If you wish to overtake a long vehicle, stay well back so that you can see the road ahead. Don't
-get too close to the vehicle, as this will restrict your view of the road ahead
-get impatient; overtaking on a busy road calls for sound judgement
-take a gamble; only overtake when you can see that you can safely complete the manoeuvre.

A new car in Great Britain doesn't require an MOT test certificate until it's three years old. At all times, it's the driver's responsibility to ensure that the vehicle they're driving is roadworthy.

At a crossroads where there are no 'give way' signs or road markings, no-one has priority, even if the roads are of different sizes. Approach slowly and only cross when the junction is clear.

You should check the coolant level frequently, particularly before a long journey, and top it up as necessary. The need to top up often might indicate a leak or other fault in the cooling system. Have it checked by your garage or dealer.

Slow-moving vehicles, such as a salt spreader or breakdown vehicle, may use a flashing amber beacon. On unrestricted dual carriageways, vehicles with a maximum speed of 25 mph (40 km/h) or less must use a flashing amber beacon.

Large goods vehicles are fitted with speed limiters. This means it can take them a long time to overtake if the vehicle they're passing is travelling close to their limited speed. If a lorry is struggling to overtake you, slow down to let it pass. This helps the lorry driver and also other drivers following behind who want to travel faster.

When driving on snow or frozen surfaces, your tyres will have very little grip. To avoid losing that grip, you'll need to accelerate, steer and brake very gently.

Detailed instruction should decrease as the pupil's ability increases. An instructor shouldn't be controlling the pupil all of the time. This takes the initiative away from the pupil and could be considered over-instruction.

When travelling down a steep hill, your vehicle will tend to increase speed. This will make it more difficult for you to stop. To maintain control and prevent the vehicle from running away
- select a lower gear - the engine will then help to control your speed
- use the footbrake to maintain control.

An interested pupil is likely to be well motivated and should retain information better than one who has lost interest. Everyone has different abilities, so instruction needs to be varied to suit the individual.

You should normally use the left-hand lane on any dual carriageway, unless you're overtaking or turning right. When overtaking on a dual carriageway, look for vehicles ahead that are turning right. They're likely to be slowing or stopped. You need to see them in good time so that you can take appropriate action.

A pupil should be advised to seek assistance if they can't see clearly behind when they're reversing. During the driving test, however, the examiner will select a corner where this won't be necessary.

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.

Sometimes, large vehicles may need more space than other road users. If a vehicle needs more time and space to turn, be prepared to stop and wait.

At a road traffic incident, there's a real danger of further collisions and fire, so only approach if it's safe. Get someone to call the emergency services and, if there's an injured casualty, first check if they're breathing. If they're not breathing, you may need to give chest compressions until the ambulance arrives.

Driving a vehicle without insurance cover is illegal. If you cause injury to anyone or damage their property, it could be very expensive and you could also be subject to criminal prosecution.

Yellow lines are painted across the road on the approach to some roundabouts. The lines are usually found on dual carriageways, where traffic speeds are higher, or at the end of motorway exit slip roads. They provide a visual warning to remind drivers to check their speed.

When turning right at a crossroads where oncoming traffic is also turning right, it's generally safer to turn behind the approaching vehicle. This allows you a clear view of approaching traffic and is called turning offside to offside. However, some junctions - usually those controlled by traffic-light filters - are marked for vehicles to turn nearside to nearside.

Strict controls on exhaust emissions require a catalytic converter to be fitted to the exhaust system of all new vehicles. Catalytic converters remove most of the carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen and unburned hydrocarbons from the exhaust gases.

Large, long and heavy vehicles will need more time to pass you than a car, especially uphill. If necessary, be prepared to slow down to let them pass.

Any vehicle stopped on the hard shoulder of a motorway is at risk from passing traffic. For this reason, don't attempt to make repairs to your vehicle while it's on the hard shoulder. Make your way to the nearest emergency telephone to call for assistance.

You may be difficult to see when you're travelling at night, even on a well-lit road. If you use dipped headlights rather than sidelights, other road users will see you more easily.

If there are no speed-limit signs, street lights usually indicate a 30 mph speed limit.

As you approach a school crossing patrol, you may see two amber lights, one above the other and flashing alternately. This will be accompanied by a 'school' warning sign. The school crossing patrol will display a 'stop' sign, so you must stop. Don't wave anyone across the road, get impatient or rev your engine.

The flashing amber light allows time for pedestrians to finish crossing. If the crossing is clear and it's safe, you may drive on before the green light shows.

Although there will be times when it's necessary to check blind spots on the move, turning right around is unnecessary and could be dangerous. Regular and sensible use of the mirrors, with a quick sideways glance as necessary, will keep a driver up to date with what's happening all round.

Electric trams run on rails and can't steer to avoid you. Keep a lookout for trams in areas where they operate, as they move very quietly and you might not hear them approaching.

Using your hazard warning lights in addition to your brake lights will give the traffic behind you an extra warning of the hazard ahead. Only use them for long enough to ensure that your warning has been seen.

All warning signs are triangular, but the 'give way' sign is the only triangular sign that points downwards; this is to give it greater prominence as you approach a junction. When you see this sign, you must give way to traffic on the road that you're about to join.

If someone's been injured, the sooner proper medical attention is given, the better. Either ask someone to phone for help or do so yourself. Only move an injured person if there's a risk of further danger. Don't remove an injured motorcyclist's helmet unless it's essential.