Timed Theory Test #3

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

Motorcyclists are affected more by windy weather than other vehicles. In windy conditions, high-sided vehicles cause air turbulence. You should keep well back as the motorcyclist could be blown off course.

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.

Do not move a casualty unless therev is further danger, for example, from other traffic or fire. They may unseen or internal injuries. Moving them unnecessarily could cause further injury. Do NOT remove a motorcyclist's helmet unless it is essential.

Look out on the approach especially for children and older pedestrians. They may walk across without looking. Zebra crossings have flashing amber beacons on both sides of the road, black and white stripes on the crossing and white zigzag markings on both sides of the crossing. Where you can see pedestrians waiting to cross, slow down and prepare to stop.

At roadworks, and especially where a contraflow system is operating, a speed restriction is likely to be in place. Keep to the lower speed limit and don't

• switch lanes
• get too close to the vehicle in front of you.

Be aware that there will be no permanent barrier between you and the oncoming traffic.

The flashing amber light allows pedestrians already on the crossing to get to the other side before a green light shows to the traffic. Be aware that some pedestrians, such as elderly people and young children, need longer to cross. Let them do this at their own pace.

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.

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.

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.

Always check the road into which you are turning. Approaching at the correct speed will allow you enough time to observe and react. Give way to any pedestrians already crossing the road.

Route for trams only. The sign may include the bus symbol, the pedal cycle symbol and/or the word ‘taxi’ where these vehicles may use the tram route.

The markings are there to show that the area must be kept clear to allow an unrestricted view for approaching drivers and riders, and children wanting to cross the road.

The speed limit is reduced for vehicles towing caravans and trailers, to lessen the risk of the outfit becoming unstable. Due to the increased weight and size of the vehicle and caravan combination, you should plan well ahead. Be extra-careful in windy weather, as strong winds could cause a caravan or large trailer to snake from side to side.

A red cross over a blue background indicates a clearway, which means you're not allowed to stop – not even to set down or pick up passengers. In some instances, restrictions may only apply at certain times of the day.

Sign informs drivers that they have priority over traffic approaching them from oncoming vehicles approaching them from the opposite direction.

Before overtaking assess the situation. Look well ahead to see if the cyclist will need to change direction. Be especially aware of the cyclist approaching parked vehicles as they will need to alter course. Do not pass too closely or cut in sharply.

Rapid acceleration and heavy braking lead to greater fuel consumption. They also increase wear and tear on your vehicle.

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.

You'll see this sign if there has been an incident ahead and the motorway is closed. You must obey the sign. Make sure that you prepare to leave in good time. Don't cause drivers to take avoiding action by cutting in at the last moment.

If your vehicle breaks down on a level crossing, your first priority is to get everyone out of the vehicle and clear of the crossing. Then use the railway telephone, if there is one, to tell the signal operator. If you have time before the train arrives, move the vehicle clear of the crossing, but only do this if alarm signals are not on.

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.

If you want to turn left and there’s a cyclist in front of you, hold back. Wait until the cyclist has passed the junction and then turn left behind them.

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.

Try to join the motorway without affecting the progress of the traffic already travelling on it. Always give way to traffic already on the motorway. At busy times you may have to slow down to merge into slow-moving traffic.

A red cross above the hard shoulder shows it is closed as a running lane and should only be used for emergencies or breakdowns. At busy times within an Active Traffic Management (ATM) area the hard shoulder may be used as a running lane. This will be shown by a mandatory speed limit on the gantry above.

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.

When following a large vehicle keep well back. If you’re too close you won’t be able to see the road ahead and the driver of the long vehicle might not be able to see you in their mirrors.

It’s a good idea to plan an alternative route in case your original route is blocked for any reason. You’re less likely to feel worried and stressed if you’ve got an alternative in mind. This will enable you to concentrate fully on your driving or riding. Always carry a map that covers the area you will travel in.

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.

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.

You should give way to traffic already on the motorway. Where possible they may move over to let you in but don’t force your way into the traffic stream. The traffic may be travelling at high speed so you should match your speed to fit in.

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.

The yellow boxes filled with criss-crossing yellow lines are known as box junctions. Although you must not enter the box until your exit road is clear, you may wait in one if you want to turn right and are only stopped by oncoming traffic or other vehicles waiting to turn right.

Slow-moving, large vehicles might slow down the progress of other traffic. On a steep gradient this extra lane is provided for these slow-moving vehicles to allow the faster-moving traffic to flow more easily.

Before you drive on the road you MUST have a valid provisional licence, for the category of vehicle that you’re driving. It must show your signature, it isn’t valid without it.

Before pulling up check the mirrors to see what is happening behind you. Also assess what is ahead and make sure you give the correct signal if it helps other road users.

These signs apply only to tram drivers, but you should know their meaning so that you're aware of the priorities and are able to anticipate the actions of the driver.

Allow the sheep to clear the road before you proceed. Animals are unpredictable and startle easily; they could turn and run into your path or into the path of another moving vehicle.

When approaching a tunnel, switch on your dipped headlights. Be aware that your eyes might need to adjust to the sudden darkness. You may need to reduce your speed.

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.

These lines are often found on the approach to a roundabout or a dangerous junction. They give you extra warning to adjust your speed. Look well ahead and do this in good time.