Make sure the locking mechanism is secure by selecting a low gear and attempting to move forward. Apply the parking brake again before leaving the cab. Connect the 'dog clip' to secure the kingpin release handle.

If you're driving under EU rules, you mustn't drive continuously for more than four-and-a-half hours without taking a break. If you've driven continuously for four-and-a-half hours, you must take a break of at least 45 minutes. Include your stops in the timetable when planning your journey.

You must be able to stop safely in the distance that you can see to be clear ahead. This will be the distance illuminated by your headlights or by street lights and will generally be less than you can see in daylight.

Alcohol can take a long time to leave the body. You may feel all right to drive, but its effect will last for many hours.

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.

Good forward planning can help you keep other road users out of trouble. Information to help you do this is available if you look for it. Watch for clues: for example, a motorcyclist taking a 'lifesaver' look over their shoulder could be about to change direction.

As you turn a corner, the hanging meat carcasses will all swing to one side of your vehicle, adding extra pulling force towards the outside of the curve. The faster you turn a corner, the greater this force will be. After the corner, the carcasses will continue to swing back and forth, like pendulums, making the vehicle unstable.

Caravans are relatively light but have a large surface area. This makes them vulnerable to the turbulence created by large vehicles travelling at speed. The blast of air can destabilise the caravan, causing it to snake, and in extreme cases they can be blown over.

Driving at higher speeds and for longer periods, such as on motorways, can cause your tyres to overheat and disintegrate. You should make a point of checking them when you stop for a break.

The effect of your vehicle driving through a puddle will be to throw water onto the pavement. If there are pedestrians close by, they could be splashed with the water. Be considerate and, if it's safe to do so, avoid driving through the puddle.

The long overhang at the front of a car transporter can cause problems where street furniture, such as lampposts and traffic signs, is sited close to junctions. Particular problems may be encountered when you're turning right and there are 'Keep left' bollards in the middle of the road you're turning into. Plan your route carefully to avoid such hazards.

In queuing traffic, motorcyclists may take the opportunity to filter between the lanes. Be aware that they may pass on either side and very close. Stay alert and always check your mirrors and blind spots before moving off, changing lanes or turning.

The blue (auxiliary) line isn't used when connecting to a two-line system. Follow the manufacturer's instructions about what to do with this third line.

Large or long vehicles have many blind spots. It's vital to check all these areas before starting to reverse and then make sure you keep checking all around while completing the manoeuvre.

Jack-knifing occurs when the tractor unit is pushed by the semi-trailer pivoting around the coupling (fifth wheel). This is more likely to occur with an unladen vehicle.

If you need to park and leave a semi-trailer, find a safe place. Don't park it in a lay-by or anywhere it could be an obstruction or a danger. Leave lay-bys for drivers who wish to stop and rest. Find a place off the road - preferably a lorry park or somewhere safe that will also reduce the risk of theft.

Warning buzzers are linked to many systems on modern vehicles, including the air brakes. A warning light on the dashboard may help you identify the system that's caused the problem. Stop in a safe place until the fault has been identified and put right. Get professional help if necessary.

If you don't give your name and address at the time of an incident, report it to the police as soon as you can, or in any case within 24 hours. If any other person is injured and you don't produce your insurance certificate to the police at the time of the incident, or to any other person who has reasonable grounds to request it, you must also

• report the incident to the police as soon as possible, or in any case within 24 hours
• produce your insurance certificate to the police either when reporting the incident or within seven days (five days in Northern Ireland) at any police station.