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.

Be courteous and prepare to stop. Don't wave people across, as this could be dangerous if another vehicle is approaching the crossing.

EU drivers' hours regulations are a series of rules that specify maximum driving time and minimum rest and break periods. These rules are in place to help road safety. Drivers who break them are subject to heavy fines and could lose their licence to drive lorries.

Whenever possible, call the emergency services first. If you're able to give first aid, remember DR ABC. Check for Danger, then check the casualty for a Response. Check the Airway, and try to establish Breathing by gently lifting the chin up and forward. Give Compressions if necessary. Try to stop any severe bleeding. If you feel you aren't capable of carrying out first aid, consider taking some training. It could save a life.

Always make sure your vehicle is secure and level before a wheel is changed. Apply the parking brake and use chocks if they're available. When the replacement wheel is fitted, all wheel nuts/studs should be retightened to the correct torque. On a motorway, never attempt to change a wheel yourself. Use the emergency telephones to call for assistance.

If your vehicle is to be left unattended on a verge, you must first get permission from the police.

On a hot day, the fuel in your tank will expand. If this happens when the tank has been filled to the brim, fuel will spill onto the road. This can be very dangerous or even fatal for other road users - especially motorcyclists. Allow for this expansion when filling your tank.

Overloading a vehicle is dangerous. Your stopping distance will increase, and your vehicle could become unstable and difficult to control. You'll need to work out the payload. Do this by taking away the kerbside weight from the maximum authorised mass (MAM). This will give you the maximum weight you can carry.

There are times when other road users make incorrect or ill-judged decisions. Try to stay calm and don't retaliate or react aggressively, especially as your vehicle is likely to be larger and more intimidating than the other person's. Always put safety first.

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.

The effects of shock may not be immediately obvious. Try to recognise the warning signs early; prompt treatment can help to deal with it. Symptoms include a rapid pulse, pale grey skin, sweating and rapid shallow breathing.

You need to know the length of your vehicle as well as its weight, height and width. Places where the length of your vehicle may be relevant are

• road tunnels
• level crossings
• ferries
• bridges.

You must make sure that you adjust the seat so that you're able to reach all the controls and see in all the mirrors before you start to drive any vehicle. You should also be able to lean out of the window and check your offside blind spots.

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.

To lift a load manually, your feet should be apart, with one leg slightly forward to help you keep your balance. Place one foot alongside the load if it's on the ground. Be prepared to move your feet to keep a stable position.

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.

It's important that you always select a place to park that's both safe and legal. Don't park on or too close to a pedestrian crossing or a school entrance; this would restrict the view for drivers and pedestrians. Don't park at a bus stop either, because buses would then have to stop in the road, creating a hazard for other traffic and for passengers getting on or off the bus.

Cyclists, motorcyclists, caravans and high-sided vehicles can be very vulnerable in high winds. Plan well ahead and consider the difficulties they may be having. Remember, some routes may be closed to certain vehicles and you may need to use an alternative route.

Spilt diesel creates a serious risk to other road users, especially motorcyclists. Take care when refuelling and make sure that all filler caps and tank hatches are properly closed and secure.

It's your responsibility to make sure that the vehicle's load is spread evenly, to avoid overloading individual axles. Overloading carries severe penalties for the driver and operator.

Continuous use of the brakes will cause them to overheat, and in extreme cases they'll become ineffective. When you're going downhill, the momentum of your vehicle will cause you to gather speed very quickly. Use the endurance brake (retarder) and stay in a low gear to reduce the need to use the brakes.

You should check your tyres as part of your routine check of the vehicle. A damaged tyre - such as one with exposed ply - can have a major effect on your vehicle's handling and will make it a danger to you and other road users.

The red studs on your left indicate the edge of the hard shoulder, while the white studs are used between the lanes. Using more than one reference point will help you to be certain of your position.

It's illegal to drive a vehicle that's emitting excessive exhaust smoke, so you should get the problem fixed as soon as you're aware of it. Excessive exhaust smoke increases pollution and creates a hazard for other road users.

A red cross above the hard shoulder means that it's closed as a running lane and should only be used for emergencies or breakdowns. At busy times, the hard shoulder may be used as a running lane; the red cross will then be replaced by a mandatory speed-limit sign.

Warn other traffic of the incident, without putting yourself or others at risk. Once the danger of further collisions is dealt with, call the emergency services. While you're waiting for them to arrive, keeping casualties or witnesses calm is important, but never offer a cigarette because of the risk of fire.

The motorcyclist might be turning right, changing direction or unsure of their destination. Stay behind until the rider has made a move or you're sure you can pass safely. Don't intimidate them by moving too close.

Staying well behind the vehicle in front will improve your view of the road ahead. This will give you more time and room to react to hazards. Use the two-second rule to make sure you're not too close. Don't move out to the right, as this could put you into the path of an oncoming vehicle or obstruct smaller vehicles that wish to overtake.

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.

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.