All vehicles over 7.5 tonnes maximum authorised mass must have markings on the rear of the vehicle. These markings are rectangular and are coloured red and yellow. They're there to inform other road users of the characteristics of your vehicle. The markings should be kept clean so that they can be seen clearly at all times, especially at night and in poor visibility.

Anti-lock brakes are a driver aid, and can help you maintain steering control while braking. However, you mustn't rely on them to get you out of trouble or expect to be able to make sudden direction changes if you're going too fast.

Some vehicles are fitted with an audible warning that sounds when the vehicle is reversing. This is an effective way to warn pedestrians and other road users of a reversing vehicle, but it doesn't take away the need to use effective observation all around your vehicle before and while you're reversing. Don't use the device in built-up areas between 11.30 pm and 7.00 am. Have consideration for the residents and don't disturb them with excessive noise.

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.

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.

All drivers should play their part to protect the environment against traffic pollution. Make sure the vehicle you drive is properly maintained. Report any defects, such as excessive exhaust smoke, as soon as you can.

Always be concerned for the safety of other road users. Be aware of the various factors and situations where you may have to take action to keep more vulnerable road users safe.

If you're waiting to emerge from a side road, remember to look for motorcycles. Their small size makes them easy to overlook. Be especially careful if parked vehicles are restricting your view. If you can't see, don't go.

If your current tachograph chart becomes damaged, you should start another and then attach it to the damaged one. Your records must be clear and up to date at all times. It's sensible to carry more tachograph charts than you think you'll need for your journey. Then you'll be able to use a spare if one becomes dirty or damaged.

Even though a warning device indicates low air-brake pressure, you may still be able to release the parking brake. If you do this and start moving, the service brake may be ineffective and you may not be able to stop.

Power-assisted steering operates when the engine is running. If a fault develops, much greater effort is required to turn the steering wheel. Don't attempt to drive a vehicle if you're aware of a fault in the power-steering system.

When you see this sign, you must give way to traffic from the opposite direction, regardless of the size of your vehicle.

If you drive a vehicle carrying dangerous or hazardous material, you must make sure the correct symbol or mark is clearly visible.

Keep a check in your mirrors as you're driving to make sure that the sheets are secure. Air can force itself under the sheets and work them loose.

ISO (International Standards Organization) cargo containers should only be carried on lorries or trailers with the appropriate securing points. These are designed to lock into the container body.

Be especially careful about moving casualties at the scene of an incident. Inexperienced handling of a casualty could cause more injury, or even prove to be fatal. Only move casualties if they're in danger; for example, from fire.

When an analogue tachograph is installed and calibrated, an installation plaque is fixed near the tachograph. This shows the date of the most recent tachograph calibration. Under EU rules, this must take place every six years.

Don't drive without a fuel filler cap in place, as fuel could spill onto the road, especially when you're cornering or turning at a roundabout. Diesel fuel will make the road surface extremely slippery. Any spillage should be reported, so that the emergency services can make the road safe.

Many buses and coaches have a large panel of warning lights on the dashboard. A system check built into the ignition system will allow you to check that all the warning-light bulbs are working before you start your journey. If a warning light stays on, there's a fault. Have it checked before continuing. Remember, your passengers' lives are in your hands.

You can legally remove your seat belt when carrying out a manoeuvre that involves reversing. Don't forget to put it back on again when you've finished.

Drivers of vehicles carrying dangerous goods are required to hold an ADR driver training certificate. This certificate is valid for five years and is issued by DVLA when you've attended an approved course and successfully completed the examination.

Always allow plenty of time for your journey, in case of unforeseen problems such as punctures, breakdowns, road closures or diversions. You'll feel less stressed and less inclined to take risks if you're not under time pressure.

When turning at a mini-roundabout, it's unlikely that you'll be able to avoid going over the marked area. You should, however, avoid going over the roundabout where possible.

Keeping the height of the load as low as possible will reduce the wind resistance of the vehicle. This will help to save fuel. It's particularly relevant when using a flat-bodied lorry or trailer.

Roadworks can involve complex lane layouts. Reflective green-and-yellow fluorescent studs are used to separate the lanes in a contraflow traffic system. As you approach roadworks, look for traffic signs giving you advance information, which may relate to the size or type of vehicle you're driving.

If your vehicle catches fire in a tunnel, you should first try to drive it out - but only if you can do so safely.

Avoiding busy times means that you're not adding needlessly to traffic congestion. Other advantages are that you'll use less fuel and you may have an easier journey, making you feel less stressed.

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.

Rain makes the road surface slippery and reduces tyre grip. Doubling your separation distance should allow you the extra time and space you'll need to slow down and stop safely.

Always be aware of your limited vision around your vehicle, due to its size and shape. Never move off without checking along the nearside of your vehicle. You should be aware of the possibility of cyclists and motorcyclists getting trapped between your vehicle and the kerb.

The red studs on your left indicate the edge of the hard shoulder, while the white studs are used between the lanes. Using more than one reference point will help you to be certain of your position.

When you're driving on a smart motorway, speed limits will show above each lane. These limits are shown inside a red circle and must be obeyed. A red cross will usually appear above the hard shoulder. When the hard shoulder is being used as a running lane, an appropriate speed limit will be displayed instead.

To comply with the law, all lights must be in good working order, even in daylight when they're not being used. Before you set out, make sure that everything is working and get any faulty lights fixed. You may need to use your headlights or other lights if you're delayed or find yourself driving in conditions of reduced visibility.

When securing a load, the driver must use the most suitable type of restraint. Scrap metal is likely to have sharp edges that could wear through straps or ropes. Security of the load is the driver's responsibility; a load that has been correctly secured shouldn't move if an emergency arises.

Always indicate your intentions in good time; this will allow others time to alter their speed and course if necessary. Always check your blind spots before changing lanes.

Both your load and your vehicle can be a target for thieves. Taking simple precautions, such as securing the windows and doors, can deter thieves and help ensure your own safety.

Vehicles that carry dangerous goods have badges displayed on the side and rear. The badges are orange and show the type of material that's being carried. Make a note of this and report it to the emergency services when you contact them.

The horn shouldn't be used between 11.30 pm and 7.00 am in a built-up area. The only exception is when another road user is unaware of you and poses a danger.

The hours of operation of Red Routes vary from one area to another. As a rule, you mustn't stop on a Red Route, but there may be special marked boxes where loading and unloading can be carried out at certain times. Look out for signs giving information about the restrictions in place.

Maintenance of the fifth wheel should be carried out regularly, ideally monthly or every 10 000 km.

Look well ahead and be ready to deal with any hazards you see coming up, such as animals in the road. Horses are easily scared by the noise of an engine and the size of your vehicle may also be intimidating. Approach them as slowly and quietly as you can.

Codes are shown on the wall of the tyre. These refer to the maximum load and speed capability of the tyre.

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.

The parking brake must always be set whenever you leave the vehicle. It's an offence not to leave your vehicle properly secured.

This is the sign for a tram. These vehicles are powered by electricity and reduce the emissions released into the environment. As they can carry many people, they can help to reduce the number of other vehicles on the road.

If you're driving an empty curtain-sided vehicle, you can help to lower the resistance to side wind if you tie the curtains open. The air will then be able to flow across the flat bed of the vehicle. This will reduce any loss of control, particularly when crossing exposed viaducts or bridges.

Modern anti-lock braking systems rely on electronics for their operation. A warning light on the dashboard shows that the system is operating. This light will usually go out when the vehicle reaches about 6 mph (10 km/h).

Parking on the yellow zigzag lines will block the view of the school entrance. This will endanger the lives of children wanting to cross the road on their way to and from school.

Staying back will increase your view of the road ahead. This will help you to see any hazards that might occur and will allow you more time to react. It will also allow the driver in front to see you in their mirrors.

All tyres must be properly inflated and in good condition. Tyre failure on a motorway can have serious consequences. This can be avoided by checking your tyres at the start of each journey.

Leave plenty of room if you're following a cyclist who's signalling to turn right at a roundabout. Give them space and time to get into the correct lane.

When your steering wheels are locked - as can happen in a skid - you can't steer the vehicle. Anti-lock brakes help you to keep steering control while you're braking heavily, but they aren't a substitute for good forward planning. Anticipation and planning ahead will minimise the risk of skidding more effectively than relying on your braking system.

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.

If the steering becomes heavy, the power-assisted steering may have failed. It's also possible that your vehicle has a puncture or the load might have shifted. You should stop safely, investigate the cause and call for help if necessary.

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.

Cold water will cool the burning tissue and help prevent further damage. It will also reduce swelling, minimise shock and alleviate pain. Use water, or any other liquid, that's clean and non-toxic.

Allow the cyclist plenty of room. Give them space and be prepared for them to change direction. To stay safe, they may travel around the roundabout in the left-hand lane.

Operators must set up an 'effective system' to prevent the carriage of illegal immigrants. This should include documentation with advice on vehicle security and a list of checks to be made. These papers should be produced immediately if an immigration officer asks to see them.

The spray-suppression equipment helps to prevent water from being thrown up and causing reduced visibility, for you and other drivers. Driving at a reduced speed in wet conditions will also help to reduce the amount of water thrown up by your vehicle's tyres.

It's important to use a low gear and keep the engine speed high to prevent water from entering the engine through the exhaust system. In these circumstances, it may be necessary to slip the clutch to keep the road speed as low as possible.

Whenever possible, call the emergency services first. If you're able to give first aid, remember DR ABC. Check for Danger, then check the casualty for a Response. Check the Airway, and try to establish Breathing by gently lifting the chin up and forward. Give Compressions if necessary. Try to stop any severe bleeding. If you feel you aren't capable of carrying out first aid, consider taking some training. It could save a life.

As the top deck is longer than the cab and trailer, it will take up more room as the vehicle turns; you must make sure that you've allowed for the wider swing of the deck. Even if your cab is well clear, the overhanging deck could hit obstructions such as telegraph poles or traffic signs as you go round a corner.

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.

You should allow the faster-moving vehicle to overtake safely. If you pull out to overtake at this time, you'll cause the car behind to brake sharply. Don't use the size of your vehicle to intimidate. Be professional and show consideration to other road users.

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.

Alcohol can take a long time to leave the body. You may feel all right to drive, but its effect will last for many hours.

Mandatory speed-limit signs above the hard shoulder and all other lanes show that you're on a smart motorway. In this case, you can use the hard shoulder as a running lane. You must stay within the speed limit shown. Look well ahead for any vehicles that have broken down and are blocking the hard shoulder.

While overtaking, you'll need to judge carefully when to return to the nearside lane. Check your left-hand (nearside) mirror to make sure the rear of your vehicle is well clear. You should allow for the length of both vehicles and take into account the speed difference. Don't cut in too soon on the vehicle you've overtaken, and don't rely on signals from other drivers; they may be signalling to someone else.

Under EU rules, the maximum number of hours that you can drive in any two consecutive weeks is 90 hours. These don't have to be split evenly, but the total amount of driving time in any one week mustn't exceed 56 hours. Don't exceed your driving hours; heavy fines can be given to drivers who break the law.

Horse riders often keep to the outside of the roundabout even if they're turning right. Give them room in case they have to cross lanes of traffic.

Learner drivers are often nervous. If you stay well back, this will reduce the risk of incidents occurring if they make a mistake, and you won't intimidate them. Remember, you were once in that situation yourself.

A flashing amber light is shown at pelican crossings, but not at puffin crossings. Puffin crossings have sensors that detect when pedestrians are using the crossing.

Oil is vital for lubrication of the engine. It should be checked regularly and topped up as necessary. You should always check your engine's oil level when the engine is cold and your vehicle is parked on the level.

It's a legal requirement that information about a vehicle's height can be seen by the driver from their seat. It's important to know the height of your vehicle so that you can avoid any height restrictions on your route.

A bus equipped with a speed limiter must also be fitted with a plate showing the speed setting. This must be fitted in an obvious position, where it can be clearly seen.

An engine fire is serious. If the fire breaches the fuel lines, it can easily spread to the fuel tank. If that happens, both the vehicle and its cargo will probably be lost. Therefore, your priority is to shut off the fuel supply.

The effect of your vehicle driving through a puddle will be to throw water onto the pavement. If there are pedestrians close by, they could be splashed with the water. Be considerate and, if it's safe to do so, avoid driving through the puddle.

Some bus lanes operate only during peak hours and other vehicles may use them outside these hours. Make sure you check the sign for the hours of operation before driving in a bus lane.

Never return to the left-hand lane until you're sure that you're well clear of the vehicle you've just overtaken. Don't cut in too soon and don't rely on the other driver flashing you in. Make your own judgement about when it's safe to move into the left-hand lane.

Some highly dangerous chemicals have to be transported at prescribed temperatures. Drivers must be fully trained in the use of these specially designed, temperature-controlled vehicles.

Some medicines can have side-effects that affect your driving. Ask your doctor whether you'll be safe to drive while taking the medicine that's been prescribed.

The endurance brake (retarder) slows the vehicle without the use of the wheel-mounted brakes. However, care should be taken in slippery conditions, when the retarder's effect can be powerful enough to cause a skid.

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.

You should always allow engines fitted with turbochargers to idle for about a minute before stopping the engine. This prevents the turbine bearings from being starved of oil.

It's compulsory for drivers and passengers to wear seat belts. However, if you're making deliveries that are less than 50 metres apart, you may leave the seat belt undone. It would be impractical to keep fastening and unfastening your seat belt over such short distances.

When connecting a three-line tractor unit to a two-line trailer, the blue line is the one that shouldn't be connected to the trailer. This is the auxiliary line. Always follow the manufacturer's advice: it may be necessary to reconnect the extra line to the tractor unit.

Once you have a secure hold on the object, keep your head up and bend your knees.

Rain, combined with oil, rubber particles, dirt and debris on the road surface, reduces the tyres' grip on the road. It can be especially slippery when it rains after a long dry spell.

Good forward planning can help you keep other road users out of trouble. Information to help you do this is available if you look for it. Watch for clues: for example, a motorcyclist taking a 'lifesaver' look over their shoulder could be about to change direction.

Drinking black coffee or waiting a few hours won't make any difference. Alcohol takes time to leave the body, so you should find a way to get home without using your vehicle; for example, by public transport. Depending on how much you've had to drink, you may even be unfit to drive the following morning.

Driving at a constant speed for long periods, such as on a motorway, can cause drowsiness. Falling asleep while driving accounts for a significant proportion of vehicle incidents. You should plan and take regular rest stops, but if you feel the onset of tiredness between these breaks, stop and rest in a safe place.

Pedestrians and cyclists are shown the green light together. The signals are push-button-operated and there's no flashing amber phase.

Rope hooks aren't designed to withstand high forces. They're usually just welded or bolted to the underside of the platform. Many are so weak that they can easily be distorted by a ratchet buckle when a webbing strap is tightened. Secure anchorage points should be built into the main frame or chassis of the vehicle.

Plan well ahead before overtaking. Be aware that a speed limiter may cause you difficulties when overtaking another vehicle, particularly when climbing a hill.

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.

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.