Car Free Test #6

Before overtaking assess the situation. Look well ahead to see if the cyclist will need to change direction. Be especially aware of the cyclist approaching parked vehicles as they will need to alter course. Do not pass too closely or cut in sharply.

Only overtake on the left if traffic is moving slowly in queues and the traffic on your right is moving more slowly than the traffic in your lane.

Learner drivers benefit by combining professional driving lessons with private practice. However, you need to be at least 21 years old and have held your driving licence for at least 3 years before you can supervise a learner driver.

When following a cyclist be aware that they have to deal with the hazards around them. They may wobble or swerve to avoid a pothole in the road or see a potential hazard and change direction suddenly. Don’t follow them too closely or rev your engine impatiently.

There are times when other drivers make incorrect or ill-judged decisions. Be tolerant and try not to retaliate or react aggressively. Always consider the safety of other road users, your passengers and yourself.

Driving at a slow speed in a high gear will reduce the likelihood of wheel-spin and help your vehicle maintain the best possible grip.

The “Traffic Merges from Left” sign warns you that traffic from a separate lane will be joining the road you are on from the left-hand side. This merging traffic does not have priority and must yield to you, the driver on the main road.

If your vehicle is required to have an MOT certificate you will need to make sure this is current before you are able to renew your vehicle excise licence (road tax). You can renew online, by phone or at certain post offices.

Try to keep calm and don't rush. Ensure you have all the details before you leave the scene. If possible take pictures and note the positions of all the vehicles involved.

Windscreen pillars can block your view, particularly at junctions. Those road users most at risk of not being seen are cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians. Never rely on just a quick glance.

If you’re travelling on an icy road extra caution will be required to avoid loss of control. Keeping your speed down and using the highest gear possible will reduce the risk of the tyres losing their grip on this slippery surface.

If you’re involved in a collision, head restraints will reduce the risk of neck injury. They must be properly adjusted. Make sure they aren’t positioned too low, in a crash this could cause damage to the neck.

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

Having an excess on your policy will help to keep down the premium, but if you make a claim you will have to pay the excess yourself.

Active Traffic Management schemes are intended to reduce congestion and make journey times more reliable. In these areas the hard shoulder may be used as a running lane to ease congestion at peak times or in the event of an incident. It may appear that you could travel faster for a short distance, but keeping traffic flow at a constant speed may improve your journey time.

Horse riders often keep to the outside of a roundabout even if they are turning right. Give them plenty of room and remember that they may have to cross lanes of traffic.

Give way to buses whenever you can do so safely, especially when they signal to pull away from bus stops. Look out for people leaving the bus and crossing the road.

A red cross over a blue background indicates a clearway, which means you're not allowed to stop – not even to set down or pick up passengers. In some instances, restrictions may only apply at certain times of the day.

If a casualty isn't breathing normally, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may be needed to maintain circulation. Place two hands on the centre of the chest and press down hard and fast – around 5–6 centimetres and about twice a second.

Always check the road into which you are turning. Approaching at the correct speed will allow you enough time to observe and react. Give way to any pedestrians already crossing the road.

Always check the road signs. Triangular signs are warning signs: they inform you about hazards ahead and help you to anticipate any problems. There are a number of different signs showing pedestrians. Learn the meaning of each one.

Although a convex mirror gives a wide view of the scene behind, you should be aware that it will not show you everything behind or to the side of the vehicle. Before you move off you will need to check over your shoulder to look for anything not visible in the mirrors.

In this situation motorcyclists could be passing you on either side. Always check before you change lanes or change direction.

Deep water can affect your brakes, so you should check that they’re working properly before you build up speed again. Before you do this, remember to check your mirrors and consider what’s behind you.

If you have to make a U-turn, slow down and ensure that the road is clear in both directions. Make sure that the road is wide enough for you to carry out the manoeuvre safely.