Quick Test #1

You should plan your overtaking to take into account any hazards ahead. In this picture the marking indicates that you are approaching a junction. You will not have time to overtake and move back into the left safely.

During long journeys an engine can use more oil than on shorter trips. Insufficient oil is potentially dangerous: it can lead to excessive wear and expensive repairs. Most cars have a dipstick to allow the oil level to be checked. If not, you should refer to the vehicle’s handbook. Also make checks on
- fuel
- water
- tyres.

Travel slowly and carefully near parked vehicles. Beware of
• vehicles pulling out, especially bicycles and motorcycles
• pedestrians, especially children, who may run out from between cars
• drivers opening their doors.

Third party insurance doesn’t cover damage to your own vehicle or injury to yourself. If you have a crash and your vehicle is damaged you might have to carry out the repairs at your own expense.

Every vehicle used on the road has a registration document. It shows vehicle details including date of first registration, registration number, previous keeper, registered keeper, make of vehicle, engine size, chassis number, year of manufacture and colour.

Emergency vehicles often travel at high speed. You should help their progress by pulling over and allowing them to pass. Do so safely and legally. Don’t stop suddenly or in a dangerous position.

Don’t enforce the speed limit by blocking another vehicle’s progress. This will only lead to the other driver becoming more frustrated. Allow the other vehicle to pass when you can do so safely.

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.

Stopping distances are affected by a number of variable factors. These include the type, model and condition of your vehicle, road and weather conditions, and your reaction time. Look well ahead for hazards and leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front. This should allow you to pull up safely if you have to, without braking sharply.

If a disabled driver's vehicle breaks down and they are unable to walk to an emergency phone, they're advised to stay in their car and switch on the hazard warning lights. They may also display a 'Help' pennant in their vehicle.

Never overtake if you’re not sure whether it’s safe. Can you see far enough down the road to ensure that you can complete the manoeuvre safely? If the answer is no, DON’T GO.

Mandatory speed limit signs above all lanes including the hard shoulder, show that you are in an Active Traffic Management (ATM) area. In this case you can use the hard shoulder as a running lane. You must stay within the speed limit shown. Look out for any vehicles that may have broken down and be blocking the hard shoulder.

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.

You will have additional hazards to deal with at night. Visibility may be very limited and the lights of oncoming vehicles can often dazzle you. When this happens don’t close your eyes, swerve or flash your headlights, as this will also distract other drivers. It may help to focus on the left kerb, verge or lane line.

Pedestrians and riders on two wheels can be harder to see than other road users. Make sure you keep a look-out for them, especially at junctions. Good effective observation, coupled with appropiate action, can save lives.

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.

Sometimes you may not be able to see that the road is icy. Black ice makes a road look damp. The signs that you’re travelling on black ice can be that the steering feels light or that the noise from your tyres suddenly goes quiet.

Staying back will increase your view of the road ahead. This will help you to see any hazards that might occur and allow you more time to react.

Competitive driving increases the risks to everyone and is the opposite of responsible, considerate and defensive driving. Defensive driving is about questioning the actions of other road users and being prepared for the unexpected. Don’t be taken by surprise

This sign indicates a danger ahead and will be accompanied by a sign below indicating the nature of that hazard in writing.

A mandatory speed limit sign above the hard shoulder shows that it can be used as a running lane between junctions. You must stay within the speed limit. Look out for vehicles that may have broken down and could be blocking the hard shoulder.