As you pass pedestrians or vehicles on your left, you should use your nearside mirror and check that you've passed them safely. You need to allow a good safety margin before you move back to the left.

From your raised driving position, you may not be able to see the area directly in front you. The Class VI (Cyclops) mirror on the front of your vehicle can reveal pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists who would otherwise be hidden from view. Check this mirror carefully before moving off, especially at pedestrian crossings and in stop/start city traffic.

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.

Normally, you should only use the hard shoulder for emergencies and breakdowns. On smart motorways, the hard shoulder may be used as a running lane, but only when speed-limit signs are shown directly above it. This technology has been introduced to ease traffic congestion.

If you have to drive through a flood, do so with caution. Once out of the flood, you need to test your brakes to make sure they're working properly. To do this, check what's behind you, then drive in a low gear with the brakes gently applied.

Plan ahead and use your endurance brake (retarder) to help keep your speed in check on long downhill gradients. This can help to prevent your brakes from overheating and fading.

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.

If any vehicle displaying a warning symbol is involved in an incident, the consequences could be serious. The emergency services need to be aware of how a dangerous or hazardous material will behave in different situations; for example, when it's wet.

If you've been convicted of drink- or drug-driving, statistically you're a risk to yourself and others on the road. For this reason, when you're able to drive again, insurance companies may charge you a high premium to insure your vehicle.

When carrying high-value goods, you can become a target for thieves. Avoid developing a set routine or pattern. Vary your routes whenever possible to make it difficult for thieves to predict when and where your cargo can be intercepted.

You must show consideration to other road users. Elderly drivers may have slower reactions and they might need more time to deal with a situation. Be tolerant and don't lose patience or show your annoyance.

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.

Chilled foods are transported at temperatures above freezing point. Drivers need to be trained in hygiene procedures and how to operate refrigeration units.

Watch out for pedestrians if you see a bus ahead. They may not be able to see you if they're crossing behind the bus.

The forces that act on your vehicle if you brake while cornering can lead to instability and may cause trailer swing. You should try to plan ahead so that you brake smoothly and in good time as you approach a bend.

If you're driving under EU rules, you mustn't drive continuously for more than four-and-a-half hours without taking a break. If you've driven continuously for four-and-a-half hours, you must take a break of at least 45 minutes. Include your stops in the timetable when planning your journey.

A pelican crossing that goes straight across the road must be treated as one continuous crossing even if it has a central island. The lights controlling the crossing show to both directions of traffic. You must give way to pedestrians who are still crossing when the amber light is flashing.

As soon as you detect a fault on your vehicle, you must take action. Where faulty brakes are concerned, you need to seek help immediately. Always report minor faults as soon as you detect them. Minor faults can become major ones if they aren't repaired quickly.

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.

Use of the right-hand lane on motorways with three or more lanes isn't normally allowed for

• vehicles over 7.5 tonnes maximum authorised mass
• vehicles required to be fitted with a speed limiter
• vehicles towing a trailer.

This rule does not apply in special circumstances, such as when the left-hand lane is closed.

In extremely cold weather, you'll have to use diesel fuel with anti-waxing additives to stop the fuel lines from freezing up. During the winter months, these additives are usually put in by the fuel companies.

When using a lorry-mounted crane, stabilisers should always be used. All drivers should be fully trained and regularly tested on their competence in using stabilisers.

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.

An illness that could affect you while you're driving, such as a heart condition, may make it unsafe for you to drive. You must tell DVLA if you develop any serious illness or disability that's likely to last more than three months and that could affect your driving. Partial blindness and mental disorders can also prevent you from getting a driving licence for large vehicles.

Under no circumstances should you attempt to move or drive a vehicle with an air leak in the braking system. Report the fault immediately, or arrange to have it repaired. Place a warning sign in the cab, telling other drivers not to drive the vehicle and why.

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

Make sure the locking mechanism is secure by selecting a low gear and attempting to move forward. Apply the parking brake again before leaving the cab. Connect the 'dog clip' to secure the kingpin release handle.

Learners might take longer to react to traffic situations. Don't unnerve and intimidate them by driving up close behind.

You may use the right-hand lane to overtake on a two-lane motorway. Lorries weighing more than 7.5 tonnes, vehicles that are required to be fitted with speed limiters, and vehicles towing trailers aren't allowed to use the right-hand lane of a motorway with three or more lanes, except in special circumstances.