Someone who has been involved in or witnessed a crash will be in no mood for humour. The best way to calm them is by remaining calm yourself, and talking quietly and firmly to them.

Even though you've started to drive away, passengers may still try to get off the bus. You should also check your nearside mirror for any passengers trying to get on as you're moving away.

The handling of a six-wheeled bus or coach is not much different from that of a two-axle vehicle, except that punctures can be more difficult to detect.

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 able to concentrate fully on your driving. 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 - but stop driving before you do so.

It's illegal for bus and coach operators to discriminate against people with disabilities. You must always make reasonable adjustments to the way that any service is provided. This means that you must allow wheelchair users access to the designated space - unless it's already been taken by another wheelchair user.

If your coach catches fire and it can't go any further, stop at the side of the road, switch the engine off and switch on your hazard warning lights. Your immediate responsibility is to your passengers. Get them off the coach, keep them together and take them to the nearest emergency exit.

When there's no traffic ahead of you, you should always drive in the left-hand lane.

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.

Anti-lock braking systems sense when the wheels are about to lock. The sensor control releases the brakes and immediately applies them again. It will do this many times per second. This both prevents skidding and enables the driver to steer - something that's impossible when the steering wheels are skidding.

These markings are found on the road outside schools. Don't stop or park on them, even to set down or pick up children. The markings are to make sure that drivers, riders and children have a clear view.

As well as your driving licence, you'll need to carry the insurance certificate and vehicle registration document. Other documentation may also be needed for some countries. Check this before starting your journey.

Give them plenty of room. Watch carefully in your nearside mirror, as the high winds and the buffeting effect from your vehicle may blow them off course.

If a mandatory speed-limit sign is shown above the hard shoulder, this lane can be used as a running lane. You must stay within the signed speed limit. Look out for any vehicles that have broken down and are blocking the hard shoulder.

If diesel fuel becomes very cold, it can partially solidify. Additives are used by the fuel companies to try to prevent this. Any solidifying (waxing) of the fuel can prevent it from flowing properly and cause the engine to run erratically or even stop.

When you see this sign, beware of traffic queues ahead. Check your mirrors and reduce your speed. Research shows that you make poor decisions when you're angry, so you're less likely to spot and respond safely to hazards. Be patient when you're delayed and reduce the possibility of being involved in an incident.

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.

If you plan your journey to avoid busy times, you can avoid congestion. That way, your overall journey time may be reduced, so cutting costs and making you a more efficient driver.

Stop as far to the left as possible on the hard shoulder. Make sure all your passengers have moved as far as possible to the front of the vehicle; this will reduce the risk of injury if a passing vehicle runs into the back of the bus. Use an emergency telephone to call for assistance.

You must obey these signs even if there appear to be no problems ahead.

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. When you've made a SORN, you won't have to pay vehicle tax, but you also won't be able to use the vehicle on the road. The SORN remains valid until your vehicle is taxed, sold, scrapped or exported.

Poor planning leads to late braking and harsh acceleration. This causes higher fuel consumption and increased emissions, which is harmful to the environment.

Parking on the yellow zigzag lines will block the view of the school entrance. This will endanger the lives of children wanting to cross the road on their way to and from school.

The flashing amber lights are switched on to warn you that children may be crossing near a school. Drive slowly and be prepared for children running into the road.

Faulty power steering will make your steering wheel very difficult or almost impossible to turn. Continuing to drive could cause danger to you and other road users. You should park safely and get help.

Pedestrians use push-button controls to activate the signals. Pelican crossings have no red-and-amber stage before green. Instead, they have a flashing amber light. This means you must give way to pedestrians on the crossing, but you may proceed if the crossing is clear.

A full category D licence entitles you to drive all buses and coaches, including the articulated type. A full category D licence on its own doesn't cover you to drive buses or coaches drawing detachable trailers of more than 750 kg; for this you'll need a DE licence.

Drinking black coffee or waiting a few hours won't make any difference. Alcohol takes time to leave the body, so you should find a way to get home without using your vehicle; for example, by public transport. Depending on how much you've had to drink, you may even be unfit to drive the following morning.

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

Gently tilt the unconscious person's head to clear their airway. Check for at least 10 seconds that the casualty is breathing by looking for movement in the chest, listening for sounds and feeling for breath on your cheek. Get someone to call the emergency services.

Moisture in the braking system can cause serious problems, especially in cold weather, when it could freeze and stop the brakes from working. Most modern vehicles have a system that drains automatically, but make sure you know which system is fitted to any vehicle that you drive.