A candidate must be able to read a modern-style number plate (made after 1 September 2001) from 20 metres. If the candidate's eyesight isn't up to the required standard, the test will go no further and they'll have failed.

Where there's a hidden dip (dead ground), you should be aware that there could be oncoming vehicles out of sight between you and the road in the distance. Don't start to overtake until you can see into the dip and know the road ahead is clear.

Only use your fog lights when visibility is seriously reduced. Use dipped headlights at other times when visibility is poor. Your headlights and tail lights help others on the road to see you. It may be necessary to turn them on during the day if visibility is reduced; for example, due to heavy rain.

On a busy motorway, traffic may travel at high speeds despite the vehicles being close together. Don't follow too close to the vehicle in front. If a driver directly behind seems to be too close to you, increase your distance from the vehicle in front by slowing down gently. If the traffic in front slows, you'll be able to spread your braking over a longer distance. This will reduce the risk of the driver behind being unable to stop in the room they've allowed.

By taking a position well to the left as you enter a right-hand bend, you'll improve your view around the bend. This will help you to see any hazards as soon as possible. Positioning well to the left also reduces the risk of collision with an oncoming vehicle that may have drifted over the centre line.

It's important that driving faults and errors are dealt with promptly. Learning will also be more effective if the pupil can spot their own errors and come up with their own strategies for ensuring the errors don't happen again. If the pupil doesn't recognise the fault, you'll need to tell them. Even then, the pupil can still work on developing strategies themselves.

Cars are designed to have an aerodynamic shape; an empty roof rack causes drag and increased wind resistance. The increased wind resistance will waste fuel; it also increases emissions and causes unnecessary pollution to the atmosphere.

If you want to turn left and there's a cyclist in front of you, hold back. Wait until the cyclist has passed the junction and then turn left behind them.

In some situations, you may feel that your indicators can't be seen by other road users. If you think you need to make your intention more clearly seen, give the appropriate arm signal.

If someone fails their driving test, the examiner will give them a copy of the driving-test report form. This will show all the faults marked during the test. The examiner will also offer an oral explanation as to why they haven't passed. If the instructor is present during the examiner's explanation, they'll be able to offer their pupil additional advice and guidance.

To test your suspension, press down sharply on the bodywork above each wheel and release it. If the vehicle bounces more than once, take it to be checked by a qualified mechanic. A good shock absorber will dampen the movement immediately.

Drivers and riders should proceed with caution at a junction where the traffic lights have failed. They should treat the situation as if it were an unmarked junction. As no-one has priority, everyone should be prepared to stop.

When approaching a zebra crossing where you intend to stop, using an arm signal can be helpful. This not only tells the vehicles behind that you intend to stop, but also informs approaching traffic and waiting pedestrians, who can't see your brake lights.

The lights that control the crossing show to both directions of traffic. If a pedestrian from either side is still crossing when the amber light is flashing, you must wait.

Long white lines with short gaps mean there's a hazard ahead. Often a warning sign will show you the nature of the hazard. Don't cross the line unless you can see the road is clear well ahead and you wish to overtake or turn off.

If you want to turn left and there's a cyclist in front of you, hold back. Wait until the cyclist has passed the junction and then turn left behind them.

You need to allow extra room in case the side wind blows the rider across the lane and into your path. Additionally, the draught from your vehicle could further buffet and unbalance the rider.

When teaching your pupil the turn-in-the-road exercise, you should explain that having the car under control is only part of the procedure. They also need to be aware of other road users and know how to deal with them safely.

As you approach a left turn, maintain your normal driving position on the left. Don't swing out before you turn, and make sure that you've reduced your speed and are in the correct gear. Look into the road before you turn and give way to any pedestrians who are crossing.

When parking on a road at night, all vehicles must display parking lights when the road has a speed limit greater than 30 mph.

'Coasting' is the term used when the clutch is held down or the gear lever is in neutral and the vehicle is allowed to freewheel. This reduces the driver's control of the vehicle because the engine isn't connected to the driven wheels. This removes the assistance of engine braking and the stability of a powered drive train.

Sometimes road markings can be obscured by queuing traffic, or you may be unsure which lane you need to be in. If you realise too late that you're in the wrong lane, don't cut across lanes or bully other drivers to let you in. Follow the lane you're in and find somewhere safe to turn around if you need to.

When traffic lights are out of order, you should treat the junction as an unmarked crossroads. Be cautious, as you may need to give way or stop. Keep a lookout for traffic attempting to cross the junction at speed.

The longer traffic lights have been on green, the greater the chance of them changing. Always allow for this as you approach the lights and be prepared to stop.

White lights at the rear of a car show that the driver has selected reverse gear. When reversing, the driver's view of the road is likely to be reduced. Sound your horn to warn of your presence and be ready to stop if necessary.

A toucan crossing is designed to allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross at the same time. Look out for cyclists approaching the crossing at speed.

The lights that control the crossing show to both directions of traffic. If a pedestrian from either side is still crossing when the amber light is flashing, you must wait.

If you brake while travelling in a straight line, the inertia of the vehicle tries to keep it moving forward. This moves the weight of the vehicle forward and onto the front wheels. This extra load on the front tyres will press them more firmly into contact with the road, giving more tyre grip.

As you approach left-hand bends, keep to the middle of your lane. Don't move to the centre of the road to improve your view. This could put you too close to oncoming traffic. A vehicle coming the other way might be running close to or over the centre of the road as it comes around the bend.