Timed Theory Test #5

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.

The driver may be unsure of the location of a junction and turn suddenly. Be cautious and don’t attempt to overtake.

Pull into the nearest passing place on the left if you meet another vehicle in a narrow road. If the nearest passing place is on the right, wait opposite it.

A green arrow indicates that the lane is available to traffic facing the signal. A white diagonal arrow means that the lane is closed ahead and traffic should move to the next lane on the left. A red cross means that the lane is closed to traffic facing the signal.

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.

If you follow another vehicle with your headlights on full beam they could dazzle the driver. Leave a safe distance and ensure that the light from your dipped beam falls short of the vehicle in front.

Used correctly, these items can provide invaluable help in the event of a collision or breakdown. They could even save a life.

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.

Towing a caravan or trailer affects the way the tow vehicle handles. It is highly recommended that you take a caravan manoeuvring course. These are provided by various organisations for anyone wishing to tow a trailer.

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.

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.

Drive extremely carefully when the roads are icy. When travelling on ice, tyres make virtually no noise and the steering feels light and unresponsive. In icy conditions be very gentle when braking, accelerating and steering.

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.

The fuel in your vehicle can be a dangerous fire hazard. If you smell fuel check out where it's coming from. Never
• use a naked flame near the vehicle if you can smell fuel
• smoke when refuelling your vehicle.

There are times where road markings can be obscured by queuing traffic, or you might be unsure which lane you need to be in. If you realise that you’re in the wrong lane, don’t cut across lanes or bully other drivers to let you in. Follow the lane you’re in and find somewhere safe to turn around if you need to.

The colours of the reflective studs on the motorway and their locations are
• red – between the hard shoulder and the carriageway
• white – lane markings
• amber – between the edge of the carriageway and the central reservation
• green – along slip road exits and entrances
• bright green/yellow – roadworks and contraflow systems.

Look out on the approach especially for children and older pedestrians. They may walk across without looking. Zebra crossings have flashing amber beacons on both sides of the road, black and white stripes on the crossing and white zigzag markings on both sides of the crossing. Where you can see pedestrians waiting to cross, slow down and prepare to stop.

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).

Police officers may need to direct traffic, for example, at a junction where the traffic lights have broken down. Check your copy of The Highway Code for the signals that they use.

If a school crossing patrol steps out into the road with a stop sign you must stop. Don’t wave anyone across the road and don’t get impatient or rev your engine.

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.

Plate used with level crossing warning signs: advance warning of light signals at a level crossing with or without a gate or barrier.

The right-hand lane of the motorway is for overtaking. Sometimes you may be directed into a right-hand lane as a result of roadworks or a traffic incident. This will be indicated by signs or officers directing the traffic.

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.

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.

At certain times of the day, traffic might be heavy. If traffic is moving slowly in queues and vehicles in the right-hand lane are moving more slowly, you may overtake on the left.

Traffic on motorways usually travels faster than on other roads. You need to be looking further ahead to give yourself more time to react to any hazard that may develop.

As you look through the rear of your vehicle you may not be able to see a small child. Be aware of this before you reverse. If there are children about, get out and check if it is clear before reversing.

It is important to make sure that emergency services arrive on the scene as soon as possible. When a person is unconscious, they could have serious injuries that are not immediately obvious.

As the registered keeper of a vehicle it is up to you to inform DVLA (DVA in Northern Ireland) of any changes in your vehicle or personal details, for example, change of name or address. You do this by completing the relevant section of the Registration Certificate and sending it to them.

Check your nearside for cyclists before moving away. This is especially important if you have been in a stationary queue of traffic and are about to move off, as cyclists often try to filter past on the nearside of stationary vehicles.

Staying back will increase your view of the road ahead. This will help you to see any hazards that might occur and allow you more time to react.

Due to the position of the road it is likely that may be a risk of ice or packed snow so skidding may be an issue.

Windscreen pillars can completely block your view of pedestrians, motorcyclists and pedal cyclists. You should particularly watch out for these road users; don’t just rely on a quick glance. Where possible make eye contact with them so you can be sure they have seen you too.

Try not to brake or steer heavily as this will only make matters worse and you could lose control altogether. Keep calm and regain control by easing off the accelerator.

Trams can run on roads used by other vehicles and pedestrians. The part of the road used by the tram is known as the reserved area and this should be kept clear. It has a coloured surface and is usually edged with white road markings. It might also have a different surface texture.

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.

Look out for signs above your lane or on the central reservation. These will give you importantn information or warnings about the road ahead. To allow for the high speed of motorway traffic, these signs may light up some distance from any hazard. Don't ignore the signs just because the road looks clear to you.

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.

It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving, except in a genuine emergency. Even using hands-free kit can distract your attention. Park in a safe and convenient place before receiving or making a call or using text messaging. Then you will also be free to take notes or refer to papers.

If you see a triangular sign with a row of cars on it, it's warning you that you're approaching a congested area, so be prepared to stop. The queues ahead might be hidden, so make sure you're aware of vehicles behind you that could be following too closely.

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.

Rear fog lights make it easier to spot a vehicle ahead in foggy conditions. Avoid the temptation to use other vehicles’ lights as a guide, as they may give you a false sense of security.