This is a method used by insurance companies to keep annual premiums down. Generally, the higher the excess you choose to pay, the lower the annual premium you'll be charged.

When going straight ahead at a roundabout, don't signal as you approach it. Indicate left just after passing the exit before the one you wish to take.

If you see a bus ahead watch out for pedestrians. They may not be able to see you if they’re crossing from behind the bus.

You mustn't use hazard warning lights while moving, except to warn traffic behind when you slow suddenly on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway. Never use hazard warning lights to excuse dangerous or illegal parking.

Learners might not have confidence when they first start to drive. Allow them plenty of room and don't react adversely to their hesitation. We all learn from experience, but new drivers will have had less practice in dealing with all the situations that might occur.

Horses and their riders move more slowly than other road users. They might not have time to cut across heavy traffic to take up a position in the right-hand lane. For this reason, a horse and rider may approach a roundabout in the left-hand lane even though they're turning right.

If you want to fit a sidecar to your motorcycle, check that the motorcycle is suitable and can cope with the extra load. Make sure that the sidecar is securely fixed and properly aligned. If your motorcycle was registered on or after 1 August 1981, the sidecar must be fitted on the left-hand side of the motorcycle.

Toucan crossings are shared by pedestrians and cyclists, who are permitted to cycle across. They're shown the green light together. The signals are push-button-operated and there's no flashing amber phase.

Don't be tempted to use harsh braking to stop swerving or snaking, as this could make things worse. You should reduce your speed gradually by easing off the throttle.

Panniers or saddlebags should be loaded so that you carry about the same weight in each bag. Uneven loading could make the motorcycle unstable, especially when cornering.

The vehicle handbook will explain when it's recommended that you increase tyre pressures - for example, when you're carrying extra weight from a passenger or a heavy load.

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.

Large vehicles throw up a lot of spray when it's wet. This makes it difficult for following drivers to see the road ahead. You'll be able to see more by dropping back further, out of the spray. This will also increase your separation distance, giving you more room to stop if you have to.

Worn bearings in the steering head can make your motorcycle very difficult to control. They should be checked for wear or correct adjustment and replaced if necessary.

Your motorcycle will be very unstable if a tyre bursts. Try to keep a straight course and stop as gently as possible.

When the area is safe and there’s no danger from other traffic or fire it’s better not to move casualties. Moving them may cause further injury.

The handling of your motorcycle will be greatly affected by the road surface. Look well ahead and be especially alert if the road looks uneven or has loose chippings. Slow down in good time, as braking harshly in these conditions will cause you to skid. For the same reason, avoid making sudden changes of direction.

As well as the oil, you'll need to check other items. These include fuel, water and tyres.

Oil and rubber can build up on the road during long spells of dry weather. When it rains, this can make the road surface very slippery.

A long vehicle may need to swing out in the opposite direction as it approaches a turn, to allow the rear wheels to clear the kerb. Don't try to filter through if you see a gap; as the lorry turns, the gap will close.

Although cars are the least likely to be affected, side winds can take anyone by surprise. This is most likely to happen after overtaking a large vehicle, when passing gaps between hedges or buildings, and on exposed sections of road.

It is important to make sure that emergency services arrive on the scene as soon as possible. When a person is unconscious, they could have serious injuries that are not immediately obvious.

Don't wait until the last moment before moving into the left-hand lane. Plan ahead and don't rely on other traffic letting you in.

When turning, long vehicles need much more room on the road than other vehicles. At junctions, they may take up the whole of the road space, so be patient and allow them the room they need.

When you ride with a pillion passenger, your motorcycle may feel unbalanced and its acceleration and braking distance may also be affected. Make sure your passenger knows they must lean with you while cornering. If they don't, they could cause the motorcycle to become unstable and difficult to control.

When riding, it's important to look for

• potholes
• drain covers (especially when they're wet)
• tar banding
• oily and greasy surfaces
• road markings
• tram tracks
• wet mud and leaves.

Keen observation will give you more time to brake or change course if you need to avoid these slippery surfaces.

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.

Road humps are used to slow down traffic.They're found in places where there are often pedestrians, such as

• shopping areas
• near schools
• residential areas.

Watch out for people close to the kerb or crossing the road.

When parking at night, park in the direction of the traffic. This will enable other road users to see the reflectors on the rear of your vehicle. Use your parking lights if the speed limit is over 30 mph.

Drive chains are subject to wear and need frequent adjustment to maintain the correct tension. Allowing the drive chain to run dry will greatly increase the rate of wear, so it's important to keep it lubricated. If the chain becomes worn or slack, it can jump off the sprocket and lock the rear wheel.

If fuel, especially diesel, is spilt on the road, it will make the surface very slippery. In wet weather, it can be seen as a rainbow-coloured pattern on the road.

Pull over in a place where the ambulance can pass safely. Check that there are no bollards or obstructions in the road that will prevent it from passing.

Don't pass cyclists too closely, as they may

• need to veer around a pothole or other obstacle
• be buffeted by side wind
• be made unsteady by your vehicle.

Always leave as much room as you would for a car, and don't cut in front of them.

If you want to fit a sidecar to your motorcycle, check that the motorcycle is suitable and can cope with the extra load. Make sure that the sidecar is securely fixed and properly aligned. If your motorcycle was registered on or after 1 August 1981, the sidecar must be fitted on the left-hand side of the motorcycle.

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 more able to concentrate fully on your driving or riding. 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.

There will be an orange label on the side and rear of the tanker. Look at this carefully and report what it says when you phone the emergency services. Details of hazard warning plates are given in The Highway Code.

When you're in a one-way street and want to turn right, you should take up a position in the right-hand lane. This will allow other road users, not wishing to turn, to pass on the left. Indicate your intention and take up the correct position in good time.

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 won’t generally improve your overall journey time. Signs will show the maximum speed at which you should travel.

The blue-and-red circular sign on its own means that waiting restrictions are in force. This sign shows that you're leaving the controlled zone and waiting restrictions no longer apply.

You must obey signals to stop given by police and traffic officers, traffic wardens and school crossing patrols. Failure to do so is an offence and could lead to prosecution.

The sign prohibits buses and coaches with more than eight passenger seats and so doesn't apply to you.

Drive chains wear and need frequent adjustment and lubrication. If the drive chain is worn or slack, it can jump off the sprocket and lock the rear wheel. When you've adjusted the chain tension, you need to check the rear wheel alignment. Marks by the chain adjusters may be provided to make this easier.

Usually, a picture of a cycle will also be painted on the road, and sometimes the lane will have a different coloured surface. Leave these areas clear for cyclists and don't pass too closely when you overtake.

These are known as advanced stop lines. When the lights are red (or about to become red), you should stop at the first white line. However, if you've crossed that line as the lights change, you must stop at the second line even if it means you're in the area reserved for cyclists.

When you get onto a motorcycle, you should get on from the left side to avoid putting yourself in danger from passing traffic. You should also apply the front brake to prevent the motorcycle from rolling either forwards or backwards.

Batteries contain acid, which is hazardous, and they must be disposed of safely. This means taking them to an appropriate disposal site.

When an emergency arises, pull onto the hard shoulder and use the emergency telephone to report your problem. You'll be connected to an operator, who will put you through to a breakdown service. Never cross the carriageway or a slip road to use a telephone.

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

If the lights at a level crossing keep flashing after a train has passed, you should continue to wait, because another train might be coming. Time seems to pass slowly when you're held up in a queue. Be patient and wait until the lights stop flashing.

Your headlights must be properly adjusted to avoid dazzling other road users. You'll probably need to do this when carrying a heavy load or the extra weight of a pillion passenger. You may also need to adjust the tyre pressures and the suspension.

Red studs are placed between the edge of the carriageway and the hard shoulder. Where slip roads leave or join the motorway, the studs are green.

Top up the battery with distilled water and make sure each cell plate is covered.

To avoid being unbalanced, a motorcyclist might swerve to avoid potholes and bumps in the road. Be prepared for this and allow them extra space.

If a school crossing patrol steps out into the road with a 'stop' sign, you must stop. Don't wave anyone across the road and don't get impatient or rev your engine.

Tyres are a major factor in the handling, stability and stopping distance of a motorcycle. Make sure they're in a safe and legal condition. The weather and road surface also play a part. Always anticipate well ahead and take account of the conditions when you're braking.

If the driver behind is following too closely, there's a danger they'll collide with the back of your vehicle if you stop suddenly. You can reduce this risk by slowing down and increasing the safety margin in front of you. This reduces the chance that you'll have to stop suddenly and allows you to spread your braking over a greater distance. This is an example of defensive driving.

Correct loading is the responsibility of the rider. Overloading a motorcycle can seriously affect the control and handling. It could result in a crash, with serious or even fatal consequences.

You must stop if you've been involved in a collision which results in injury or damage. The police may ask to see your driving licence and insurance details at the time or later at a police station.

Hold back and wait until the vehicle has turned before proceeding. Don't overtake, because the vehicle turning left could hide a vehicle emerging from the same junction.

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.

In some towns and cities there are special areas reserved for parking motorcycles. Look out for these signs.

Drinking even the smallest amount of alcohol can affect your judgement and reactions. The safest and best option is to avoid any alcohol at all when riding or driving.

You should carry out frequent checks on all fluid levels but particularly brake fluid. As the brake pads or shoes wear down, the brake fluid level will drop. If it drops below the minimum mark on the fluid reservoir, air could enter the hydraulic system and lead to a loss of braking efficiency or even complete brake failure.

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 wish to turn right into a side road, take up your position in good time. Move to the centre of the road when it's safe to do so. This will allow vehicles to pass you on the left. Early planning will show other traffic what you intend to do.

Accelerating and braking gently and smoothly will help to save fuel and reduce wear on your vehicle. This makes it better for the environment too.

Sometimes, manufacturers advise you to increase your tyre pressures for high-speed riding and when carrying extra weight, such as a pillion passenger. This information can be found in the vehicle handbook.

Briefly using your hazard warning lights will warn the traffic travelling behind you that there's a hazard ahead. This can reduce the chance of vehicles crashing into the back of each other.

There are some crossings where cycle routes lead cyclists to cross at the same place as pedestrians. These are called toucan crossings. Always look out for cyclists, as they're likely to be approaching faster than pedestrians.

Try to plan your journey so that you can take rest stops. It's recommended that you take a break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving or riding. This should help to maintain your concentration.

It's very important to keep your visor or goggles clean. Clean them using warm soapy water. Don't use solvents or petrol.

If you feel tired, stop at the nearest service area. If that's too far away, leave the motorway at the next exit and find a safe place to stop. You mustn't stop on the carriageway or hard shoulder of a motorway except in an emergency, when in a traffic queue, or when signalled to do so by a police officer, a traffic officer or traffic signals. Plan your journey so that you have regular rest stops.

When a smart motorway is operating, you must follow the mandatory signs on the gantries above each lane, including the hard shoulder. Variable speed limits help keep the traffic moving and also help to prevent bunching.

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.

Long vehicles might have to take a slightly different position when approaching the roundabout or going around it. This is to stop the rear of the vehicle cutting in and mounting the kerb.

A second-hand helmet may look in good condition but it could have received damage that isn't visible externally. A damaged helmet could be unreliable in a crash. Don't take the risk.

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.

Some garages will remind you that your vehicle is due for its annual MOT test, but not all do. To ensure continuous cover, you may take your vehicle for its MOT up to one month before its existing MOT certificate runs out. The expiry date on the new certificate will be 12 months after the expiry date on the old certificate.

The road will be very wet and spray from other vehicles will reduce your visibility. Tyre grip will also be reduced, increasing your stopping distance. You should at least double your separation distance.

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.

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.

Be especially careful if you're on a motorway in fog. Reflective studs are there to help you in poor visibility. Different colours are used so that you'll know which lane you're in. These are

• red on the left-hand edge of the carriageway
• white between lanes
• amber on the right-hand edge of the carriageway
• green between the carriageway and slip roads

It's best to avoid riding in foggy weather. However, if you have to, there are some precautions you can take before setting off to help make your journey as safe as possible. These include checking that all your lights are clean and working, and that your visor is clean.

If your tank bag is too bulky, it could get in the way of your arms or restrict the movement of the handlebars.

Travelling at the national speed limit doesn't allow you to hog the right-hand lane. Always use the left-hand lane whenever possible. When leaving a motorway, get into the left-hand lane well before your exit. Reduce your speed on the slip road and look out for sharp bends or curves and traffic queuing at roundabouts.

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.

Roadworks can involve complex lane layouts. Reflective green-and-yellow fluorescent studs are used to separate the lanes in a contraflow traffic system. As you approach roadworks, look for traffic signs giving you advance information, which may relate to the size or type of vehicle you're driving.

Don't stop or hold up traffic unnecessarily. However, there are occasions when you must stop by law. These include

when signalled to do so by a school crossing patrol, police officer or traffic officer
at a red traffic light
at a junction with a 'stop' sign

Doing this will give you an earlier view around the bend and enable you to see any hazards sooner. It also reduces the risk of collision with an oncoming vehicle that may have drifted over the centre line while taking the bend.

The minimum insurance cover required by law is third-party only. This covers the other people and vehicles involved in a collision, but not you or your vehicle. Also, basic third-party insurance won't cover you for theft or fire damage. Make sure you read your policy carefully and understand what it covers.

If you borrow a motorcycle, you must make sure that you're insured to ride it. It's better to find this out for yourself, rather than taking somebody else's word for it.

Practise good observation in all directions before you emerge or make a turn. Proceed only when you're sure it's safe to do so.

As you approach the vehicle, assess the situation. Due to its slow progress you will need to judge whether it is safe to overtake.

It's best to avoid riding in foggy weather. However, if you have to, there are some precautions you can take before setting off to help make your journey as safe as possible. These include checking that all your lights are clean and working, and that your visor is clean.

If you want to keep a vehicle untaxed and off the public road, you must make a SORN. It's an offence not to do so. Your SORN is valid until your vehicle is taxed, sold or scrapped.

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.

Never attempt to change direction to the right without first checking your right-hand mirror and blind spot. A motorcyclist might not have seen your signal and could be hidden by other traffic. This observation should become a matter of routine.

If you see a contraflow sign, there'll also be markings on the road to indicate the bus lane. Don't use this lane for parking or overtaking.

On a three-lane motorway, you should travel in the left-hand lane unless you're overtaking. This applies regardless of the speed at which you're travelling.