Timed Theory Test #3

Vehicle navigation systems can be useful when driving on unfamiliar routes. However they can also distract you and cause you to lose control if you look at or adjust them while driving. Pull up in a convenient and safe place before adjusting them.

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.

Where street repairs have closed off pavements, proceed carefully and slowly as pedestrians might have to walk in the road.

Some bus lanes only operate during peak hours and other vehicles may use them outside these hours. Make sure you check the sign for the hours of operation before driving in a bus lane.

When you’re on country roads be aware of particular dangers. Be prepared for farm animals, horses, pedestrians, farm vehicles and wild animals. Always be prepared to slow down or stop.

Some bus lanes operate only during peak hours and other vehicles may use them outside these hours. Make sure you check the sign for the hours of operation before driving in a bus lane.

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.

Only overtake on the left if traffic is moving slowly in queues and the traffic on your right is moving more slowly than the traffic in your lane.

Braking on snow can be extremely dangerous. Be gentle with both the accelerator and brake to prevent wheel- spin.

No one likes to spend time in traffic queues. Try to avoid busy times related to school or work travel. As well as moving vehicles you should also consider congestion caused by parked cars, buses and coaches around schools.

In some areas motorway telephones are now linked to a Highways Agency control centre, instead of the police. Highways Agency Traffic Officers work in partnership with the police and assist at motorway emergencies and incidents. They are recognised by a high-visibility orange and yellow jacket and high-visibility vehicle with yellow and black chequered markings.

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.

When going downhill, prolonged use of the brakes can cause them to overheat and lose their effectiveness. Changing to a lower gear will assist your braking.

There might be pedestrians crossing from in front of the bus. Look out for them if you intend to pass. Consider how many people are waiting to get on the bus - check the queue if you can. The bus might move off straight away if no one is waiting to get on. If a bus is signalling to pull out, give it priority if it’s safe to do so.

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.

Always use your headlights at night on a motorway unless you have stopped on the hard shoulder. If you break down and have to stop on the hard shoulder, switch off the headlights but leave the sidelights on so that other road users can see your vehicle.

Advance warning triangles fold flat and don't take up much room. Use it to warn other road users if your vehicle has broken down or there's been an incident. Don't use them on motorways.

The 'stop' sign is the only road sign that's octagonal. This is so that it can be recognised and obeyed even if it's obscured (for example, by snow).

The crossroads sign indicates an intersection ahead. You should prepare to give way to other vehicles. The sign warns of potential traffic from different directions. It helps you anticipate the need to stop or slow down.

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.

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.

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.

Newly qualified, and particularly young drivers, are more vulnerable in the first year after passing the test. Inexperience plays a part in this but it’s essential to have the correct attitude. Be responsible and always show courtesy and consideration to other road users.

Traffic officers don't have enforcement powers but are able to stop and direct people on motorways and some 'A' class roads. They operate in England and Wales and work in partnership with the police at incidents, providing a highly trained and visible service. They're recognised by an orange-and-yellow jacket and their vehicle has yellow-and-black markings.

The humps are there for a reason – to reduce the speed of the traffic. Don’t accelerate harshly between them as this means you will only have to brake harshly to negotiate the next hump. Harsh braking and accelerating uses more fuel.

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.

You may have to pull forward slowly until you can see up and down the road. Be aware that the traffic approaching the junction can’t see you either. If you don’t know that it’s clear, don’t go.

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.

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.

The vehicle excise licence (road tax) can be renewed at post offices, vehicle registration offices, online or by phone. When applying make sure you have all the relevant valid documents, including a valid MOT test certificate where applicable.

A red cross above the hard shoulder shows that it's closed as a running lane and should only be used for emergencies or breakdowns. On a smart motorway, the hard shoulder may be used as a running lane at busy times.

Active Traffic Management schemes are being introduced on motorways. Within these areas at certain times the hard shoulder will be used as a running lane. A red cross above the hard shoulder shows that this lane should NOT be used, except for emergencies and breakdowns.

Harsh use of the accelerator, brakes or steering are likely to lead to skidding, especially on slippery surfaces. Avoid steering and braking at the same time. In icy conditions it’s very important that you constantly assess what’s ahead, so that you can take appropriate action in plenty of time.

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.

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

If you’re planning to make a journey when it’s foggy, listen to the weather reports on the radio or television. Don’t travel if visibility is very poor or your trip isn’t necessary. If you do travel, leave plenty of time for your journey. If someone is expecting you at the other end, let them know that you’ll be taking longer than normal to arrive.

If you can’t get your vehicle onto the hard shoulder, use your hazard warning lights to warn others. Leave your vehicle only when you can safely get clear of the carriageway. Do not try to repair the vehicle or attempt to place any warning device on the carriageway.

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.

On a motorway it is best to use a roadside emergency telephone so that the emergency services are able to locate you easily. The nearest telephone is shown by an arrow on marker posts at the edge of the hard shoulder. If you use a mobile, they will need to know your exact location.
Before you call, find out the number on the nearest marker post. This number will identify your exact location.

When you see emergency vehicles with blue flashing beacons, move out of the way as soon as it is safe to do so.

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.