Vehicle Handling Category

To learn all about the Vehicle Handling category, watch the video or read the article below.

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

The questions deal with how external factors, such as the weather, can affect the handling of your vehicle and overall road safety. As always, safety is the prime concern – a fact that is reflected in the answers to the questions.

Overtaking at Night

  • Be careful because you can see less.
  • Be careful because you can see less.
  • Don’t dazzle other road users.
  • If you are overtaken at night and you have your headlights on full beam, you should switch to dipped beam as the overtaking car draws level with you.

Facts to Know

  • In heavy rain your overall stopping distance is likely to be doubled.
  • If heavy snow is falling you should not drive unless it is essential.
  • Areas reserved for trams may have white line markings, a different coloured surface, a different surface texture.
  • You active the engine brake when you change to a lower gear.
  • When driving up a steep hill lower gears will pull better, the engine will work harder, you will slow down sooner.
  • On icy roads the distance you should driver from the car in front is ten times the normal distance.
  • Coasting (rolling in neutral gear or holding the clutch pedal down) is dangerous because you will have less steering and braking control, and won’t be able to make use of the engine brake.<
  • When using your brakes a lot i.e. when driving downhill you may notice that they don’t work as well as normal. This is due to them overheating.
  • You must use dipped headlights during the day if visibility is poor.
  • When driving through a Ford (a small stream) remember, it could be more difficult in the winter, use a low gear and driver slowly, test your brakes afterwards, there may be a depth gauge, which will show how deep the water is.
  • Traffic calming measures are used to slow traffic down.
  • In windy weather, high-sided vehicles, cyclists, motorcyclists and cars towing caravans are likely to be most affected.
  • To correct a rear-wheel skid you should steer into it.
  • You must use dipped headlights during the day when visibility is poor.
  • A rumble device is designed to alert you to a hazard.
  • Areas reserved for trams may have a) white line markings b) a different coloured surface c) a different textured surface.

Box Junctions

  • You may wait in a box junction when oncoming traffic prevents you turning right.
  • Traffic calming measures, such as road humps, are designed to slow traffic down.
  • Rumble strips, raised markings or yellow painted strips across the road, are designed to alert you to a hazard ahead, make you aware of your speed and encourage you to slow down.

When Driving in Fog

  • Leave plenty of time for the journey.
  • Only drive when absolutely necessary.
  • Reduce your speed, as it is harder to see ahead.
  • Keep well back from vehicles in front, as they may stop suddenly.
  • Turn on rear fog lights when visibility drops below 100 metres (328 feet).
  • Front fog lights should only be used when visibility is seriously reduced.
  • When fog clears you must turn off fog lights, as they can dazzle other road users and cause brake lights to be less clear.
  • Driving with fog lights on when visibility is above 100 metres is breaking the law.
  • Before driving in fog check you lights are working and make sure your windows are clean.

Motorways

  • On a well-lit motorway at night always use dipped headlights
  • If you break down on the motorway, or have to stop on the hard shoulder you must turn your headlights off and turn on the sidelights.
  • The left-hand side of a motorway lane edge is marked by red reflective studs.
  • The reflective studs between lanes are white.
  • The right-hand edge of a motorway lane is marked by amber reflective studs.
  • The reflective studs between the carriageway and slip road are green.

Take the Test

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Vehicle Handling Theory Test

All the Questions in the Category

Explanation

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

1 / 58

Daytime visibility is poor but not seriously reduced. You should switch on

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Consider if the increased risk is worth it. If the weather conditions are bad and your journey isn’t essential, then stay at home.

2 / 58

When snow is falling heavily you should

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

There are several factors that can affect the distance it takes to stop your vehicle. Adjust your driving to take account of how the weather conditions could affect your tyres' grip on the road.

3 / 58

Which THREE of the following will affect your stopping distance?

(mark THREE answers)

Explanation

If you have to park your vehicle in foggy conditions it’s important that it can be seen by other road users. Try to find a place to park off the road. If this isn’t possible leave it facing in the same direction as the traffic. Make sure that your lights are clean and that you leave your sidelights on.

4 / 58

You have to park on the road in fog. You should

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Driving in neutral or with the clutch down for long periods is known as ‘coasting’. There will be no engine braking and your vehicle will pick up speed on downhill slopes. Coasting can be very dangerous because it reduces steering and braking control.

5 / 58

You are driving down a steep hill. Why could keeping the clutch down or rolling in neutral for too long be dangerous?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Coasting is when you allow the vehicle to freewheel in neutral or with the clutch pedal depressed. Speed will increase as you lose the benefits of engine braking and have less control. You shouldn't coast when approaching hazards such as junctions or bends and when travelling downhill.

6 / 58

Why is it bad technique to coast when driving downhill?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

You MUST use dipped headlights and/or fog lights in fog when visibility is seriously reduced to 100 metres (328 feet) or less. You should use dipped headlights, but NOT fog lights, when visibility is poor, such as in heavy rain.

7 / 58

When MUST you use dipped headlights during the day?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Rear fog lights shine brighter than normal rear lights so that they show up in reduced visibility. When the weather is clear they could dazzle the driver behind, so switch them off.

8 / 58

Using rear fog lights in clear daylight will

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

You may pass slower traffic on their left while driving along a one-way street. Be aware of drivers who may need to change lanes and not expect faster traffic passing on their left.

9 / 58

When may you overtake another vehicle on the left?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

You shouldn’t use rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced. If you forget to turn them off when the weather improves they can
• be confused with brake lamps
• dazzle following drivers.
A warning light will show on the dashboard to indicate when your rear fog lights are on. You should know the meaning of all the lights on your dashboard and check them before you move off and as you drive.

10 / 58

Using rear fog lights on a clear dry night will

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

If visibility falls below 100 metres (328 feet) in fog, switching on your rear fog lights will help following road users to see you. Don’t forget to turn them off once visibility improves: their brightness might be mistaken for brake lights and they could dazzle other drivers.

11 / 58

You should switch your rear fog lights on when visibility drops below

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Switch off your fog lights if the weather improves, but be prepared to use them again if visibility reduces to less than 100 metres (328 feet).

12 / 58

You are driving with your front fog lights switched on. Earlier fog has now cleared. What should you do?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

If you’re driving behind other traffic at night on the motorway, leave a two-second time gap and use dipped headlights. Full beam will dazzle the other drivers. Your headlights’ beam should fall short of the vehicle in front.

13 / 58

You are on a motorway at night with other vehicles ahead of you. Which lights should you have on?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

As well as visibility being reduced, the road will be extremely wet. This will reduce the grip the tyres have on the road and increase the distance it takes to stop. Double your separation distance.

14 / 58

You are travelling in very heavy rain. Your overall stopping distance is likely to be

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

It is an offence to have your fog lights on in conditions other than seriously reduced visibility, ie. less than 100 metres (328 feet).

15 / 58

While you are driving in fog, it becomes necessary to use front fog lights. You should

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Snow chains can be fitted to your tyres during snowy conditions. They can help you to move off from rest or to keep moving in deep snow. You will still need to adjust your driving according to the road conditions at the time.

16 / 58

Chains can be fitted to your wheels to help prevent

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

A rumble device consists of raised markings or strips across the road. It gives drivers an audible, visual and tactile warning. They are found along the hard shoulder on the motorway and approaching some hazards to alert drivers of the need to slow down.

17 / 58

A rumble device is designed to

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

This is more likely to happen on vehicles fitted with drum brakes but can apply to disc brakes as well. Using a lower gear will assist the braking and help you to keep control of your vehicle.

18 / 58

You are driving down a long steep hill. You suddenly notice your brakes are not working as well as normal. What is the usual cause of this?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

You won’t be able to see as far ahead in fog as you can on a clear day. You will need to reduce your speed so that, if a hazard looms out of the fog, you have the time and space to take avoiding action. Travelling in fog is hazardous. If you can, try and delay your journey until it has cleared.

19 / 58

Why should you always reduce your speed when travelling in fog?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Having tyres correctly inflated and in good condition will ensure they have maximum grip on the road; how well your tyres grip the road has a significant effect on your car's stopping distance.

20 / 58

What will affect your vehicle's stopping distance?

(mark ONE answer)

21 / 58

Traffic calming measures are used to

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

At certain times of the day, traffic might be heavy. If traffic is moving slowly in queues and vehicles in the right-hand lane are moving more slowly, you may overtake on the left.

22 / 58

In which THREE of these situations may you overtake another vehicle on the left?

(mark THREE answers)

Explanation

Other drivers or riders may have to change course due to the size or characteristics of their vehicle. Understanding this will help you to anticipate their actions. Motorcyclists and cyclists will be checking the road ahead for uneven or slippery surfaces, especially in wet weather. They may need to move across their lane to avoid surface hazards such as potholes and drain covers.

23 / 58

The road is wet. Why might a motorcyclist steer round drain covers on a bend?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

These lines may be painted on the road on the approach to a roundabout, village or a particular hazard. The lines are raised and painted yellow and their purpose is to make you aware of your speed. Reduce your speed in good time so that you avoid having to brake harshly over the last few metres before reaching the junction.

24 / 58

You see these markings on the road. Why are they there?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Only use front fog lights if the distance you are able to see is less than 100 metres (328 feet). Turn off your fog lights as the visibility improves.

25 / 58

You may drive with front fog lights switched on

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

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.

26 / 58

Why are vehicles fitted with rear fog lights?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

If you’re following another road user in fog stay well back. The driver in front won’t be able to see hazards until they’re close and might brake suddenly. Another reason why it is important to maintain a good separation distance in fog is that the road surface is likely to be wet and slippery.

27 / 58

You are driving in fog. Why should you keep well back from the vehicle in front?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

To prevent your lights from dazzling the driver of the car in front, wait until you’ve overtaken before switching to full beam.

28 / 58

You are overtaking a car at night. You must be sure that

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Coasting is when you allow the vehicle to freewheel in neutral or with the clutch pedal depressed. Doing this gives you less control over the vehicle. It's especially not to let your vehicle coast when approaching hazards such as junctions and bends and when travelling downhill.

29 / 58

What are TWO main reasons why coasting downhill is wrong?

(mark TWO answers)

Explanation

If the skid has been caused by braking too hard for the conditions, release the brake. You may then need to reapply and release the brake again. You may need to do this a number of times. This will allow the wheels to turn and so limit the skid. Skids are much easier to get into than they are to get out of. Prevention is better than cure. Stay alert to the road and weather conditions. Drive so that you can stop within the distance you can see to be clear.

30 / 58

You are braking on a wet road. Your vehicle begins to skid. It does not have anti-lock brakes. What is the FIRST thing you should do?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

When going downhill, prolonged use of the brakes can cause them to overheat and lose their effectiveness. Changing to a lower gear will assist your braking.

31 / 58

You will feel the effects of engine braking when you

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

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.

32 / 58

You are driving at night. You are dazzled by headlights coming towards you. You should

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

If you’re planning to make a journey when it’s foggy, listen to the weather reports on the radio or television. Don’t travel if visibility is very poor or your trip isn’t necessary. If you do travel, leave plenty of time for your journey. If someone is expecting you at the other end, let them know that you’ll be taking longer than normal to arrive.

33 / 58

You have to make a journey in foggy conditions. You should

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

The draught caused by other vehicles could be strong enough to push you out of your lane. Keep both hands on the steering wheel to maintain full control.

34 / 58

You are driving on the motorway in windy conditions. When passing high-sided vehicles you should

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Letting your vehicle roll or coast in neutral reduces your control over steering and braking. This can be dangerous on downhill slopes where your vehicle could pick up speed very quickly.

35 / 58

Why could keeping the clutch down or selecting neutral for long periods of time be dangerous?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

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

36 / 58

You are on a motorway in fog. The left-hand edge of the motorway can be identified by reflective studs. What colour are they?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

The engine will need more power to pull the vehicle up the hill. When approaching a steep hill you should select a lower gear to help maintain your speed. You should do this without hesitation, so that you don't lose too much speed before engaging the lower gear.

37 / 58

Hills can affect the performance of your vehicle. Which TWO apply when driving up steep hills?

(mark TWO answers)

Explanation

Trams can run on roads used by other vehicles and pedestrians. The part of the road used by the tram is known as the reserved area and this should be kept clear. It has a coloured surface and is usually edged with white road markings. It might also have a different surface texture.

38 / 58

Areas reserved for trams may have

(mark THREE answers)

Explanation

Don’t travel in icy or snowy weather unless your journey is necessary. Drive extremely carefully when roads are or may be icy. Stopping distances can be ten times greater than on dry roads.

39 / 58

You are driving on an icy road. What distance should you drive from the car in front?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Trams can run on roads used by other vehicles and pedestrians. The part of the road used by the trams is known as the reserved area and this should be kept clear. It often has a different surface and is usually edged with white road markings.

40 / 58

Areas reserved for trams may have

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

The engine will need more power to pull the vehicle up the hill. When approaching a steep hill you should select a lower gear to help maintain your speed. You should do this without hesitation, so that you don’t lose too much speed before engaging the lower gear.

41 / 58

How will your vehicle be affected when you drive up steep hills?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Prevention is better than cure, so it’s important that you take every precaution to avoid a skid from starting. If you feel the rear wheels of your vehicle beginning to skid, try to steer in the same direction to recover control. Don’t brake suddenly – this will only make the situation worse.

42 / 58

To correct a rear-wheel skid you should

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Try to look ahead and read the road. Plan your approach to junctions and select the correct gear in good time. This will give you the control you need to deal with any hazards that occur. You’ll coast a little every time you change gear. This can’t be avoided, but it should be kept to a minimum.

43 / 58

Why is travelling in neutral for long distances (known as coasting) wrong?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Fog lights can be brighter than normal dipped headlights. If the weather has improved turn them off to avoid dazzling other road users.

44 / 58

Using front fog lights in clear daylight will

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Always use your headlights at night on a motorway unless you have stopped on the hard shoulder. If you break down and have to stop on the hard shoulder, switch off the headlights but leave the sidelights on so that other road users can see your vehicle.

45 / 58

You are on the motorway at night. You must have your headlights switched on unless

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

To prevent your lights from dazzling the driver of the car in front, wait until you’ve overtaken before switching to full beam.

46 / 58

You are overtaking a car at night. You must be sure that

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Your vehicle should have a warning light on the dashboard which illuminates when the fog lights are being used. You need to be familiar with the layout of your dashboard so you are aware if they have been switched on in error, or you have forgotten to switch them off.

47 / 58

Front fog lights may be used ONLY if

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Don’t overtake if there’s a possibility of a road junction, bend or brow of a bridge or hill ahead. There are many other possible hazards that may be difficult to see in the dark so only overtake if you’re certain that the road ahead is clear. Don’t take a chance.

48 / 58

When overtaking at night you should

(mark ONE answers)

Explanation

The purpose of a box junction is to keep the junction clear by preventing vehicles from stopping in the path of crossing traffic. You must not enter a box junction unless your exit is clear. But, you may enter the box and wait if you want to turn right and are only prevented from doing so by oncoming traffic.

49 / 58

When may you wait in a box-junction?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

A ford is a crossing over a stream that’s shallow enough to go through. After you’ve gone through a ford or deep puddle the water will affect your brakes. To dry them out apply a light brake pressure while moving slowly. Don’t travel at normal speeds until you are sure your brakes are working properly again.

50 / 58

After this hazard you should test your brakes. Why is this?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

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.

51 / 58

Front fog lights may be used ONLY if

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Be patient and stay behind the car in front. Normally you should not overtake other vehicles in traffic-calmed areas. If you overtake here your speed may exceed that which is safe along that road, defeating the purpose of the traffic calming measures.

52 / 58

You are on a road which has speed humps. A driver in front is travelling slower than you. You should

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

The draught caused by other vehicles could be strong enough to push you out of your lane. Keep both hands on the steering wheel to maintain full control.

53 / 58

You are driving on a motorway in windy conditions. When passing high-sided vehicles you should

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Traffic calming measures are used to make the roads safer for vulnerable road users, such as cyclists, pedestrians and children. These can be designed as chicanes, road humps or other obstacles that encourage drivers and riders to slow down.

54 / 58

Traffic calming measures are used to

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

If your rear fog lights are left on when it isn’t foggy, the glare they cause makes it difficult for road users behind to know whether you are braking or you have just forgotten to turn off your rear fog lights. This can be a particular problem on wet roads and on motorways. If you leave your rear fog lights on at night, road users behind you are likely to be dazzled and this could put them at risk.

55 / 58

Why is it dangerous to leave rear fog lights on when they’re not needed?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

You must take extra care when on single track roads. You may not be able to see around bends due to high hedges or fences. Proceed with caution and expect to meet oncoming vehicles around the next bend. If you do, pull into or opposite a passing place.

56 / 58

You see a vehicle coming towards you on a single-track road. You should

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

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.

57 / 58

Why are vehicles fitted with rear fog lights?

(mark ONE answer)

Explanation

Bright rear fog lights might be mistaken for brake lights and could be misleading for the traffic behind.

58 / 58

Whilst driving, the fog clears and you can see more clearly. You must remember to

(mark ONE answer)

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