Theory Test #10

Bus-lane signs show the vehicles allowed to use the lane and its times of operation. Where no times are shown, the bus lane is in operation 24 hours a day.

If possible, avoid the early morning and, late afternoon and early evening ‘rush hour’. Doing this should allow you to travel in a more relaxed frame of mind, concentrate solely on what you’re doing and arrive at your destination feeling less stressed.

A toucan crossing is designed to allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross at the same time. Look out for cyclists approaching the crossing at speed.

Emergency vehicles often travel at high speed. You should help their progress by pulling over and allowing them to pass. Do so safely and legally. Don’t stop suddenly or in a dangerous position.

Using a mobile phone distracts your attention away from driving. Distractions caused by mobile phones are known to be potentially dangerous. Avoid being distracted by your phone by turning it off before you start driving.

Depending on relevant speed, it will usually take you longer to pass a lorry than other vehicles. Some hazards to watch for include oncoming traffic, junctions ahead, bends or dips which could restrict your view, and signs or road markings that prohibit overtaking. Make sure you can see that it’s safe to complete the manoeuvre before you start to overtake.

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

You should always give cyclists plenty of room when overtaking. When it’s windy, a sudden gust could blow them off course.

In this instance, you should particularly careful as there are clearly children involved who may be distracted and run into the road.

Try to keep calm and don't rush. Ensure you have all the details before you leave the scene. If possible take pictures and note the positions of all the vehicles involved.

If you wish to turn right into a side road take up your position in good time. Move to the centre of the road when it’s safe to do so. This will allow vehicles to pass you on the left. Early planning will show other traffic what you intend to do.

Always check road and traffic conditions in all directions before reversing into a side road. Keep a good look-out throughout the manoeuvre. Act on what you see and wait if necessary.

A doctor attending an emergency may show a green flashing beacon on their vehicle. Give way to them when you can do so safely as they will need to reach their destination quickly. Be aware that they might pull over suddenly.

Keep a steady course to give the driver behind an opportunity to overtake safely. If necessary, slow down. Reacting incorrectly to another driver’s impatience can lead to danger.

As you drive, look well ahead and all around so that you’re ready for any hazards that might occur. There may be occasions when you have to stop in an emergency. React as soon as you can whilst keeping control of the vehicle.

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.

When parking at night, park in the direction of the traffic. This will enable other road users to see the reflectors on the rear of your vehicle. Use your parking lights if the speed limit is over 30 mph.

Other traffic will have to pull out to pass you. They may have to use the other side of the road, and if you park near the brow of a hill, they may not be able to see oncoming traffic. It's important not to park at or near a bus stop as this could inconvenience passengers, and may put them at risk as they get on or off the bus. Parking near a junction could restrict the view for emerging vehicles.

The continuous white line shows the edge of the carriageway. It can be especially useful when visibility is restricted, for example at night or in bad weather. It is discontinued where it crosses junctions, lay-bys etc.

The slippery road sign warns drivers of potential hazards. It indicates that the road surface may be slippery. This can occur due to rain, ice, or oil spills. The sign features a car with skid marks.

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.

If your vehicle is required to have an MOT certificate you will need to make sure this is current before you are able to renew your vehicle excise licence (road tax). You can renew online, by phone or at certain post offices.

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.

If you want to keep a vehicle off the public road you must declare SORN. It is an offence not to do so. You then won’t have to pay road tax. If you don’t renew the SORN declaration or re-license the vehicle, you will incur a penalty.

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.

Be extra-cautious, especially when your view is restricted by hedges, bushes, walls and large vehicles etc. In the summer months these junctions can become more difficult to deal with when growing foliage may obscure your view.

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.

Make sure you carry out the manoeuvre without causing a hazard to other vehicles. Choose a place to turn which is safe and convenient for you and for other road users.

Don’t use the hard shoulder for stopping unless it is an emergency. If you want to stop for any other reason go to the next exit or service station.

Horse riders often keep to the outside of a roundabout even if they are turning right. Give them plenty of room and remember that they may have to cross lanes of traffic.

Red studs are placed between the edge of the carriageway and the hard shoulder. Where slip roads leave or join the motorway the studs are green.

Don’t be tempted to drive if you’ve lost or forgotten your glasses. You must be able to see clearly when driving.

Don’t forget that you’re towing a trailer. If you’re towing a small, light, trailer, it won’t reduce your vehicle’s performance by very much. However, strong winds or buffeting from large vehicles might cause the trailer to snake from side to side. Be aware of your speed and don’t exceed the lower limit imposed.

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.

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.

This broken white line is a reminder to give way to traffic from the right at roundabouts. You can expect to find these at larger roundabouts.

Whenever possible park in an area which will be well lit at night.

Wet roads will reduce your tyres’ grip on the road. The safe separation gap of at least two seconds in dry conditions should be doubled in wet weather.

Use the full beam headlights only when you can be sure that you won’t dazzle other road users.