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.

Don't travel unless you really have to. Making unnecessary journeys will increase the risk of being involved in an incident. If you do decide to use your car, it's important that you can see and be seen. Make sure any snow or ice is cleared from lights, mirrors, number plates and windows.

Be aware that elderly people might take a long time to cross the road. They might also be hard of hearing and not hear you approaching. Don't hurry elderly people across the road by getting too close to them or revving your engine.

Animals can be unpredictable, and horses can be startled by passing traffic. Reducing your speed and leaving as much space as possible will help to minimise the risk.

A vehicle fitted with an automatic transmission usually changes to a higher gear as its speed increases and to a lower gear as it falls. It will also change down to a lower gear going uphill, as the load on the engine increases. However, there are times when you need to stay in a low gear even if the speed is constant and the load is light - for example, when going down a steep hill. The system normally tries to change to a higher gear in these situations; the driver is usually able to override the system by using the gear selector to stay in a low gear.

Although cars are the least likely to be affected, side winds can affect anyone, especially
- after overtaking a large vehicle
- when passing gaps between hedges or buildings
- on exposed sections of road.

Compulsory reduced speed limits are often in force throughout roadworks on the motorway. This safety measure is to protect drivers and workers in the road. Be aware of reduced speed limits and slow down in good time.

Some junctions have advanced stop lines with an area for cyclists to position themselves ahead of other traffic. You must stop at the first white line you reach. If you're unable to stop safely at the first line, you must stop at the second line, even though you'll be blocking the area reserved for cyclists.

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.

Try to plan your journey so that you can take rest stops. It's recommended that you take a break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving. This should help to maintain your concentration.

Overtaking on the approach to a junction is fraught with danger and shouldn't be attempted. Particular guidance needs to be given about the unusual course a large goods vehicle may need to take in order to negotiate the junction safely.

People who appear uninjured may be in shock and need professional treatment. Avoid unnecessary movement, reassure them, and keep them comfortable and warm. Don't leave them on their own and don't give them anything to eat or drink. Make sure the emergency services are called if necessary.

The wheels of a bicycle can become stuck in tram rails, causing the cyclist to stop suddenly, wobble or fall off. Tram rails also offer less grip than the road surface. This could cause a cyclist to skid, especially when it's wet.

In wet weather, visibility on the motorway is made worse by the spray thrown up from vehicles' tyres. Using dipped headlights will help other drivers to see you more easily.

A spongy footbrake normally indicates that air has entered the hydraulic system. This may be caused by allowing the fluid level to fall too far, a fluid leak, or moisture ingress. If the brakes feel spongy or slack, have them checked by a qualified mechanic. Test your brakes before the start of every journey. Check the brake fluid regularly but don't overfill it.

You should always assess the depth of the water and avoid driving through deep or fast-flowing water. There's a risk that water may stop the engine if it enters the combustion chamber via the air intake, obstructs the exhaust pipe or short-circuits the ignition system. In addition, there's a risk of the vehicle being swept away by fast-flowing water. To drive through shallow water, you should drive slowly, because this will prevent a wave from washing over the engine. To ensure the exhaust pipe doesn't become flooded, the engine speed should be kept high, which may require you to slip the clutch.

Y-junctions can be deceptive because they often call for little change in direction. However, turning right, your view to the left may be restricted. At the mouth of the junction, positioning your vehicle at right angles to the major road will improve your view. This is particularly important if your vehicle has restricted view to the side; for example, a van.

You must always remain within the speed limit, but how fast you drive will depend on many other factors. Above all, you should never drive so fast that you can't stop within the distance you can see to be clear.

If you scan the road as you drive, you should see hazards developing. Once you've seen the danger, reduce speed and be prepared to stop if necessary.

Photocard licences are valid for a maximum of 10 years. This is to allow the photographic likeness to be updated when the licence is renewed. However, the licence entitlement usually lasts until age 70.

One condition of holding a driving licence is that you must inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), or the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) in Northern Ireland, if your health deteriorates in any way that affects your ability to drive. This also applies if your eyesight deteriorates to the point that you can no longer meet the driver's eyesight requirements.

Red rear reflectors show up when headlights shine on them. These are useful when you're parked at night but will only reflect if you park in the same direction as the traffic flow. Normally you should park on the left, but if you're in a one-way street you may also park on the right-hand side.

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.

If you have to park your vehicle in foggy conditions, it's important that it can be seen by other road users. Try to find a place to park off the road. If this isn't possible, leave it facing in the same direction as the traffic. Make sure that your lights are clean and that you leave your parking lights switched on.

Exterior mirrors are designed to be convex. This gives a wide angle of view and helps to reduce blind areas. However, a vehicle behind will appear smaller and further away in a convex mirror, so it could be closer than you think.

The flashing amber light comes on after the red light, and people may still be crossing. If the crossing is clear and it's safe, you may drive on without waiting for the green light.

If you don't keep your tyres inflated to the recommended pressure, they may wear unevenly. Over-inflated tyres will tend to wear heavily in the centre tread area, while under-inflated tyres will tend to wear more on their outer edges. Check your tyres regularly and use a reliable gauge. Follow the manufacturer's guide for the correct tyre pressure; check and adjust the pressure when the tyres are cold.

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.

The flashing amber light allows pedestrians who are already on the crossing to get to the other side before the green light shows to traffic. Give way to them and only proceed when the crossing is clear.

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.