Safety Margins Category

To learn all about the Safety Margins category watch the video or read the article below.

The theory test featuring all the questions from this category is at the bottom of the page.

Topics Include

  • Road Surfaces – being aware of different road surfaces and how they can affect the driving experience.
  • Skidding – how to prevent and deal with skidding whilst driving.
  • Weather Conditions – being aware how different weather conditions can affect driving and road safety.
  • Stopping Distances – knowing the distances required to stop a vehicle safely.

Again safety is the key theme. Add this to a fair dose of common sense and many of the questions answer themselves.

Weather conditions

  • Braking distances on ice and in freezing conditions can be ten times the normal distance.
  • Overall stopping distances will be much longer when driving in wet conditions.
  • In windy conditions take extra care when passing cyclists and motorcyclists. Always allow them extra room.
  • After driving through flood water the first thing you should do is test your brakes. You should then go slowly while gently applying the brakes, as this will help to dry them.
  • In very hot weather the road surface can become soft. This can effect tyre grip and braking.
  • Side winds are most dangerous on an open stretch of road.
  • When driving on a motorway with surface spray use dipped headlights.
  • When driving on snow or ice use the highest gear possible, as this helps avoid wheel spin. When approaching a sharp bend in such conditions you should slow down and avoid sudden steering movements.
  • If your number plate, windows, lights or mirrors are covered in snow or ice you must clear them before staring a journey.
  • You can tell you are driving on ice, and black ice, because your tyres make little noise and the steering becomes light.
  • When driving in fog use dipped headlights, allow more time for your journey, slow down.

In wet conditions your car can aquaplane. This means the tyres have lifted off the surface of the road and are skating on the surface of the water. If your steering suddenly becomes very light, while driving on a wet road, this is a sign that your are aquaplaning. To correct it ease off the accelerator and allow the tyres to regain grip.

Other Facts to Know

  • Don’t ‘coast’ – travel in neutral or with the clutch pedal pressed down as this will reduce the control you have over the car.
  • When approaching a right-hand bend you should keep to the left as this will improve your view of the road ahead.
  • When parking facing downhill turn the wheels towards the kerb and put the handbrake firmly on.
  • Skidding is usually cause by driver error, driving too fast for the road conditions.
  • To correct a skid you should drive into it, so if the back of your vehicle slides to the right you should steer to the right.
  • To control the speed of your car when driving down hill, select a low gear, as this makes use of the engine brake, and use the brakes carefully.

Contraflows

A contraflow system is where one or more lanes have a direction of traffic against that of the rest of the carriageway. When you enter a contraflow you should:

  • reduce your speed in good time
  • choose a suitable lane in good time: signs will direct you
  • keep a safe distance behind the vehicle in front.

Anti-Lock Brakes

  • Prevent the wheels from locking which means the tyres are less likely to skid.
  • Allow a vehicle to be steered whilst under braking.
  • May not work as effectively when the road surface is loose or wet.
  • In an emergency apply them rapidly and firmly.
  • They will start to work just as the wheels are about to lock.

Stopping Distances

  • Stopping distance + braking distance = stopping distance.
  • In good, dry conditions leave a 2 second gap between you and the vehicle ahead.
  • In wet weather, leave a 4 second gap.
  • In icy weather, leave a 20 second gap.

The diagram shows overall stopping distances (thinking distance plus braking distance).

Stopping Distances

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Safety Margins Theory Test

All the Questions in the Category

1 / 58

In windy conditions you need to take extra care when

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

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.

2 / 58

How can you tell when you are driving over black ice?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

A skid happens when the driver changes the speed or direction of their vehicle so suddenly that the tyres can't keep their grip on the road. Remember that the risk of skidding on wet or icy roads is much greater than in dry conditions.

3 / 58

What is the most common cause of skidding?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

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.

4 / 58

Your vehicle is fitted with anti-lock brakes. To stop quickly in an emergency you should

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Note that this is the typical stopping distance. It will take at least this distance to think, brake and stop in good conditions. In poor conditions it will take much longer.

5 / 58

In good conditions, what is the typical stopping distance at 70 mph?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

When it’s foggy use dipped headlights. This will help you see and be seen by other road users. If visibility is seriously reduced consider using front and rear fog lights if you have them. Keep a sensible speed and don’t follow the vehicle in front too closely. If the road is wet and slippery you’ll need to allow twice the normal stopping distance.

6 / 58

You are following other vehicles in fog. You have your lights on. What else can you do to reduce the chances of being in a collision?

(mark ONE answer)

7 / 58

To avoid a collision when entering a contraflow system, you should

(mark THREE answers)

8 / 58

You have just gone through deep water. To dry off the brakes you should

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

One useful method of checking that you’ve allowed enough room between you and the vehicle in front is the two-second rule. To check for a two-second time gap, choose a stationary object ahead, such as a bridge or road sign. When the car in front passes the object say 'Only a fool breaks the two-second rule'. If you reach the object before you finish saying it you're too close.

9 / 58

You are on a fast, open road in good conditions. For safety, the distance between you and the vehicle in front should be

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

This distance is the equivalent of 18 car lengths. Try pacing out 73 metres and then look back. It’s probably further than you think.

10 / 58

What is the shortest overall stopping distance on a dry road at 60 mph?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Anti-lock brakes will not be required when braking normally. Looking well down the road and anticipating possible hazards could prevent you having to brake late and harshly. Knowing that you have anti-lock brakes is not an excuse to drive in a careless or reckless way.

11 / 58

Anti-lock brakes are of most use when you are

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

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.

12 / 58

You are on a good, dry, road surface. Your brakes and tyres are good. What is the typical overall stopping distance at 40 mph?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

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.

13 / 58

You are on a good, dry, road surface. Your brakes and tyres are good. What is the typical overall stopping distance at 40 mph?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

If you attempt to move off in a low gear, such as first, the engine will rev at a higher speed. This could cause the wheels to spin and dig further into the snow.

14 / 58

You are trying to move off on snow. You should use

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

When going down a steep hill your vehicle will speed up. This will make it more difficult for you to stop. Select a lower gear to give you more engine braking and control. Use this in combination with careful use of the brakes.

15 / 58

You are about to go down a steep hill. To control the speed of your vehicle you should

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

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

16 / 58

You are on a wet motorway with surface spray. You should use

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

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.

17 / 58

You are driving in a built-up area. You approach a speed hump. You should

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Poor contact with the road surface could cause one or more of the tyres to lose grip on the road. This is more likely to happen when braking in poor weather conditions and when the road has a loose or uneven surface.

18 / 58

Anti-lock brakes may not work as effectively if the road surface is

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Wet weather will affect the time it takes for you to stop and can affect your control. Your speed should allow you to stop safely and in good time. If another vehicle pulls into the gap you’ve left, ease back until you’ve regained your stopping distance.

19 / 58

You are following a vehicle at a safe distance on a wet road. Another driver overtakes you and pulls into the gap you have left. What should you do?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Deep water can affect your brakes, so you should check that they’re working properly before you build up speed again. Before you do this, remember to check your mirrors and consider what’s behind you.

20 / 58

You are driving along a country road. You see this sign. AFTER dealing safely with the hazard you should always

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

In a contraflow system you'll be travelling close to oncoming traffic and sometimes in narrow lanes. You should get into the correct lane in good time obey, the temporary speed limit signs and keep a safe separation distance from the vehicle ahead.

21 / 58

When entering a contraflow system, you should

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

In windy conditions, care must be taken on exposed roads. A strong gust of wind can blow you off course. Watch out for other road users who are particularly likely to be affected, such as cyclists, motorcyclists, high-sided lorries and vehicles towing trailers.

22 / 58

Where are you most likely to be affected by a side wind?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

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.

23 / 58

What would suggest you're driving on ice?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

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.

24 / 58

You're driving in freezing conditions. What should you do when approaching a sharp bend?

 

Explanation

Don’t venture out if your journey is not necessary. If you have to travel and someone is expecting you at the other end, let them know that you’ll be taking longer than usual for your journey. This will stop them worrying if you don’t turn up on time and will also take the pressure off you, so you don’t feel you have to rush.

25 / 58

What should you do when driving in fog?

(mark ONE answer)

26 / 58

You are travelling at 50mph on a good, dry road. What is your typical overall stopping distance?

(mark ONE answer)

27 / 58

You are travelling at 50 mph on a good, dry road. What is your typical overall stopping distance?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

The anti-lock braking system has sensors that detect when the wheels are about to lock. It releases the brakes momentarily to allow the wheels to revolve and grip, then automatically reapplies them. This cycle is repeated several times a second to maximise braking performance.

28 / 58

When would an anti-lock braking system start to work?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

When driving on downhill stretches of road selecting a lower gear gives increased engine braking. This will prevent excess use of the brakes, which become less effective if they overheat.

29 / 58

How can you use your vehicle’s engine as a brake?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

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.

30 / 58

You're driving in freezing conditions. What should you do when approaching a sharp bend?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

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.

31 / 58

How can you tell when you are driving over black ice?

(mark ONE answer)

32 / 58

When approaching a right-hand bend you should keep well to the left. Why is this?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

On busy roads traffic may still travel at high speeds despite being close together. Don’t follow too closely to the vehicle in front. If a driver behind seems to be ‘pushing’ you, gradually increase your distance from the vehicle in front by slowing down gently. This will give you more space in front if you have to brake, and lessen the risk of a collision involving several vehicles.

33 / 58

In heavy motorway traffic the vehicle behind you is following too closely. How can you lower the risk of a collision?

(mark ONE answer)

34 / 58

You are following a vehicle at a safe distance on a wet road. Another driver overtakes you and pulls into the gap you have left. What should you do?

(mark ONE answer)

35 / 58

You are on a wet motorway with surface spray. You should use

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

If you’re travelling on an icy road extra caution will be required to avoid loss of control. Keeping your speed down and using the highest gear possible will reduce the risk of the tyres losing their grip on this slippery surface.

36 / 58

You are driving on an icy road. How can you avoid wheelspin?

(mark ONE answer)

37 / 58

The main benefit of having four-wheel drive is to improve

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38 / 58

Your overall stopping distance will be much longer when driving

(mark ONE answer)

39 / 58

Overall stopping distance is made up of thinking and braking distance. You are on a good, dry road surface with good brakes and tyres. What is the typical braking distance from 50 mph?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Coasting, is the term used when the clutch is held down, or the gear lever is in neutral, and the vehicle is allowed to freewheel. This reduces the driver’s control of the vehicle. When you coast, the engine can’t drive the wheels to pull you through a corner. Coasting also removes the assistance of engine braking that helps to slow the car.

40 / 58

Travelling for long distances in neutral (known as coasting)

(mark ONE answer)

41 / 58

Anti-lock brakes may not work as effectively if the road surface is

(mark TWO answers)

42 / 58

What is the most common cause of skidding?

(mark ONE answer)

43 / 58

You are trying to move off on snow. You should use

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

In icy and snowy weather, your stopping distance will increase by up to ten times compared to good, dry conditions. Take extra care when braking, accelerating and steering, to cut down the risk of skidding.

44 / 58

Braking distances on ice can be

(mark ONE answer)

45 / 58

In very hot weather the road surface can become soft. Which two of the following will be most affected?

(mark TWO answers)

Explanation

Selecting a low gear when travelling downhill will help you to control your speed. The engine will assist the brakes and help prevent your vehicle gathering speed.

46 / 58

You are on a long, downhill slope. What should you do to help control the speed of your vehicle?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Only travel if you have to. Making unnecessary journeys in bad weather can increase the risk of having a collision. It’s important that you can see and be seen. Make sure any snow or ice is cleared from lights, mirrors, number plates and windows.

47 / 58

Before starting a journey in freezing weather you should clear ice and snow from your vehicle’s

(mark ONE answer)

48 / 58

You have driven though a flood. What is the first thing you should do?

(mark ONE answer)

49 / 58

You are overtaking a motorcyclist in strong winds. What should you do?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

If the wheels of your vehicle lock they will not grip the road and you will lose steering control. In good conditions the anti-lock system will prevent the wheels locking and allow you to retain steering control.

50 / 58

Anti-lock brakes can greatly assist with

(mark ONE answer)

51 / 58

In heavy motorway traffic the vehicle behind you is following too closely. How can you lower the risk of collision?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Braking on snow can be extremely dangerous. Be gentle with both the accelerator and brake to prevent wheel- spin.

52 / 58

When driving in falling snow you should

(mark ONE answer)

53 / 58

You are driving in heavy rain. Your steering suddenly becomes very light. You should

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

You should always give cyclists plenty of room when overtaking. When it’s windy, a sudden gust could blow them off course.

54 / 58

In windy conditions you need to take extra care when

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

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

55 / 58

You are on a wet motorway with surface spray. You should use

56 / 58

You are on a long, downhill slope. What should you do to help control the speed of your vehicle?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Driving at a slow speed in a high gear will reduce the likelihood of wheel-spin and help your vehicle maintain the best possible grip.

57 / 58

The roads are icy. You should drive slowly

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Turning the wheels towards the kerb will allow it to act as a chock, preventing any forward movement of the vehicle. It will also help to leave it in gear, or select 'Park' if you have an automatic.

58 / 58

What should you do when parking your vehicle facing downhill?

(mark ONE answer)

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