To make it easy to recognise, the 'stop' sign is the only sign that's octagonal. The visibility from a junction where the 'stop' sign is used will be poor, even from the edge of the junction. You must stop and, if necessary, edge forward until you can see it's safe to drive out.

The 'stop' sign is the only road sign that's octagonal. This is so that it can be recognised and obeyed even if it's obscured; for example, by snow.

Look at each sign that you pass on the road, so that you don't miss any warnings, orders or information. The shape of the sign will tell you its purpose: triangular signs warn, circles give orders and rectangles inform.

These lights warn that children may be crossing the road to a nearby school. Slow down so that you're ready to stop if necessary.

A motorcycle can be lost from sight behind another vehicle. The use of the headlight helps to make it more conspicuous and therefore more easily seen.

It takes more time to overtake a long vehicle than a small one, such as a car. Before overtaking, you need to be able to see far enough ahead to know that you have the space and time to complete the manoeuvre safely. Hazards to watch for include oncoming traffic, junctions, bends or dips (which could restrict your view), and any signs or road markings prohibiting overtaking.

If you intend to overtake on a two-way road that has three lanes, you must consider that approaching traffic could be planning the same manoeuvre. When you've considered the situation and have decided it's safe, indicate your intentions early. This will show the approaching traffic that you intend to pull out. Some of these roads have solid white lines marked to allow for overtaking in one direction only, usually for uphill traffic.

Where a motorway has a steep uphill gradient, slow-moving, large vehicles might get in the way of other traffic. An extra lane on the left may be provided for these slow-moving vehicles. It allows faster-moving traffic to flow more easily.

A long vehicle may have to straddle lanes on, or approaching, a roundabout. This is to prevent the rear wheels from going up onto the kerb. If you're following a long vehicle, stay well back and give it plenty of room.

You should normally overtake on the right, but there are some occasions when you may overtake on the left. These include when you're driving on a dual carriageway or motorway and the traffic is moving slowly in queues, or when a vehicle ahead is positioned to turn right and there's room to pass on the left. On dual carriageways or motorways, don't overtake on the left if traffic is flowing freely.

On a quiet country road, always be aware that there may be a hazard just around the next bend, such as a slow-moving vehicle or pedestrians. Pedestrians are advised to walk on the right-hand side of the road if there's no pavement, so they may be walking towards you on your side of the road.

On occasions, other road users may make a mistake or lack judgement. When this happens, try not to let it annoy you. Don't react by showing anger, sounding your horn, flashing your headlights or shouting. A safe driver remains calm and makes allowances for others.

When you're overtaking on a motorway, you'll sometimes find faster vehicles approaching from behind. When it's safe to do so, you should move over and let them pass. Don't try to enforce the legal speed limit.

Horses can be startled by the sound of a car engine or the rush of air caused by a vehicle passing too closely. Keep well back and only pass when it's safe. Leave them plenty of room. You may have to use the other side of the road to go past. If you do, first make sure there's no oncoming traffic.

Before you change lane in a traffic queue, look for motorcyclists who may be filtering between the lanes of traffic. Make sure you look properly, as a motorcycle is small and easy to overlook.

Motorways are open and exposed to prevailing weather conditions. In windy conditions, a high-sided vehicle may shelter you from the wind as you pass. As you emerge past it, you may suddenly be buffeted by the wind.

If you can't see all around your vehicle, get out and have a look. You could also ask someone reliable outside the vehicle to guide you. A small child could easily be hidden directly behind you.

Take care if a vehicle is approaching from the right and giving a left signal. The driver may have forgotten to cancel the signal or may wish to stop just past the junction. Don't emerge until you're sure of their intentions.

High-intensity rear fog lights are to be used when fog has seriously reduced visibility. Using them at any other time runs the risk of dazzling drivers behind. A warning light will show on the dashboard to indicate when your rear fog lights are on. You should know the meaning of all the lights on your dashboard and check them before you move off and as you drive.

Watch out for emerging vehicles, as the driver's view may be obscured at some junctions. If a vehicle pulls out and you're not sure whether the driver has seen you, slow down and be prepared to stop. Be tolerant and don't sound the horn in anger.

Always drive defensively. If a vehicle cuts in after overtaking, it's important to re-establish a safe separation gap. Check the mirrors and drop back to maintain your safe gap.

On a windy day, the blustery conditions will affect motorcyclists and they may be blown off course. If you wish to overtake a motorcyclist in these conditions, make allowances for them and give them extra room.

Look for the advance information on the direction signs and plan your exit in good time. Get into the left-hand lane in plenty of time and well before reaching your exit.

Emphasise that it's important to get into the habit of using all the mirrors before making any manoeuvre. It's particularly important to check the appropriate exterior mirror before overtaking.

If you want to make a U-turn, slow down or stop in a legal place. Make sure that the road is wide enough to carry out the manoeuvre safely. Check all around to ensure that the road is clear in both directions and that you're not going to endanger anyone as you turn.