Timed Theory Test #5

You should take extra care when you first encounter trams. You will have to get used to dealing with a different traffic system. Be aware that they can accelerate and travel very quickly and that they cannot change direction to avoid obstructions.

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.

Using a vehicle on the road illegally carries a heavy fine and can lead to penalty points on your licence. Things you MUST have include a valid driving licence, a current valid tax disc, and proper insurance cover.

Riding in a towed caravan is highly dangerous. The safety of the entire unit is dependent on the stability of the trailer. Moving passengers would make the caravan unstable and could cause loss of control.

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.

The first priority with a casualty is to make sure their airway is clear and they’re breathing. Any wounds should be checked for objects and bleeding stemmed using clean material. Ensure the emergency services are called as they’re the experts. If you’re not first aid trained consider getting training. It might save a life.

Pull over in a place where the ambulance can pass safely. Check that there are no bollards or obstructions in the road that will prevent it from doing so.

The car arrowed A is parked within the area marked by zigzag lines at the pedestrian crossing. Parking here is illegal. It also blocks the view for pedestrians wishing to cross the road, and restricts the view of the crossing for approaching traffic.

Where a motorway has a steep uphill gradient, slow-moving, large vehicles might get in the way of other traffic. An extra lane on the left may be provided for these slow-moving vehicles. It allows faster-moving traffic to flow more easily.

You should consider drivers behind as brake lights can dazzle. However, if you are driving in fog it’s safer to keep your foot on the footbrake. In this case it will give the vehicle behind extra warning of your presence.

Never overtake if you’re not sure whether it’s safe. Can you see far enough down the road to ensure that you can complete the manoeuvre safely? If the answer is no, DON’T GO.

In the event of a towbar failure the cable activates the trailer brakes, then snaps. This allows the towing vehicle to get free of the trailer and out of danger.

The studs between the carriageway and the hard shoulder are normally red. These change to green where there is a slip road. They will help you identify slip roads when visibility is poor or when it is dark.

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.

Be responsible and only drive if you are fit to do so. Some medication can affect your concentration and judgement when dealing with hazards. It may also cause you to become drowsy or even fall asleep. Driving while taking such medication is highly dangerous.

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.

Make sure you know what the different warning lights mean. An illuminated warning light could mean that your car is unsafe to drive. Don’t take risks. If you aren’t sure about the problem get a qualified mechanic to check it.

If you intend to overtake you must consider that approaching traffic could be planning the same manoeuvre. When you have considered the situation and have decided it is safe, indicate your intentions early. This will show the approaching traffic that you intend to pull out.

Diesel fuel is especially slippery if spilled on a wet road. At the end of a dry spell of weather you should be aware that the road surfaces may have a high level of diesel spillage that hasn't been washed away by rain.

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

If you want to turn your car around try to find a place where you have good all-round vision. If this isn’t possible and you’re unable to see clearly, then get someone to guide you.

Horses can become startled by the sound of a car engine or the rush of air caused by passing too closely. Keep well back and only pass when it is safe; leave them plenty of room. You may have to use the other side of the road to go past: if you do, first make sure there is no oncoming traffic.

Where you see this sign, the 20 mph restriction starts. Check all around for possible hazards and only increase your speed if it’s safe to do so.

Under the regulations, you must not enter a yellow box junction unless your exit is clear. However, you can enter the box and wait if you want to turn right and are only blocked by oncoming traffic or other vehicles also waiting to turn right.

Missing out intermediate gears when appropriate, helps to reduce the amount of time spent accelerating and decelerating - the time when your vehicle uses most fuel.

The colours of the reflective studs on the motorway and their locations are
• red – between the hard shoulder and the carriageway
• white – lane markings
• amber – between the edge of the carriageway and the central reservation
• green – along slip road exits and entrances
• bright green/yellow – roadworks and contraflow systems.

The electronic device will automatically detect that the pedestrians have reached a safe position. Don't proceed until the green light shows it is safe for vehicles to do so.

Drivers are instructed that the left turn is prohibited for vehicles.

A vehicle towing trailer must not

• use the right-hand lane of a three-lane motorway unless directed to do so, for example, at roadworks or due to lane closure
• exceed 60 mph

Other things to check include lights. Battery, a lot of these are now maintenance free. Steering, check for any play in the steering. Oil, water and suspension also need checking.

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.

This is a 'level crossing without barrier or gate ahead' sign. Trains may be passing here but there will be no gates or barriers at the level crossing.

Keeping casualties or witnesses calm is important, but never offer a cigarette because of the risk of fire. Bear in mind they may be in shock. Don’t offer an injured person anything to eat or drink. They may have internal injuries or need surgery.

A long vehicle may have to straddle lanes either on or approaching a roundabout so that the rear wheels don’t cut in over the kerb.
If you’re following a long vehicle, stay well back and give it plenty of room.

Try not to react by applying the brakes harshly. This could lead to further loss of steering control. Indicate your intention to pull up at the side of the road and roll to a stop.

It’s easy to be distracted. Planning your journey before you set off is important. A few sensible precautions are to tune your radio to stations in your area of travel, take planned breaks, and plan your route. Except for emergencies, it’s illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving. Even using a hands-free kit can severely distract your attention.

If you are carrying anything on a roof rack, make sure that any cover is securely fitted and does not flap about while driving. Aerodynamically designed roof boxes are available which reduce wind resistance and, in turn, fuel consumption.

A flashing amber light is shown at pelican crossings, but puffin crossings are different. They are controlled electronically and automatically detect when pedestrians are on the crossing. The phase is shortened or lengthened according to the position of the pedestrians.

You'll need to slow down. At hump bridges, your view ahead will be restricted and the road will often be narrow. If the bridge is very steep, sound your horn to warn others of your approach.

If you can’t see all around your vehicle get out and have a look. You could also ask someone reliable outside the vehicle to guide you. A small child could easily be hidden directly behind you. Don’t take risks.