Timed Theory Test #5

Coasting, is the term used when the clutch is held down, or the gear lever is in neutral, and the vehicle is allowed to freewheel. This reduces the driver’s control of the vehicle. When you coast, the engine can’t drive the wheels to pull you through a corner. Coasting also removes the assistance of engine braking that helps to slow the car.

Active Traffic Management schemes are intended to reduce congestion and make journey times more reliable. In these areas the hard shoulder may be used as a running lane to ease congestion at peak times or in the event of an incident. It may appear that you could travel faster for a short distance, but keeping traffic flow at a constant speed may improve your journey time.

At some junctions the layout may make it difficult to turn offside to offside. If this is the case, be prepared to pass nearside to nearside, but take extra care as your view ahead will be obscured by the vehicle turning in front of you.

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.

On a three-lane motorway you should travel in the left-hand lane unless you’re overtaking. This applies regardless of the speed at which you’re travelling.

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.

The cost of insurance varies with your age and how long you have been driving. Usually, the younger you are the more expensive it is, especially if you are under 25 years of age. The Pass Plus scheme provides additional training to newly qualified drivers. Pass Plus is recognised by many insurance companies and taking this extra training could give you reduced insurance premiums, as well as improving your skills and experience.

Further collisions and fire are the main dangers immediately after a crash. If possible get others to assist you and make the area safe. Help those involved and remember DR ABC, (Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Compressions). This will help when dealing with any injuries.

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.

Any load will have an effect on the handlingn of your vehicle and this becomes worse as you increase the load. Any change in the centre of gravity or weight the vehicle is carrying will affect its braking and handling on bends.

Stop signs have a distinctive octagon shape, while an upside down triangle with a red outline is used for give way signs.

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.

The 'dual carriageway ends' sign appears in a red triangle. It shows two carriageways coming together to indicate two-way traffic will continue ahead on a single carriageway road. You'll soon notice the central reservation coming to an end and lanes beginning to merge.

An adult casualty is not breathing normally. To maintain circulation place two hands on the centre of the chest. Then press down 4 to 5 centimetres at a rate of 100 times per minute.

Brown panels show the route to tourist attractions. The name of the junction may be shown at the top of the sign.

Motorcyclists are affected more by windy weather than other vehicles. In windy conditions, high-sided vehicles cause air turbulence. You should keep well back as the motorcyclist could be blown off course.

Sometimes you may not be able to see that the road is icy. Black ice makes a road look damp. The signs that you’re travelling on black ice can be that the steering feels light or that the noise from your tyres suddenly goes quiet.

If you want to turn left and there’s a cyclist in front of you, hold back. Wait until the cyclist has passed the junction and then turn left behind them.

A vehicle with a trailer is restricted to 60 mph. For this reason it isn’t allowed in the right-hand lane as it might hold up the faster-moving traffic that wishes to overtake in that lane.

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.

‘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.

Sometimes an insurance company will issue a temporary insurance certificate called a cover note. It gives you the same insurance cover as your certificate, but lasts for a limited period, usually one month.

Slow-moving, large vehicles might slow down the progress of other traffic. On a steep gradient this extra lane is provided for these slow-moving vehicles to allow the faster-moving traffic to flow more easily.

As you approach the vehicle, assess the situation. Due to its slow progress you will need to judge whether it is safe to overtake.

Bright rear fog lights might be mistaken for brake lights and could be misleading for the traffic behind.

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.

If your vehicle is stationary and is likely to remain so for some time, switch off the engine. We should all try to reduce global warming and pollution.

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

You'll generally see this sign at the approach to a pedestrian-only zone.

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.

If a young child has stopped breathing, first check that their airway is open and then begin CPR. With a young child, you may only need to use one hand and you shouldn’t press down as far as you would with an adult. Continue the procedure until the child is breathing again or until a medical professional takes over.

Your vehicle must not be overloaded. Carrying heavy loads will affect control and handling characteristics. If your vehicle is overloaded and it causes a crash, you’ll be held responsible.

The draught caused by other vehicles could be strong enough to push you out of your lane. Keep both hands on the steering wheel to maintain full control.

Always check the road into which you are turning. Approaching at the correct speed will allow you enough time to observe and react. Give way to any pedestrians already crossing the road.

Using your hazard lights, as well as brake lights, will give following traffic an extra warning of the problem ahead. Only use them for long enough to ensure that your warning has been seen.

If a casualty is bleeding heavily, raise the limb to a higher position. This will help to reduce the blood flow. Before raising the limb you should make sure that it is not broken.

Your headlights and tail lights help others on the road see you. It may be necessary to turn on your lights during the day if visibilty is reduced, for example in heavy rain. In these conditions the light may fade before the street lights are turned on. Be seen to be safe.

Areas of 'hatched markings' such as these are to separate traffic streams which could be a danger to each other. They are often seen on bends or where the road becomes narrow. If the area is bordered by a solid white line, you must not enter it except in an emergency.

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

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.

Looking well ahead and 'reading' the road will help you to anticipate hazards. This will enable you to stop safely at traffic lights or if ordered to do so by an authorised person.