Even though a warning device indicates low air-brake pressure, you may still be able to release the parking brake. If you do this and start moving, the service brake may be ineffective and you may not be able to stop.

It can be frustrating and worrying to find your planned route is blocked by roadworks or diversions. If you've planned an alternative, you'll feel less stressed and able to concentrate fully on your driving. If your original route is mostly on motorways, it's a good idea to plan an alternative using non-motorway roads. Always carry a map with you just in case you need to refer to it - but stop driving before you do so.

The hiss of air-assisted mechanisms, as well as engine noise, can easily startle horses. Keep the noise to a minimum by gentle use of the brakes and, if necessary, stopping and turning your engine off.

Always be aware of the height of the vehicle you're driving, particularly if you drive different vehicles. If you use a sat-nav, it may show you the height and weight limits on UK roads.

As well as headlights and tail lights, large vehicles have additional lighting to help other road users see the size of the vehicle. All lights should be clean and working properly. Driving at night when your vehicle is poorly lit is dangerous for you and other road users.

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.

Only overtake when it's safe to do so, and don't use the size of your vehicle to intimidate approaching traffic. When overtaking a cyclist, leave plenty of room and, before returning to the left, check in your nearside mirror to make sure you've passed them safely.

A long lorry with a heavy load will need more time to pass you than a car. It won't be able to accelerate enough to pass you quickly, especially on an uphill stretch of road. Be considerate to the lorry driver - ease off the accelerator and allow the lorry to pass.

The faster the traffic is moving, the greater the distance that needs to be kept between vehicles to maintain safety margins. If you find another vehicle driving too close behind you, gradually reduce your speed to increase your distance from the vehicle in front. You'll then be able to brake more gently when you need to, reducing the likelihood of the lorry behind running into the back of your vehicle.

Your tachograph chart is a legal document; it's a record of your work covering a rolling 24-hour period. Drivers who break the rules are subject to heavy fines and could lose their vocational licence. Altering your tachograph chart with intent to deceive is against the law and could lead to a prison sentence. Similar penalties exist for those who permit such offences.

Scan the road as you drive. Try to anticipate hazards by being aware of the places where they're likely to occur; for example, pedestrians and cyclists emerging between parked cars on a busy street. If you're prepared, you'll be able to slow down or stop in good time.

Keep a check in your mirrors as you're driving to make sure that the sheets are secure. Air can force itself under the sheets and work them loose.

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.

Concentration and good judgement are needed to be a good, safe driver. You're strongly advised not to drink any alcohol before driving. Alcohol can stay in your system for 24-48 hours, so you should also consider your intake the day and night before driving.

Escape lanes are found on steep downhill sections of road. They're designed to give a 'run-off' area, usually straight ahead, to allow vehicles to stop in an emergency. This is usually when brakes have faded or failed on large vehicles.

If you don't give your name and address at the time of an incident, report it to the police as soon as you can, or in any case within 24 hours. If any other person is injured and you don't produce your insurance certificate to the police at the time of the incident, or to any other person who has reasonable grounds to request it, you must also

• report the incident to the police as soon as possible, or in any case within 24 hours
• produce your insurance certificate to the police either when reporting the incident or within seven days (five days in Northern Ireland) at any police station.

If your vehicle is over 17 metres (55 feet) long and you wish to cross a level crossing, you must stop before the crossing and telephone the signal operator.

Correctly adjusted air deflectors will save fuel. They should be adjusted to guide the airflow over the highest point at the front of the trailer or load and body.

Horses and their riders will move more slowly than other road users. They might not have time to cut across heavy traffic to take up a position in the offside lane when they're turning right; it could also be hazardous for them to do so. Therefore, a horse and rider may approach a roundabout in the left-hand lane, even though they're turning right.

When refitting a wheel, the nuts should be tightened to the correct torque. They should be rechecked after about 30 minutes if the vehicle hasn't moved, or after 40 to 80 km (25 to 50 miles) of driving.

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.

Getting out of the cab on the offside, directly into the road, can be hazardous - especially if traffic is travelling at speed. Use your mirrors to check that it's safe to leave the vehicle. Be sure to use all proper footholds and hand grips when you leave the cab.

Tailgating' - travelling too close to the vehicle in front - is very dangerous, because it doesn't give you enough distance to stop safely. Leave at least a two-second gap in good conditions, and increase this to four seconds in wet weather.

When you see this sign, you must give way to traffic from the opposite direction, regardless of the size of your vehicle.

Vehicles over the weight shown on the sign may not use the bridge ahead. You must know the weight of your vehicle, including any load. With this knowledge you should plan your route in advance, so that you don't come to a bridge you can't cross. That way, you'll avoid delays and save time and fuel.

If seat belts are fitted to your lorry, you must wear them. Exemptions are allowed for holders of medical exemption certificates and for delivery drivers when travelling less than 50 metres (162 feet).