PCV - Free Test #1

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

Don't rely on an audible warning device to claim right of way. It's your responsibility to be cautious and take all-round observation while you're reversing.

Don't hurry elderly people across the road by getting too close to them or revving the engine. Be aware that they might take longer to cross. They might also have hearing difficulties and not hear you approaching.

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.

Energy-saving tyres keep fuel costs down because they have a lower rolling resistance and better grip than ordinary tyres. You should consider this when replacing your tyres.

Take the time to check where the blind spots are when driving a vehicle that's unfamiliar to you. Being aware of the limitations of your mirrors will help you take steps to prevent collisions. Always check the blind spots before changing direction. Frequent and proper use of the mirrors will help you to be aware of a vehicle moving into your blind spot.

If your vehicle touches bells suspended over the road, they'll obviously ring. This will warn you that your vehicle exceeds the safe travelling height beneath electrified overhead cables ahead. You must stop immediately and either find another route or take advice.

Use the two-second rule when conditions are good and you're driving on roads carrying faster-moving traffic. Choose a fixed reference point, and when the vehicle ahead passes that point say to yourself 'Only a fool breaks the two-second rule.' If you reach the object before you finish saying this, you're too close and you need to drop back and check again.

When you have to slow down or stop, you should always avoid harsh, late braking. This is particularly important on icy or slippery roads, where you need to brake gently and in good time to make sure you keep control of your vehicle.

If a wheelchair space is occupied by standing passengers and luggage, you might not be able to allow a wheelchair user on the bus. This may occur on a bus that's almost full to capacity. You won't have failed in your statutory duties towards the wheelchair user.

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.

Always check carefully for cyclists when emerging from a junction. Bicycles, being much narrower than any other vehicle, can be quite difficult to see.

The way you drive matters. The safety and comfort of your passengers is your priority; if you have the correct attitude when you're driving, your passengers will be assured of a comfortable and pleasant journey. Good forward planning and anticipation will help you avoid having to turn or brake suddenly.

On motorways, be especially careful when driving over bridges and viaducts. The road here is exposed and in windy weather there's a risk of strong side wind, which may blow you off course or even blow your vehicle over. In severe windy weather, these routes are often closed to drivers of high-sided vehicles.

In good dry conditions, you should leave a two-second gap between your vehicle and the one ahead. When the weather is bad, you'll have to keep a greater distance, because it will take you longer to stop. In wet weather it will take up to twice the distance; in icy weather this could increase to ten times as far.

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.

Too much oil in an engine can be just as bad as too little. Overfilling an engine can create excess pressure, cause oil leakage through seals and result in expensive damage.

The 'stop' sign is the only road sign that's octagonal. This is so that it can be recognised and obeyed even if it's obscured (for example, by snow).

There may be times when you have to take up part of another lane in order to make a turn or manoeuvre. Use your mirrors and check for other traffic that might try to move into the gap you've left to make your turn. Signal and take up your position in good time.

If your vehicle is too long to fit into a passing place, you may need to wait opposite one. This will allow a following or approaching driver to pass. When you use this type of road, you need to plan and look well ahead to avoid meeting another road user at an inappropriate place.

A loose brake pedal would suggest a serious loss of fluid from the hydraulic system. Don't drive your vehicle until the fault has been checked and fixed by a qualified person.

You should be familiar with the room your vehicle needs to make turns or carry out a manoeuvre. You'll need to consider this as you approach junctions and road layouts. If you're driving a new or temporary vehicle, familiarise yourself with its characteristics before you drive on public roads.

In poor conditions, all braking should be controlled, in good time and when travelling in a straight line. Try to avoid braking and turning at the same time. Look well ahead to assess and plan your actions.

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.

In very cold weather, moisture in the storage tanks can freeze. Ice can form in the pipes and this will result in loss of pressure, which could cause brake failure. Make sure that you drain the tanks daily as part of a routine. Most modern vehicles are fitted with automatic bleed valves. Check that they're working properly and that air-drying systems are effective.

Understanding other road users' behaviour can help you anticipate their next action. On this occasion it could prevent a serious incident. This type of assessment is part of the forward planning of a professional driver.

Before entering a tunnel, you should switch on your dipped headlights; these help you to see and be seen. In many tunnels, using headlights is a legal requirement. You should also remove your sunglasses before you drive into a tunnel.

If you're following cyclists onto a roundabout, be aware that they might not take the exit you expect. Cyclists approaching in the left-hand lane could be turning right but may not have been able to get into the right-hand lane. Give them plenty of room.