If a load is being secured with ropes, you must make sure it's tied securely to the body of the unit. The most effective method of tying is with 'dolly knots'. These are non-slip knots that hold firmly.

Take care to secure caps and tank hatches. Diesel is very slippery and, if spilled on the road, it's particularly dangerous to motorcyclists.

In icy or snowy weather, your stopping distance can increase by up to ten times. Because snowy weather increases the distance needed to stop, you must look further ahead and leave an increased safety margin.

If you check the engine oil level when your vehicle is standing on a slope, the reading on the dipstick won't be accurate. Park it on flat ground, so the dipstick shows the true level.

Always have wheel nuts checked soon after their initial tightening. They should be tightened to the torque specified by the vehicle manufacturer.

If you can't return to base within a week of the tachograph becoming defective, it must be repaired during the journey. While it's broken, you must keep a manual record.

Never return to the left-hand lane until you're sure that you're well clear of the vehicle you've just overtaken. Don't cut in too soon and don't rely on the other driver flashing you in. Make your own judgement about when it's safe to move into the left-hand lane.

Children getting off the bus will be hidden from your view, and they may not be able to see you. Even if they can see you, they may have poor judgement of danger. You should drive slowly as you pass the bus and be ready to stop.

Short-wheelbase vehicles will bounce more noticeably than some long-wheelbase vehicles when empty. This can affect braking efficiency and all-round control.

In England and Wales, the national speed limit for lorries over 7.5 tonnes maximum authorised mass on a single carriageway road is 50 mph. In Scotland, the limit is 40 mph.

These lights warn that children are likely to be crossing the road on their way to and from school. Slow down and watch out for them.

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

Stopping where you see this sign is likely to cause an obstruction, which could lead to traffic delays. Obeying the sign will help keep the traffic flowing.

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.

Driving at a constant speed for long periods, such as on a motorway, can cause drowsiness. Falling asleep while driving accounts for a significant proportion of vehicle incidents. You should plan and take regular rest stops, but if you feel the onset of tiredness between these breaks, stop and rest in a safe place.

As you approach the children, consider whether you need to sound the horn as a warning. Always check your nearside mirror as you pass any hazards on the left, so that you know when your vehicle is clear of the hazard.

All spare sheets and ropes carried on the vehicle must be tied down securely to prevent them falling onto the road, where they may be a hazard for other vehicles.

Beware of children playing in the street and running out into the road. If a ball bounces out from the pavement, slow down and stop if necessary. Don't encourage anyone to fetch the ball from the road. Other road users might not see your signal and you might lead a child into danger.

These signals can be found at level crossings, some airfields, bridges and emergency access sites. You must stop if the red lights are flashing. At level crossings, if the lights continue to flash after a train has passed, continue to wait because another train is coming.

Slow down when you see a warning sign for an uneven road. Be especially careful if you're carrying passengers, livestock or fragile items.

Small battery-powered vehicles are often used by disabled people. On unrestricted dual carriageways, these vehicles must show a flashing amber light. Be very careful, as they have a maximum speed of 8 mph. You may see other slow-moving vehicles with amber flashing lights, such as agricultural vehicles.

Always use the MSM routine when you're approaching a hazard.
M - Mirrors: check the position of the traffic behind you..
S - Signal: signal your intention to slow down or change course in good time..
M - Manoeuvre: a manoeuvre is any change in position, from slowing or stopping the vehicle to turning off a busy road.

This shared route is for pedestrians and cyclists only. Be aware that, when it ends, the cyclists will be rejoining the main road.

The full name of the CMR is the 'Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road'. You'll need this document to transport goods internationally by road. Of the four copies required, the consignor, consignee and originator all have one copy, and the fourth travels with the vehicle.

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).

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.

When you're in a warm cab, you may not notice the drop in outside temperature. One of the first signs of an icy road is a lack of 'feel' in the steering. If this happens, slow down and increase the distance between your vehicle and the one in front.

A SORN allows you to keep a vehicle off the road and untaxed. The SORN remains valid until the vehicle is taxed, sold or scrapped. If you buy a vehicle that has a SORN, the SORN will finish as soon as you buy it. You'll need to make a new SORN if you want to keep the vehicle off the road and untaxed.

Make allowances for cyclists. Allow them plenty of room, and be aware that they also have to deal with hazards. They might swerve or change direction suddenly to avoid uneven road surfaces.

Workshop manuals give detailed technical advice about the servicing, maintenance and repair of your vehicle. They're essential for anyone who wants to service or repair their own vehicle.