Theory Test #6

Slow down and be ready to stop if you see animals in the road ahead. Animals are easily frightened by noise and vehicles passing too close to them. Stop if signalled to do so by the person in charge.

Hazard warning lights are fitted to all modern cars and some motorcycles. They should be used to warn
• other road users when your vehicle is causing a temporary obstruction, for example after a collision or when it’s broken down
• following drivers on a motorway of a hazard or obstruction ahead.
They should not be used as an excuse for dangerous or illegal parking.

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.

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.

When driving on motorways, you can’t just pull up to answer your mobile phone. Do not stop on the hard shoulder or slip road. To avoid being distracted it’s safer to switch it off when driving. If you need to be contacted plan your journey to include breaks at service areas so you can pick up any messages when you stop.

You’ll see the first advance direction sign one mile from the exit. If you’re travelling at 60 mph in the right-hand lane you’ll only have about 50 seconds before you reach the countdown markers. There will be another sign at the half-mile point. Move in to the left-hand lane in good time. Don’t cut across traffic at the last moment and don’t risk missing your exit.

This sign tells you that you are not permitted to make a U-turn. It is commonly displayed on approach to junctions on dual carriageways.

You won't be able to drive unaccompanied until you've passed your practical driving test. When you’ve passed, it's a good idea to ask your instructor to take you for a lesson on the motorway. Alternatively, you could take part in the Pass Plus scheme. This has been created for new drivers and includes motorway driving. Ask your instructor for details.

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.

Hold back and allow the cyclist to move off. In some towns, junctions have special areas marked across the front of the traffic lane. These allow cyclists to wait for the lights to change and move off ahead of other traffic.

If you’re travelling in a one-way street and wish to turn right you should take up a position in the right-hand lane. This will enable other road users not wishing to turn to proceed on the left. Indicate your intention and take up your position in good time.

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 not to use your car as a matter of routine. For shorter journeys, consider walking or cycling instead – this is much better for both you and the environment.

When you take out motor insurance you’ll be issued with a certificate. This contains details explaining who and what is insured. If a police officer asks to see your insurance certificate you must produce it at the time or at a police station within a specified period. You also need to have current valid insurance when renewing your vehicle excise duty (road tax).

If you are towing a caravan or trailer you must not use the right-hand lane on a motorway with three or more lanes, except in certain circumstances, such as lane closures.

This sign marks a shared route which may only be used by pedal cycles and pedestrians. Category: Bus and cycle signs.

If the vehicle in front shows its hazard lights there may be an incident or queuing traffic ahead. As well as keeping a safe distance, look beyond it to help you get an early warning of any hazards and a picture of the situation ahead.

A long lorry with a heavy load will need more time to pass you than a car, especially on an uphill stretch of road. Slow down and allow the lorry to pass.

Alcohol will stay in the body for several hours and may make you unfit to drive later in the day. Drinking during the day will also affect your performance at work or study.

In good, dry conditions an alert driver who’s driving a vehicle with tyres and brakes in good condition, needs to keep a distance of at least two seconds from the car in front.

These signs only apply to trams. They are directed at 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.

If you see a bus ahead watch out for pedestrians. They may not be able to see you if they’re crossing from behind the bus.

Modern vehicles provide the driver with well-positioned mirrors which are essential to safe driving. However, they cannot see every angle of the scene behind and to the sides of the vehicle. This is why it is essential that you check over your shoulder, so that you are aware of any hazards not reflected in your mirrors.

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.

On the approach to tunnels a sign will usually show a local radio channel. It should give a warning of any incidents or congestion in the tunnel ahead. Many radios can be set to automatically pick up traffic announcements and local frequencies. If you have to tune the radio manually don’t be distracted while doing so. Incidents in tunnels can lead to serious casualties. The greatest hazard is fire. Getting an advance warning of problems could save your life and others.

If the left-hand lane is free you should use it, regardless of the speed you’re travelling.

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.

When you check the tyre pressures do so when the tyres are cold. This will give you a more accurate reading. The heat generated from a long journey will raise the pressure inside the tyre.

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.

If it's possible, and you can do so without causing further danger, it may be safer to drive a vehicle which is on fire out of the tunnel. The greatest danger in a tunnel fire is smoke and suffocation.

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.

Catalytic converters are designed to reduce a large percentage of toxic emissions. They work more efficiently when the engine has reached its normal working temperature.

If another vehicle cuts in too sharply, ease off the accelerator and drop back to allow a safe separation distance. Try not to overreact by braking sharply or swerving, as you could lose control. If vehicles behind you are too close or unprepared, it could lead to a crash.

Talk to the casualty and keep them calm. Do not attempt to move them as this could cause further injury. Call an ambulance at the first opportunity.

If the driver behind is following too closely there’s a danger they will collide with back of your car if you stop suddenly. You can reduce this risk by slowing down and increasing your safety margin ahead. This reduces the chance that you will have to stop suddenly and you can spread you braking out over a greater distance. This is an example of defensive driving.

The fuel in your vehicle can be a dangerous fire hazard. Never

• use a naked flame near the vehicle if you can smell fuel
• smoke when refuelling your vehicle

If another vehicle cuts in too sharply, ease off the accelerator and ease back to allow a safe sepration distance. Try not to overreact by braking sharply or swerving, as you could lose control. If vehicles behind you are too close or unprepared, if could lead to a crash.

You should be constantly scanning the road for clues about what is going to happen next. Check your mirrors regularly, particularly as soon as you spot a hazard. What is happening behind may affect your response to hazards ahead.

Before emerging right onto a dual carriageway make sure that the central reserve is deep enough to protect your vehicle. If it’s not, you should treat it as one road and check that it’s clear in both directions before pulling out. Neglecting to do this could place part or all of your vehicle in the path of approaching traffic and cause a collision.