Quick Test #1

If you’re going on a long journey plan your route before you leave. This will help you to be decisive at intersections and junctions, plan rest stops and have an idea of how long the journey will take. Make sure your vehicle is well-ventilated to stop you becoming drowsy. You need to maintain concentration so that your judgement is not impaired.

Parking restrictions apply in a variety of places and situations. Make sure you know the rules and understand where and when restrictions apply. Controlled parking areas will be indicated by signs and road markings. Parking in the wrong place could cause an obstruction and danger to other traffic. It can also result in a fine.

Your vehicle MUST have valid insurance cover before you can tax it. If required, it will also need to have a valid MOT certificate. You can tax your vehicle online, by phone or at certain post offices.

Follow the instructions given by the signs or by tunnel officials. In congested tunnels a minor incident can soon turn into a major one with serious or even fatal results.

Where street repairs have closed off pavements, proceed carefully and slowly as pedestrians might have to walk in the road.

The flashing amber lights are switched on to warn you that children may be crossing near a school. Slow down and take extra care as you may have to stop.

Once you have applied the brake keep your foot firmly on the pedal. Releasing the brake and reapplying it will disable the anti- lock brake system.

The cost of insurance varies with your age and how long you have been driving. Usually, the younger you are the more expensive it is, especially if you are under 25 years of age. The Pass Plus scheme provides additional training to newly qualified drivers. Pass Plus is recognised by many insurance companies and taking this extra training could give you reduced insurance premiums, as well as improving your skills and experience.

You may be difficult to see when you’re travelling at night, even on a well lit road. If you use dipped headlights rather than sidelights other road users will see you more easily.

Be especially careful if you’re on a motorway in fog. Reflective studs are used to help you in poor visibility. Different colours are used so that you’ll know which lane you are in. These are
• red on the left-hand side of the road
• white between lanes
• amber on the right-hand edge of the carriageway
• green between the carriageway and slip roads

If you’re following a cyclist who’s signalling to turn right at a roundabout leave plenty of room. Give them space and time to get into the correct lane.

Cyclists and motorcyclists are smaller than other vehicles and so are more difficult to see. They can easily become hidden from your view by cars parked near a junction.

On a quiet country road always be aware that there may be a hazard just around the next bend, such as a slow-moving vehicle or pedestrians. Pedestrians are advised to walk on the right-hand side of the road if there is no pavement, so they may be walking towards you on your side of the road.

Check that it’s clear before you turn into a junction. If there are pedestrians crossing they have priority, so let them cross in their own time.

If you are driving at night or in poor visibility, tinted lenses will reduce the efficiency of your vision, by reducing the amount of available light reaching your eyes.

The only time you are permitted to use your hazard warning lights while moving is if you are on a motorway or dual carriageway and you need to warn other road users, particularly those behind, of a hazard or obstruction ahead. Only use them long enough to ensure your warning has been seen.

An immobiliser makes it more difficult for your vehicle to be driven off by a thief. It is a particular deterrent to opportunist thieves.

Large, long vehicles need extra room when making turns at junctions. They may move out to the right in order to make a left turn. Keep well back and don’t attempt to pass on the left.

Use the full beam headlights only when you can be sure that you won’t dazzle other road users.

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