Modern anti-lock braking systems rely on electronics for their operation. A warning light on the dashboard shows that the system is operating. This light will usually go out when the vehicle reaches about 6 mph (10 km/h).

Vehicles overtaking in the right-hand lane may return to the centre lane when they've finished their manoeuvre. You should look for this before starting to pull out. Don't rely on the size of your vehicle to claim right of way.

When seat belts are fitted to your vehicle, they must be worn unless you hold a valid medical exemption certificate. People making deliveries or collections in goods vehicles are also exempt, when they're travelling less than 50 metres (162 feet).

While you're using a phone, your attention will be divided between the call and the road. This means you're unable to take in all that's happening around your vehicle. You need to be concentrating on your driving all of the time, and especially when dealing with a hazard.

Lift the pedestrian's leg so that the wound is higher than their heart. This should reduce the flow of blood. Check that the limb isn't broken and there's nothing in the wound before applying pressure over it.

If your vehicle breaks down, try to stop on the left, facing in the same direction as the flow of traffic. This will help other drivers to see you, as your red reflectors will show to the rear. Don't stop on the pavement, as the weight of the vehicle may damage paving stones and underground services.

Staying back will increase your view of the road ahead. This will help you to see any hazards that might occur and will allow you more time to react. It will also allow the driver in front to see you in their mirrors.

It's a legal requirement that your tyres have at least the minimum permitted depth of tread and are in good condition before you start any journey. Make sure that you inspect them before setting off, and at regular intervals.

Normally, you should avoid having to stop before joining a motorway. Use the slip road to build up your speed so that you can emerge safely. If it's extremely busy, there may be rare occasions when you have to stop and then filter into the traffic. This is most likely to happen where traffic is queuing; for example, at roadworks.

When braking, always maintain steady pressure on the brake pedal until the vehicle has stopped. This helps to reduce the 'wave effect' that can build up as the liquid load moves when the vehicle changes speed.

If you're trying to resuscitate someone, it's important that you don't give up on them. Make sure that someone has called the emergency services and continue trying to resuscitate the casualty until medical help arrives.

As well as your driving licence, you'll need to carry the insurance certificate and vehicle registration document. Other documentation may also be needed for some countries. Check this before starting your journey.

Traffic officers don't have enforcement powers, but they're able to stop and direct people on motorways and some 'A' class roads. They only operate in England and work in partnership with the police at incidents. Traffic officers can be recognised by their orange-and-yellow jackets and their vehicles, which have yellow-and-black markings.

Buffer lanes are often found in places that are frequently subjected to high winds. Examples include high-level bridges, high-level roads, exposed viaducts and exposed stretches of motorway. Listen to the weather forecast, which should tell you of any need to re-plan your route.

The service brake is usually operated by the brake pedal. It's used to control the speed of the vehicle and to bring it to a halt safely. It may also incorporate an anti-lock braking system.

Being seated properly is very important when driving long distances. A poor driving position can quickly cause fatigue. You should make sure that you can reach all the controls comfortably.

A heavy vehicle will lose speed when climbing a steep hill. Changing to a lower gear will help you to maintain an appropriate speed.

Where a motorway has a long or steep gradient, slow-moving large vehicles might get in the way of other traffic. To help the traffic flow, an extra lane - called a crawler lane - is sometimes found on these gradients. This helps the traffic to flow by providing the slower heavy vehicles with a dedicated lane on the left.

To achieve maximum stability, the load should be placed to keep the centre of gravity as low as possible. To do this, heavy items should be placed close to the centre line and spread over the full length of the vehicle. Lighter items should be placed along the sides.

Power-assisted steering operates when the engine is running. If a fault develops, much greater effort is required to turn the steering wheel. Don't attempt to drive a vehicle if you're aware of a fault in the power-steering system.

You should allow the faster-moving vehicle to overtake safely. If you pull out to overtake at this time, you'll cause the car behind to brake sharply. Don't use the size of your vehicle to intimidate. Be professional and show consideration to other road users.

When driving downhill, gravity will cause the vehicle to increase speed. More braking effort will be required, and stopping distances will increase.

Driving with the rev counter in the red band will cause the engine to wear prematurely and can lead to expensive repairs. This could result in the vehicle being off the road for some time.

Sitting in a high cab doesn't always give you all-round visibility. Other road users might assume that you can see them and position themselves out of sight close to your vehicle. Making good use of any extra mirrors can help prevent dangerous incidents, especially when parking.

Pedestrians who are part of an organised walk using the road at night should wear bright or reflective clothing. The walker in front should display a white light, while the one at the back should display a red light. Be particularly careful, slow down and give the walkers plenty of room.

As a local-service bus driver, you may use the bus lane at any time. The restrictions apply to other road users, to keep the lane clear for you at peak times. Don't be tempted to speed when driving up the inside of slow-moving or stationary traffic. Be alert for pedestrians who may be trying to cross the road.

Rain makes the road surface slippery and reduces tyre grip. Doubling your separation distance should allow you the extra time and space you'll need to slow down and stop safely.

Hazardous substances in transit are readily identified by a diamond-shaped warning label. This label carries other information to identify the type of hazard more specifically, such as

• flammable gas
• toxic gas
• corrosive agents.

These are just some of the types of hazard encountered. Strict regulations apply to the storage and carriage of these goods. All drivers of this type of load must receive specific certificated training.

You must always disengage the diff-lock as soon as the vehicle is moving. The differential allows the rear wheels to revolve at different speeds, and this allows the vehicle to follow a curved path. Attempting to turn with the diff-lock engaged could result in the vehicle continuing straight on.

Many vehicles are very powerful and can maintain speed even when climbing a gradient. Even if your vehicle is capable of maintaining speed, you can still use the crawler lane to make it easier for other road users to overtake safely.

In England and Wales, vehicles exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum authorised mass are restricted to a maximum of 50 mph on single carriageway roads. In Scotland, this speed limit is 40 mph.

Expect a motorcyclist who makes a quick glance over their shoulder to be changing direction. They should do this before turning. By observing this, you'll get an early clue of their intention.

Moisture in the air condenses as the air pressure increases. This moisture can be transmitted around the braking system and is especially dangerous in cold weather. It can lead to ice forming and blocking the valves and pipes.

Driving at high speed on a wet motorway can throw up dense spray, making it very difficult for other drivers to see ahead. Driving more slowly reduces the amount of spray and this makes it safer for other drivers.

You'll need to identify the sign in time, so that you can select an appropriate gear.

A green flashing light on a vehicle means the driver or passenger is a doctor on an emergency call. Give way to them if it's safe to do so. Be aware that the vehicle may be travelling quickly or may stop suddenly.

You should change lanes as directed by the sign. Here, the right-hand lane is closed but the
left-hand and centre lanes are available. Merging in turn is recommended when it's safe and traffic is going slowly; for example, at roadworks or a road traffic incident. When vehicles are travelling at speed, this isn't advisable and you should move into the appropriate lane in good time.

When transporting livestock, it's important to limit the amount of space they have to move around. If you allow them to move around freely, it could increase the risk of injury to the animals. It will also affect the stability of the vehicle when braking and cornering, and could even cause the vehicle to tip over.

When a wheel is refitted, the wheel nuts/studs should be tightened gradually and diagonally across the wheel. You should tighten the nuts to the specified torque setting, using a calibrated torque wrench.

A flashing amber light is shown at pelican crossings, but not at puffin crossings. Puffin crossings have sensors that detect when pedestrians are using the crossing.

Always have a walk round your vehicle and visually check the wheel nuts whenever you take a break. When a wheel is replaced, it's important to have the wheel nuts rechecked shortly after their initial tightening. Wheel nuts must always be tightened to the torque specified by the manufacturer.

Air suspension provides a smoother journey than traditional suspension and transmits less vibration to the road surface, under-road services and nearby structures, such as bridges. It's considered to be environmentally friendly because it reduces damage to the road network.

An illness that could affect you while you're driving, such as a heart condition, may make it unsafe for you to drive. You must tell DVLA if you develop any serious illness or disability that's likely to last more than three months and that could affect your driving. Partial blindness and mental disorders can also prevent you from getting a driving licence for large vehicles.

In dense fog, large vehicles are no more visible than any other. If visibility falls below 100 metres (328 feet), use your fog lights to help other drivers see you.

At the scene of an incident, if there are any casualties who are in contact with live electricity, don't touch them with your hands - even if you're wearing gloves. You should use a dry, non-conducting item, such as a wooden sweeping brush or plastic spade. You mustn't give first aid until you're sure the electrical contact has been broken, otherwise you'll be putting yourself in danger.

It can be dangerous for vehicles passing close by if you open the door carelessly. Always look properly to make sure that it's safe - checking the blind spots as well as using the mirrors - before you get out of the cab.

A person who's hysterical may do things that you wouldn't expect. Try to keep the distressed person calm and safe until the emergency services arrive.

Alcohol can take a long time to leave the body. You may feel all right to drive, but its effect will last for many hours.

The parking brake must always be set whenever you leave the vehicle. It's an offence not to leave your vehicle properly secured.

To comply with the law, all lights must be in good working order, even in daylight when they're not being used. Before you set out, make sure that everything is working and get any faulty lights fixed. You may need to use your headlights or other lights if you're delayed or find yourself driving in conditions of reduced visibility.

If you see this sign, be aware that there's a danger of grounding. This can happen where there's a pronounced bump in the road, such as at a level crossing or a hump bridge.

When someone ahead of you switches on their hazard warning lights, it means that they've spotted a hazard that you may not be able to see yet. Slow down and be ready to stop if necessary.

Before you make a turn or a change of direction, however slight, you should always check the mirrors. If you intend to turn left, check your left-hand (nearside) mirror first.

When the amber light is flashing, you must give way to any pedestrians on the crossing. Don't be impatient or encourage pedestrians to cross by waving or flashing your headlights; they or other road users may misunderstand your signal.

The flashing amber light allows pedestrians already on the crossing to get to the other side before a green light shows to the traffic. Be aware that some pedestrians, such as elderly people and young children, need longer to cross. Let them do this at their own pace.

Load security is one of the many responsibilities of the driver. When choosing a site to park your vehicle overnight, you should always look for a location that's legal and well lit. Many allocated lorry parks are patrolled by the police or security firms.

Major roadworks often cause complicated diversions for large vehicles. Drivers may be advised to follow a special symbol until the original road can be rejoined. Look for the yellow-and-black symbols in these shapes:

• square
• triangle
• diamond
• circle.

They'll often be shown with additional information and will help guide you around the diversion.

If you're the first to arrive at an incident, further collisions and fire are the immediate concerns. Switch on your hazard warning lights to warn other traffic. Stop any running vehicle engines to reduce the risk of fire. Don't assume that someone else has called the emergency services - do it yourself. Don't move casualties trapped in vehicles unless they're in danger.

The vehicle handbook will clearly explain what maintenance may be carried out by the driver. Always refer to it and comply with the safety guidance that it contains. However, you need to be aware of your employer's policy on making any minor repairs.

Too much weight on an axle can reduce braking efficiency and cause brake fade. As well as being dangerous, exceeding the axle weight limit is an offence that can result in prosecution.

Leaving the filler cap off, or not properly securing it, could result in a spillage of diesel onto the road. Because diesel is slippery, this would be a major hazard, so make sure to correctly secure the filler cap after use.

Whenever you see this sign, take extra care with these very vulnerable road users.

A pelican crossing that goes straight across the road must be treated as one continuous crossing even if it has a central island. The lights controlling the crossing show to both directions of traffic. You must give way to pedestrians who are still crossing when the amber light is flashing.

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.

If you wish to overtake a vehicle that's throwing up spray, move out earlier than normal. This will help to limit the reduction in vision that the rear spray will cause before you pass.

All drivers should play their part to protect the environment against traffic pollution. Make sure the vehicle you drive is properly maintained. Report any defects, such as excessive exhaust smoke, as soon as you can.

Keeping your vehicle's tyres in good condition will give them a good grip on the road and will improve the vehicle's overall stability. Each tyre must have at least the minimum legal depth of tread across three-quarters of its width. Renew tyres well before they wear to less than that.

When there's no traffic ahead of you, you should always drive in the left-hand lane.

Don't hurry elderly people across the road by getting too close to them or revving the engine. Be aware that they might take longer to cross. They might also have hearing difficulties and not hear you approaching.

Plan well ahead to enable you to brake normally. Don't rely on anti-lock brakes to compensate for deficiencies in your driving.

You should always try to stop, if it's safe, for people waiting at pedestrian crossings. However, avoid waving them to cross. Another driver may not have seen them, may not have seen your signal or may not be able to stop safely.

Cold water will cool the burning tissue and help prevent further damage. It will also reduce swelling, minimise shock and alleviate pain. Use water, or any other liquid, that's clean and non-toxic.

When moving a load, make sure you don't have to bend down or stretch up to reach the handles. Also, try to push rather than pull, so you can see where you're going.

This sign is placed on sections of road where overtaking would be dangerous. There'll often be a plate underneath the sign, telling you how far the restriction extends. You mustn't overtake until you pass another sign cancelling the restriction.

On a poor road surface, the rider may need to move out to avoid potholes. You may not get much warning. A look to the right or a 'lifesaver' check may warn you that they're about to move out. Stay well back and allow the rider plenty of room until you can pass safely.

A toucan crossing is signal-controlled, but unlike a pelican crossing it doesn't have a flashing amber light in the sequence. Cyclists and pedestrians cross together, and cyclists are allowed to ride their bicycles over the crossing.

When your vehicle has anti-lock brakes and you need to stop in an emergency, you should keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal until the vehicle stops; this will allow the system to work. Although anti-lock brakes contribute to safety, they don't reduce your stopping distance or take away the need to drive with good planning and anticipation.

Toucan crossings can be used by cyclists and pedestrians. Some cycle routes lead cyclists to these crossings. Always look out for cyclists, as they're likely to be approaching much faster than pedestrians.

When turning right onto a dual carriageway, don't stop in the gap in the central reservation unless your vehicle will fit in the gap without any overhang. When it's busy, consider turning left and using a roundabout further up the road so you don't have to cross the central reservation.

Telephone calls can distract you, meaning that you're not in proper control of your vehicle. If you need to use a telephone when driving, find a safe place to stop first. Better still, use a phone answering service and listen to your messages at the end of your journey.

Operators must set up an 'effective system' to prevent the carriage of illegal immigrants. This should include documentation with advice on vehicle security and a list of checks to be made. These papers should be produced immediately if an immigration officer asks to see them.

When using ropes, the ends should be spliced or otherwise treated to prevent fraying. The rope should be of at least three-strand construction, with a normal diameter of at least 10 mm.

Drivers queuing behind you may make hasty or ill-judged decisions in an effort to overtake. If you see a queue of traffic building up behind, give way as soon as you can do so safely by pulling in to the left.

Most diesel engines use a high-pressure fuel-injector system that will deliver pressurised fuel directly into the combustion chamber of the engine. This system is known as a direct-injection engine.

While overtaking, you'll need to judge carefully when to return to the nearside lane. Check your left-hand (nearside) mirror to make sure the rear of your vehicle is well clear. You should allow for the length of both vehicles and take into account the speed difference. Don't cut in too soon on the vehicle you've overtaken, and don't rely on signals from other drivers; they may be signalling to someone else.

Sulphur produces acidic gases. Diesel fuels with lower sulphur content have been produced to reduce exhaust emissions that harm both people and the environment.

If you stop for pedestrians and they don't start to cross, be patient. Don't wave them across or sound your horn. This could be dangerous if the driver of an approaching vehicle isn't aware of them. The driver may not have seen or heard your signal, making it very dangerous for the pedestrians to start to cross.

Being as healthy and alert as possible will make you safer on the road. Take regular meal and rest breaks, and keep to foods that contain complex carbohydrates, such as bread and vegetables. These release energy slowly and will keep you satisfied for longer than foods with a high sugar content.

Plan your overtaking carefully. The weight of your vehicle, combined with the restrictions imposed by a speed limiter, is likely to make your vehicle lose speed on uphill gradients. You should take this into consideration before attempting to overtake another moving vehicle.

Motorcyclists and cyclists may be more difficult to see, especially at junctions. They can be easily hidden by obstructions such as other vehicles, and the small size of an approaching motorcycle may make it difficult to judge its speed and distance. It's vital that you don't emerge until you're sure it's safe.

Codes are shown on the wall of the tyre. These refer to the maximum load and speed capability of the tyre.

It's important to stow away all your electrical cables and air lines safely to avoid causing injury to others. Connectors left lying around can be a trip hazard and can be damaged if they're run over by another vehicle.

If your vehicle catches fire in a tunnel and it can't be driven, stop on the side of the road, as far away from passing traffic as possible. Turn off the engine and warn other traffic by switching on your hazard warning lights.

Motorways often have exposed sections of road, placing high-sided vehicles at risk in side wind. When there are extremes of weather, listen to and watch out for weather forecasts. That way, you can plan your journey for the safest time, or make a decision on whether you should travel at all.

Jack-knifing occurs when the tractor unit is pushed by the semi-trailer pivoting around the coupling (fifth wheel). This is more likely to occur with an unladen vehicle.

If there's nothing embedded in the wound, you can control the blood loss by applying pressure to the wound and raising the leg if possible.