Quick Test #1

Keep well back and allow the cyclist room to take up the correct position for the turn. Don’t get too close behind or try to squeeze past.

If you are towing a caravan or trailer you must not use the right-hand lane on a motorway with three or more lanes, except in certain circumstances, such as lane closures.

If you see a triangular sign with a row of cars on it, it's warning you that you're approaching a congested area, so be prepared to stop. The queues ahead might be hidden, so make sure you're aware of vehicles behind you that could be following too closely.

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.

Active Traffic Management schemes are being introduced on motorways. Within these areas at certain times the hard shoulder will be used as a running lane. A red cross above the hard shoulder shows that this lane should NOT be used, except for emergencies and breakdowns.

Novice drivers are much more likely to be involved in a collision than experienced drivers. The Pass Plus scheme gives structured training to help new drivers improve basic skills and widen their experience. Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) will be able to advise of the benefits.

The minimum insurance required by law is third party cover. This covers others involved in a collision but not damage to your vehicle. Basic third party insurance won’t cover theft or fire damage. Check with your insurance company for advice on the best cover for you and make sure that you read the policy carefully.

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

Harsh use of the accelerator, brakes or steering are likely to lead to skidding, especially on slippery surfaces. Avoid steering and braking at the same time. In icy conditions it’s very important that you constantly assess what’s ahead, so that you can take appropriate action in plenty of time.

Always look out for motorcyclists, and cyclists, particularly at junctions. They are smaller and usually more difficult to see than other vehicles.

Drive extremely carefully when the roads are icy. When travelling on ice, tyres make virtually no noise and the steering feels light and unresponsive. In icy conditions be very gentle when braking, accelerating and steering.

When surface spray reduces visibility switch on your dipped headlights. This will help other road users to see you.

Even if the lights turn to green, wait for them to clear the crossing. Allow them to cross the road in their own time, and don’t try to hurry them by revving your engine.

You should never overtake as you approach a junction. If a vehicle emerged from the junction while you were overtaking, a dangerous situation could develop very quickly.

Don’t be tempted to drive if you’ve lost or forgotten your glasses. You must be able to see clearly when driving.

Using the controls smoothly can reduce fuel consumption by about 15% as well as reducing wear and tear on your vehicle. Plan ahead and anticipate changes of speed well in advance. This will reduce the need to accelerate rapidly or brake sharply.

When leaving your vehicle unattended it is best to take valuables with you. If you can't, then lock them out of sight in the boot. If you can see valuables in your car, so can a thief.

Due to the position of the road it is likely that may be a risk of ice or packed snow so skidding may be an issue.

Warning sign that there is a T-Junction ahead with priority given to drivers turning right.

Bus-lane signs show the vehicles allowed to use the lane and its times of operation. Where no times are shown, the bus lane is in operation 24 hours a day.

A red cross above the hard shoulder means that it's closed as a running lane and should only be used for emergencies or breakdowns. At busy times, the hard shoulder may be used as a running lane; the red cross will then be replaced by a mandatory speed-limit sign.

This sign is found where a shallow stream crosses the road. Heavy rainfall could increase the flow of water. If the water looks too deep or the stream has spread over a large distance, stop and find another route.