto the road, it makes the road surface extremely slippery. This can cause danger for all types of vehicle, but particularly for those with two wheels, which rely on their tyres' grip to remain upright.

Use the two-second rule when conditions are good and you're driving on roads carrying faster-moving traffic. Choose a fixed reference point, and when the vehicle ahead passes that point say to yourself 'Only a fool breaks the two-second rule.' If you reach the object before you finish saying this, you're too close and you need to drop back and check again.

Spilt diesel creates a serious risk to other road users, especially motorcyclists. Take care when refuelling and make sure that all filler caps and tank hatches are properly closed and secure.

As well as your driving licence, you'll need to carry the insurance certificate and vehicle registration document. Other documentation may also be needed for some countries. Check this before starting your journey.

The usual advice is to leave a minimum time gap of two seconds, but on wet roads you should leave at least double that time. Always take the road and weather conditions into account when you're driving.

If you're trying to resuscitate someone, it's important that you don't give up on them. Make sure that someone has called the emergency services and continue trying to resuscitate the casualty until medical help arrives.

When using ropes, the ends should be spliced or otherwise treated to prevent fraying. The rope should be of at least three-strand construction, with a normal diameter of at least 10 mm.

In very windy conditions, certain types of vehicle can be blown off course. These include box vans, curtain-siders, caravans and motorcycles. Make allowances for how the wind might affect these vehicles, especially if you're overtaking

If you try to overtake another vehicle and realise that you're unable to complete the manoeuvre, ease off the accelerator and drop back behind the vehicle. If the vehicle you're trying to overtake is large, then it will take a long time to pass. You should assess whether you have the time and power to complete the manoeuvre before you try to overtake.

When you drive too close to the kerb, there's a risk that your nearside mirror could strike the head of a pedestrian. Be aware of this hazard and, if you see pedestrians close to the road, make sure you leave them enough room.

Horses are easily frightened, so pass them slowly and carefully, giving them as much room as possible. On country roads, expect farm animals, horses, pedestrians and farm vehicles. Always be prepared to slow down or stop.

A SORN allows you to keep a vehicle off the road and untaxed. The SORN remains valid until the vehicle is taxed, sold or scrapped. If you buy a vehicle that has a SORN, the SORN will finish as soon as you buy it. You'll need to make a new SORN if you want to keep the vehicle off the road and untaxed.

It can be dangerous for vehicles passing close by if you open the door carelessly. Always look properly to make sure that it's safe - checking the blind spots as well as using the mirrors - before you get out of the cab.

Vehicles such as motorcycles, bicycles and caravans could be blown off course by strong winds. You should be aware that your vehicle could cause additional buffeting when you overtake, so allow them plenty of room.

If you see this sign, be aware that there's a danger of grounding. This can happen where there's a pronounced bump in the road, such as at a level crossing or a hump bridge.

This sign is shown where slow-moving vehicles would block the flow of traffic. However, if you need to slow down to avoid an incident, you should do so.

Driving with the rev counter in the red band will cause the engine to wear prematurely and can lead to expensive repairs. This could result in the vehicle being off the road for some time.

Endurance brakes or 'retarders' help to control a vehicle's speed. They operate by applying resistance to slow the vehicle without using the wheel brakes, so avoiding brake fade. The methods used include: increased engine braking, exhaust braking and transmission-mounted devices.

Just before turning, a check in the offside mirror will help you to see any cyclist or motorcyclist passing on your offside. This check may help to prevent a serious incident from developing.

In exposed places, such as high-level bridges, viaducts or some motorways, high winds can cause the road to be closed to certain vehicles. If you're driving a high-sided vehicle and high winds are forecast, plan an alternative route in case your intended route is closed.

Drivers passing incidents often end up having collisions themselves when they're distracted by the scene. You need to keep your concentration in a situation like this and ignore what's happening on the other carriageway.

Fuel spilled on the road is a serious danger to other road users, especially motorcyclists. To prevent this from happening, make sure the filler cap is secure after refuelling.

A motorcycle can be lost out of sight behind another vehicle. The use of the headlights helps to make the motorcycle more easily seen.

Take your time when you're using walkways at high levels. Spilt fuel can make the surface slippery and increase the risk of falling.

If any animal you pass on the road becomes unsettled, you should brake gently and come to a stop. A nervous animal is unpredictable, so you should wait until it has settled or passed by. Other road users behind you may have a limited view of the hazard, so use your mirrors and give clear signals if necessary.

Toucan crossings can be used by cyclists and pedestrians. Some cycle routes lead cyclists to these crossings. Always look out for cyclists, as they're likely to be approaching much faster than pedestrians.

In high winds, some exposed roads, bridges and viaducts are closed to high-sided vehicles. Plan your route with care and try to avoid these areas. Also plan an alternative route in case of road closure.

Learning is a process of practice and experience. Try to understand this and tolerate others who are at the beginning of this process.

If the brake pedal is hard to press, this could mean a loss of vacuum or a fault in the vacuum pump. You shouldn't drive the vehicle until the fault has been repaired.

Before using the crane, it's vital to make sure the vehicle is parked on level ground and the stabilising legs are lowered. This will reduce the risk of the load becoming unstable during lifting. Also check for any overhead cables that may obstruct the crane.

When the lights turn to green, you may drive on, but only if the crossing is clear. You should wait for any pedestrians to finish crossing, regardless of their age. Allow them to cross the road at their own pace; don't try to hurry them in any way.

Heavy braking can cause an articulated vehicle to become unstable and may even lead to jack-knifing; this is more likely to occur when the trailer is unladen.

An exhaust brake alters the engine's exhaust flow, using it to help control the vehicle's speed. It's most efficient when the engine is running at a high speed and the vehicle is in a low gear, such as when descending a long hill. Using the exhaust brake can relieve the service brakes, preventing them from overheating and fading.

Severe braking or selecting a gear too low for your road speed can cause the tractor unit to slow more quickly than the trailer. The trailer can then pivot around the coupling (fifth wheel), causing the vehicle to jack-knife. Jack-knifing is more likely to occur with an unladen vehicle, particularly on a bend or curve.