Following a tractor can be frustrating, but never overtake if you're unsure whether it's safe. Ask yourself: 'Can I see far enough down the road to ensure that I can complete the manoeuvre safely?' It's better to be delayed for a minute or two than to take a chance that may cause a collision.

If a disabled driver's vehicle breaks down and they are unable to walk to an emergency phone, they're advised to stay in their car and switch on the hazard warning lights. They may also display a 'Help' pennant in their vehicle.

Parking here will block the view of the road, endangering the lives of children crossing the road on their way to and from school.

Emergency vehicles use blue flashing lights. If you see or hear one, move out of its way as soon as it's safe and legal to do so.

The studs between the carriageway and the hard shoulder are normally red. These change to green where there is a slip road. They will help you identify slip roads when visibility is poor or when it is dark.

This is a 'level crossing without barrier or gate ahead' sign. Trains may be passing here but there will be no gates or barriers at the level crossing.

At mini-roundabouts, there isn't much room for a long vehicle to manoeuvre. It will have to swing out wide so that it can complete the turn safely. Keep well back and don't try to move up alongside it.

Always check the rear wheel alignment after adjusting the final drive chain. Marks on the chain adjuster may be provided to make this easy. Incorrect alignment can cause instability and increased tyre wear.

Your motorcycle will run much better and its fuel consumption will be lower if you have it serviced regularly. Check at what intervals you should have your motorcycle serviced - this can vary by model or manufacturer. Keep the service record up to date.

Before overtaking, assess the situation. Look well ahead to see whether the cyclist will need to change direction. Be especially aware of a cyclist approaching parked vehicles, as they'll need to alter course. Don't pass too closely or cut in sharply.

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.

Trams are powered by electricity and therefore don't emit exhaust fumes. They ease traffic congestion by offering drivers an alternative to using their car, particularly in busy cities and towns.

Make sure that you've reduced your speed and are in the correct gear for the turn. Look into the road before you turn and always give way to any pedestrians who are crossing.

Some people might take a long time to cross the road. They may be older or have a disability. Be patient and don't hurry them by showing your impatience. If pedestrians are standing at the side of the road, don't signal or wave them to cross. Other road users might not have seen your signal and this could lead the pedestrians into a hazardous situation.

Any passenger you carry - no matter how old they are - must be able to reach the footrests and handholds properly to remain safe on your machine. Also make sure they're wearing protective weatherproof clothing and a properly fitting helmet.

A double-deck bus or high-sided lorry will have to take a position in the centre of the road to clear the bridge. There's normally a sign to show this. Look well ahead, past the bridge and be ready to stop and give way to large oncoming vehicles.

Too much oil in the engine will create excess crankcase pressure. This could damage engine seals and cause oil leaks. Any excess oil should be drained off.

To prevent your lights from dazzling the driver of the car in front, wait until you've passed them before switching to full beam.

As a learner motorcyclist, you aren't allowed to carry a pillion passenger, even if they hold a full motorcycle licence. You mustn't carry a passenger, or tow a trailer, until you've passed your test.

Stopping distances are affected by a number of variables. These include the type, model and condition of your vehicle, the road and weather conditions, and your reaction time. Look well ahead for hazards and leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front. This should allow you to pull up safely if you have to, without braking sharply.

Triangular signs give you a warning of hazards ahead. They're there to give you time to prepare for the hazard; for example, by adjusting your speed.

If the number of points on your licence reaches six or more during your first two years of holding a full licence, your licence will be revoked. This includes offences you committed before you passed your test. You may ride only as a learner until you pass both the theory and practical tests again.

Only use the engine cut-out switch in an emergency. When stopping the engine normally, use the ignition switch. This will remind you to take your keys with you when parking. It could also prevent starting problems if you forget you've left the cut-out switch in the 'off' position.

Avoid blocking tram routes. Trams are fixed on their route and can't manoeuvre around other vehicles or pedestrians. Modern trams travel quickly and are quiet, so you might not hear them approaching.

Some crossings have gates but no attendant or signals. You should stop, look both ways, listen and make sure that no train is approaching. If there's a telephone, contact the signal operator to make sure it's safe to cross.

Mandatory speed-limit signs above the hard shoulder and all other lanes show that you're on a smart motorway. In this case, you can use the hard shoulder as a running lane. You must stay within the speed limit shown. Look well ahead for any vehicles that have broken down and are blocking the hard shoulder.

On motorways, reflective studs of various colours are fixed in the road between the lanes. These help you to identify which lane you're in when it's dark or in poor visibility. Amber-coloured studs are found on the right-hand edge of the main carriageway, next to the central reservation.

You should be slowing down and selecting the correct gear in case you have to stop at the level crossing. Look for the signals and be prepared to stop if necessary.

You won't be able to find a through route to another road. Use this road only for access.

Smart motorway 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. Variable speed limits are used to help keep the traffic moving and to avoid bunching.

Be particularly careful when approaching horse riders - slow down and be prepared to stop. Always pass wide and slowly, and look out for signals given by the riders. Horses are unpredictable: always treat them as potential hazards and take great care when passing them.

If someone has been injured, the sooner proper medical attention is given the better. Send someone to phone for help or go yourself. An injured person should only be moved if they’re in further danger. An injured motorcyclist’s helmet should NOT be removed unless it is essential.

Yellow box junctions are marked on the road to prevent the road becoming blocked. Don't enter the box unless your exit road is clear. You may wait in the box if you want to turn right and your exit road is clear but oncoming traffic or other vehicles waiting to turn right are preventing you from making the turn.

Puffin crossings have infra-red sensors that detect when pedestrians are crossing and hold the red traffic signal until the crossing is clear. The use of a sensor means there's no flashing amber phase as there is with a pelican crossing.

If you feel your back wheel beginning to skid as you accelerate, ease off the throttle. This will give your rear tyre the chance to grip the road and stop the skid.

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.

Third-party insurance is usually cheaper than comprehensive insurance. It covers injuries to other people and damage to their property, but it doesn't cover any damage to your own motorcycle or property. Nor does it provide cover if your motorcycle is stolen.

Hazard warning lights are an important safety feature. Use them when riding on a motorway to warn following traffic of danger ahead. You should also use them if your motorcycle has broken down and is causing an obstruction.

Temporary restrictions on motorways are shown on signs that have flashing amber lights. At the end of the restriction, you'll see this sign without any flashing lights.

You shouldn't normally stop on a motorway, but there may be occasions when you need to do so. If you're unfortunate enough to break down, make every effort to pull up on the hard shoulder.

Traffic on motorways usually travels faster than on other roads. You need to be looking further ahead to give yourself more time to react to any hazard that may develop.

High vehicles are often directed to the centre of the road to go under an arched bridge. Check that your vehicle doesn't exceed the height restriction indicated. Plan your route in advance to avoid any bridges that your vehicle won't be able to clear.

Every vehicle on the road has a registration document. This records any change of ownership and gives specific information relating to the vehicle and owner. This includes the date of first registration, the registration number, the make and colour of the vehicle, and the registered keeper's name.

Check your drive chain regularly; adjust and lubricate it if necessary. It needs to be adjusted until the 'free play' is as it says in the vehicle handbook. If the chain is too loose, it can jump off its sprocket and lock your rear wheel while you're riding.

If you intend to overtake, you must consider that approaching traffic could be planning the same manoeuvre. When you've considered the situation and decided it's safe, indicate your intentions early. This will show the approaching traffic that you intend to pull out.

It may be tempting to park where you shouldn't while you run a quick errand. Careless parking is a selfish act and could endanger other road users. It's important not to park at or near a bus stop, as this could inconvenience passengers and may put them at risk as they get on or off the bus.

If you're the first to arrive at a crash scene, the first concerns are the risk of further collision and fire. Ensuring that vehicle engines are switched off will reduce the risk of fire. Use hazard warning lights so that other traffic knows there's a need for caution. Make sure the emergency services are contacted; don't assume this has already been done.

The lifesaver glance makes you aware of what's happening behind and alongside you before you alter your course. This glance must be timed so that you still have time to react if it isn't safe to carry out your manoeuvre.

If your vehicle is required to have an MOT certificate, you'll need to make sure this is current before you're able to tax your vehicle. You can do this online, by phone or at certain post offices.

When traffic travels at a constant speed over a longer distance, journey times normally improve. You may feel that you could travel faster for short periods, but this generally leads to bunching and increased overall journey time.

DVLA need to keep their records up to date. They'll send you a reminder when you need to tax your vehicle. To do this, they need your current address. Every vehicle in the country is registered so that its history can be traced.

This sign indicates that vehicles transporting explosives are prohibited from travel along the roadway behind it.

If any of your luggage falls onto the road, pull onto the hard shoulder near an emergency telephone and call for assistance. Don't stop on the carriageway or attempt to retrieve anything.

Look for and obey traffic signs. Disobeying or not seeing a sign could be dangerous. It may also be an offence for which you could be prosecuted.

Bus-lane signs show the vehicles allowed to use the lane and its times of operation. Where no times are shown, the bus lane is in operation 24 hours a day.

If your motorcycle starts to aquaplane, ease off the throttle smoothly. Don't brake or turn the steering until tyre grip has been restored.

When turning right at this crossroads, you should keep the oncoming car to your right. This will give you a clear view of the road ahead and any oncoming traffic.

Riding with the clutch lever pulled in is known as coasting. If you coast, you lose the benefits of engine braking and you'll have reduced control of your motorcycle.

You need to make yourself as visible as possible - from the front and back, and also from the side. Don't just rely on your headlight and tail light. Wear clothing with reflective material, as this stands out in other vehicles' headlights.

You must obey all traffic signs and signals. Just because the lights are temporary, it doesn't mean that you can disregard them.

Cycling in today's heavy traffic can be hazardous. Some cyclists may not feel happy about crossing the path of traffic to take up a position in an outside lane. Be aware of this and understand that, although they're in the left-hand lane, the cyclist might be turning right.

These lines may be painted on the road on the approach to a roundabout, a village or a particular hazard. The lines are raised and painted yellow, and their purpose is to make you aware of your speed. Reduce your speed in good time so that you avoid having to brake harshly over the last few metres before reaching the junction.

If you follow a large vehicle too closely, your view beyond it will be restricted. Drop back. This will help you to see more of the road ahead. It will also help the driver of the large vehicle to see you in their mirrors and will give you a safe separation distance if the lorry needs to stop suddenly.

Oncoming large vehicles may need to move to the middle of the road to pass safely under the bridge. There won't be enough room for you to continue, so you should be ready to stop and wait.

Before you set out on your journey, use a road map to plan your route. When you see an advance warning of your junction, make sure you get into the correct lane in plenty of time. Last-minute harsh braking and cutting across lanes at speed is extremely hazardous.

Motorcycles are smaller and therefore harder to see than most other vehicles on the road. You need to make yourself as visible as possible to other road users. Fluorescent and reflective clothing will help achieve this. You must be visible from all sides.

Advanced stop lines allow cyclists to take a position ahead of other traffic. When the green signal shows, they then have the time and space to move off in front of the following traffic.

Before you can carry a pillion passenger, the law requires you to have a full licence for the category of motorcycle you're using.

If you need glasses to bring your eyesight up to the legal standard for driving or riding, you must wear them whenever you ride. Don't be tempted to ride if you've lost or forgotten your glasses; you'll endanger yourself and other road users, and you'll be breaking the law.

If you're riding at night or in poor visibility, tinted lenses or a tinted visor will reduce the amount of available light reaching your eyes, making you less able to see clearly.

To tow a trailer behind a motorcycle, you must have a full motorcycle licence and a motorcycle with an engine larger than 125 cc. Motorcycle trailers mustn't exceed 1 metre (3 feet 3 inches) in width.

These signs apply only to tram drivers, but you should know their meaning so that you're aware of the priorities and are able to anticipate the actions of the driver.

You may not ride a motorcycle towing a trailer if you only hold a provisional motorcycle licence. When you tow a trailer, you need to be aware that lower speed limits apply and the trailer must be no more than 1 metre wide. The trailer's laden weight should be no more than 150 kg or two-thirds of the kerbside weight of the motorcycle - whichever is less.

You should normally use the left-hand lane on any dual carriageway unless you're overtaking or turning right. When overtaking on a dual carriageway, look for vehicles ahead that are turning right. They may be slowing or stopped. You need to see them in good time so that you can take appropriate action.

It's important to wear good boots when you ride a motorcycle. Boots protect your feet and shins from knocks, and give some protection in a crash. They also help keep you warm and dry in cold or wet weather.

DO NOT remove a motorcyclist’s helmet unless it is essential. Remember they may be suffering from shock. Don’t give them anything to eat or drink but do reassure them confidently.

If possible, avoid the early morning, late afternoon and early evening 'rush hour'. Doing this should allow you to travel in a more relaxed frame of mind, concentrate solely on what you're doing and arrive at your destination feeling less stressed.

Where a motorway has a steep uphill gradient, slow-moving, large vehicles might get in the way of other traffic. An extra lane on the left may be provided for these slow-moving vehicles. It allows faster-moving traffic to flow more easily.

This sign shows you that you can't get through to another route by turning left at the junction ahead.

You might see this sign where traffic lights are out of order. Proceed with caution, as nobody has priority at the junction.

Buses which carry children to and from school may stop at places other than scheduled bus stops. Be aware that they might pull over at any time to allow children to get on or off. This will normally be when traffic is heavy during rush hour.

The fuel in your motorcycle can be a dangerous fire hazard. Don't use a naked flame if you can smell fuel, and don't smoke when refuelling.

Drivers are instructed that the left turn is prohibited for vehicles.

Try to join the motorway without affecting the progress of the traffic already travelling on it. Always give way to traffic already on the motorway. At busy times you may have to slow down to merge into slow-moving traffic.

Explanation: Learning to drive is a process of practice and experience. Try to understand this and tolerate those who make mistakes while they're learning.

Be aware that older people might take a long time to cross the road. They might also be hard of hearing and not hear you approaching. Don't hurry older people across the road by getting too close to them or revving your engine.

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

Remember this procedure by saying DR ABC. This stands for Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation. Give whatever first aid you can and stay with the injured person until the emergency services arrive.

Congestion can be reduced by keeping traffic at a constant speed. At busy times, maximum speed limits are displayed on overhead gantries. These can be varied quickly, depending on the amount of traffic. By keeping to a constant speed on busy sections of motorway, overall journey times are normally improved.

The smooth steel surface can be slippery and dangerous for motorcyclists, especially when it's wet. Try to cross tram lines at right angles.

This distance is the equivalent of 18 car lengths. Try pacing out 73 metres and then look back. It's probably further than you think.

If your motorcycle is fitted with high-intensity rear fog lights, you must only use them when visibility is seriously reduced. That's when you can see no further than 100 metres (328 feet). This rule about high-intensity rear fog lights applies to all motor vehicles.

Every effort must be made to prevent excessive noise, especially in built-up areas at night. Don't rev your engine or sound the horn unnecessarily. It's illegal to sound your horn in a built-up area between 11.30 pm and 7.00 am, except when another road user poses a danger.

Areas of 'hatched markings' such as these are to separate traffic streams which could be a danger to each other. They are often seen on bends or where the road becomes narrow. If the area is bordered by a solid white line, you must not enter it except in an emergency.

You'll normally be sent a reminder automatically by DVLA close to the time of renewal. Make sure that all your documentation is correct, up to date and valid. You can renew online, by phone or at certain post offices.

On a motorway, it's best to use a roadside emergency telephone so that the emergency services are able to find you easily. The location of the nearest telephone is shown by an arrow on marker posts at the edge of the hard shoulder. If you use a mobile, the operator will need to know your exact location. Before you call, find out the number on the nearest marker post. This number will identify your exact location.

You must comply with all traffic signs and be especially aware of those signs that apply specifically to the type of vehicle you're using.

Always wear your protective clothing, whatever the weather. In very hot weather it's tempting to ride in light summer clothes, but it isn't worth the risk. If you fall from your motorcycle, you'll have no protection from the hard road surface.

You should only flash your headlights to warn others of your presence. Don't use them to greet others, show impatience or give priority to other road users, because they could misunderstand your signal.