Theory Test #1

Hazard warning lights are fitted to all modern cars and some motorcycles. They should only be used to warn other road users of a hazard ahead.

You must show consideration to other road users. The reactions of older drivers may be slower and they might need more time to deal with a situation. Be tolerant and don’t lose patience or show your annoyance.

It’s your responsibility to ensure that all children in your car are secure. Suitable restraints include a child seat, baby seat, booster seat or booster cushion. It’s essential that any restraint used should be suitable for the child’s size and weight, and fitted to the manufacturers instructions.

Traffic on motorways usually travels faster than on other roads. You need to be looking further ahead to give yourself more time to react to any hazard that may develop.

Rear fog lights make it easier to spot a vehicle ahead in foggy conditions. Avoid the temptation to use other vehicles’ lights as a guide, as they may give you a false sense of security.

Where you see this road marking you should give way to traffic on the main road. It might not be used at junctions where there is relatively little traffic. However, if there is a double broken line across the junction the 'give way' rules still apply.

The picture of a cycle will also usually be painted on the road, sometimes with a different coloured surface. Leave these clear for cyclists and don’t pass too closely when you overtake.

The brakes on your vehicle must be effective and properly adjusted. If your vehicle pulls to one side when braking, take it to be checked by a qualified mechanic. Don’t take risks.

It is illegal to use fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced, which is generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet). Check that they have been switched off when conditions improve.

It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving, except in a genuine emergency. Even using hands-free kit can distract your attention. Park in a safe and convenient place before receiving or making a call or using text messaging. Then you will also be free to take notes or refer to papers.

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

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.

A green flashing beacon on a vehicle means the driver or passenger is a doctor on an emergency call. Give way to them if it’s safe to do so. Be aware that the vehicle may be travelling quickly or may stop in a hurry.

The controller will ask you
• the make and colour of your vehicle
• whether you are a member of an emergency breakdown service
• the number shown on the emergency telephone casing
• whether you are travelling alone.

No phone call is important enough to risk endangering lives. It’s better to switch your phone off completely when driving. If you must be contactable plan your route to include breaks so you can catch up on messages in safety. Always choose a safe and convenient place to take a break, such as a lay-by or service area.

Never leave the vehicle’s documents inside it. They would help a thief dispose of the vehicle more easily.

If a casualty is bleeding heavily, raise the limb to a higher position. This will help to reduce the blood flow. Before raising the limb you should make sure that it is not broken.

Pull into the nearest passing place on the left if you meet another vehicle in a narrow road. If the nearest passing place is on the right, wait opposite it.

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.

This sign is found at the entrance to a road that can only be used for access.

Be aware that older people might take a long time to cross the road. They might also be hard of hearing and not hear you approaching. Don't hurry older people across the road by getting too close to them or revving your engine.

Rear fog lights make it easier to spot a vehicle ahead in foggy conditions. Avoid the temptation to use other vehicles’ lights as a guide, as they may give you a false sense of security.

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

Wait for a safe gap in the traffic before you move out. Indicate your intention and use the hard shoulder to gain speed but don’t force your way into the traffic.

Keeping your vehicle’s tyres correctly inflated is a legal requirement. Your vehicle will use less fuel and have a shorter stopping distance with correctly inflated tyres.

When approaching a contraflow system reduce speed in good time and obey all speed limits. You may be travelling in a narrower lane than normal with no permanent barrier between you and the oncoming traffic. Be aware that the hard shoulder may be used for traffic and the road ahead could be obstructed by slow- moving or broken down vehicles.

If you want to keep a vehicle off the public road you must declare SORN. It is an offence not to do so. You then won’t have to pay road tax. If you don’t renew the SORN declaration or re-license the vehicle, you will incur a penalty.

Road humps are used to slow down traffic.They're found in places where there are often pedestrians, such as

• shopping areas
• near schools
• residential areas.

Watch out for people close to the kerb or crossing the road.

Using a mobile phone distracts your attention away from driving. Distractions caused by mobile phones are known to be potentially dangerous. Avoid being distracted by your phone by turning it off before you start driving.

Vehicle navigation systems can be useful when driving on unfamiliar routes. However they can also distract you and cause you to lose control if you look at or adjust them while driving. Pull up in a convenient and safe place before adjusting them.

You can overtake other traffic on either side when travelling in a one-way street. Make full use of your mirrors and ensure that it’s clear all around before you attempt to overtake. Look for signs and road markings and use the most suitable lane for your destination.

Remember this procedure by saying DR ABC. This stands for Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation. Give whatever first aid you can and stay with the injured person until the emergency services arrive.

Be extra-cautious, especially when your view is restricted by hedges, bushes, walls and large vehicles etc. In the summer months these junctions can become more difficult to deal with when growing foliage may obscure your view.

Only use your fog lights when visibility is seriously reduced. Use dipped headlights in poor conditions.

There are times where road markings can be obscured by queuing traffic, or you might be unsure which lane you need to be in. If you realise that you’re in the wrong lane, don’t cut across lanes or bully other drivers to let you in. Follow the lane you’re in and find somewhere safe to turn around if you need to.

If the road has two lanes, you can use either lane and overtake on either side. Use the lane that's more convenient for your destination unless signs or road markings indicate otherwise.

Give way to buses whenever you can do so safely, especially when they signal to pull away from bus stops. Look out for people leaving the bus and crossing the road.

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

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

Many towns have speed humps to slow down traffic. Slow down when driving over them. If you go too fast they may affect your steering and suspension, causing you to lose control or even damaging it. Be aware of pedestrians in these areas.

Lorries are larger and longer than other vehicles and this can affect their position when approaching junctions. When turning left they may move out to the right so that they don’t cut in and mount the kerb with the rear wheels.

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.