Theory Test #7

You must ensure that you can be seen by others on the road, but you don't want to dazzle them. Use your dipped headlights during the day if the visibility is bad. If appropriate, use your rear fog lights but don’t forget to turn them off when the visibility improves.

With people's concern today for the environment, cycle routes are being created in our towns and cities. These are usually defined by road markings and signs.

Fitting a stabiliser to your tow bar will help to reduce snaking by the caravan especially where there are crosswinds. However, this does not take away your responsibility to ensure that your vehicle/caravan combination is loaded correctly.

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.

When approaching a contraflow system reduce speed in good time and obey all speed limits. You may be travelling in a narrower lane than normal with no permanent barrier between you and the oncoming traffic. Be aware that the hard shoulder may be used for traffic and the road ahead could be obstructed by slow- moving or broken down vehicles.

You MUST stop if there are red lights flashing above every lane on the motorway. However, if any of the other lanes do not show flashing red lights or red cross you may move into that lane and continue if it is safe to do so.

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.

Sometimes you may not realise that someone is in shock. The signs to look for are rapid pulse, sweating, pale grey skin and rapid shallow breathing.

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

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.

‘Tailgating’ is used to describe this dangerous practice, often seen in fast-moving traffic and on motorways. Following the vehicle in front too closely is dangerous because it: restricts your view of the road ahead, and leaves you no safety margin if the vehicle in front slows down or stops suddenly.

If a casualty isn't breathing normally, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may be needed to maintain circulation. Place two hands on the centre of the chest and press down hard and fast – around 5–6 centimetres and about twice a second.

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.

White studs are found between the lanes on motorways. The light from your headlights is reflected back and this is especially useful in bad weather, when visibility is restricted.

It’s important to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front at all times. This still applies in congested tunnels even if you are moving very slowly or have stopped. If the vehicle in front breaks down you may need room to manoeuvre past it.

Towing a large trailer or caravan can greatly reduce your view of the road behind. You need to use the correct equipment to make sure you can see clearly behind and down both sides of the caravan or trailer.

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.

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.

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.

If you are driving at night or in poor visibility, tinted lenses will reduce the efficiency of your vision, by reducing the amount of available light reaching your eyes.

Concentration and good judgement are needed at all times to be a good, safe driver. Don’t put yourself or others at risk by drinking and driving.

There are a number of things you can do to help, even without expert training. Be aware of further danger from other traffic and fire; make sure the area is safe. People may be in shock. Don’t give them anything to eat or drink. Keep them warm and comfortable and reassure them. Don’t move injured people unless there is a risk of further danger.

Collisions can often happen at roadworks. Be aware of the speed limits, slow down in good time and keep your distance from the vehicle in front.

Although cars are the least likely to be affected, crosswinds can take anyone by surprise. This is most likely to happen, after overtaking a large vehicle, when passing gaps between hedges or buildings, and on exposed sections of road.

It’s your responsibility to ensure that all children in your car are secure. Suitable restraints include a child seat, baby seat, booster seat or booster cushion. It’s essential that any restraint used should be suitable for the child’s size and weight, and fitted to the manufacturers instructions.

Where signs or road markings show lanes are for cyclists only, leave them free. Don’t drive or park in a cycle lane unless it is unavoidable.

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 people are waiting to use a pedestrian crossing, slow down and be prepared to stop. Don’t wave them across the road since another driver may, not have seen them, not have seen your signal and may not be able to stop safely.

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.

If your tyre pressures are low this will increase the drag on the road surface and make the steering feel heavy. Your vehicle will also use more fuel. Incorrectly inflated tyres can affect the braking, cornering and handling of your vehicle to a dangerous level.

A heavy load on your roof rack will reduce the stability of the vehicle because it moves the centre of gravity away from that designed by the manufacturer. Be aware of this when you negotiate bends and corners. If you change direction at speed, your vehicle and/or load could become unstable and you could lose control.

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.

This is a method used by insurance companies to keep annual premiums down. Generally, the higher the excess you choose to pay, the lower the annual premium you will be charged.

'No vehicles over height shown' sign. These indicate that vehicles over a certain width should avoid a narrow route. They indicate that it is an offence for over-height vehicles to pass.

Don’t enforce the speed limit by blocking another vehicle’s progress. This will only lead to the other driver becoming more frustrated. Allow the other vehicle to pass when you can do so safely.

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

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.

It’s illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving, except in genuine emergencies. Even using hands-free kit is very likely to take your mind off your driving. If the use of a mobile causes you to drive in a careless or dangerous manner, you could be prosecuted for those offences. The penalties include an unlimited fine, disqualification and up to two years’ imprisonment.

There are some occasions when you may have to stop on the carriageway of a motorway. Those include when being signalled by the police or a Highways Agency Traffic Officer, when flashing red lights show above every lane and in traffic jams.

Lorries are larger and longer than other vehicles and this can affect their position when approaching junctions. When turning left they may move out to the right so that they don’t cut in and mount the kerb with the rear wheels.