FAQ

Blind spots encompass any regions obscured from the driver’s view, either by the vehicle’s bodywork or by areas not visible in the mirrors. It’s important to note that a lorry driver may not have visibility of you if you’re positioned closely behind. Maintain a considerable distance to ensure visibility for the lorry driver.

Merely being hands-free doesn’t guarantee safety; it can still divert your attention. The individual you’re conversing with isn’t aware of the traffic conditions and won’t halt the conversation if you’re nearing a hazard. It’s safer to refrain from using a phone entirely while driving. Wait until you can pull over to a safe location.

These markings serve to prompt drivers to decrease their speed. They may also appear in red. They are commonly observed on the approach to:

• Sections with a reduced speed limit.
• Hazardous areas, such as roundabouts.

Larger vehicles require additional space for maneuvering, particularly when approaching junctions, especially during left turns. Maintain a safe distance and refrain from attempting to pass them on the left, as the rear of the vehicle may swing inwards.

Watch out for slipperiness. Exercise caution during refueling as there could be spilled fuel around the pump area. Contamination of shoes with fuel may result in slipping while operating foot pedals. To prevent spillage after refueling, ensure your filler cap is tightly secured.

Use your headlights solely to indicate your presence to other road users. Avoid using them to assert priority, express impatience, or greet others.

Maintain a consistent path and permit them to overtake safely. Avoid attempting to obstruct them, as this could escalate their frustration.

Reduce your speed and allow them ample time to pass. Large vehicles require more time and space to overtake compared to cars.

Brake fade occurs when the brakes lose effectiveness due to overheating, often caused by continuous usage, such as during extended downhill descents. Engaging a lower gear can assist in braking under these conditions.

Performing steering maneuvers while the vehicle is stationary can lead to unnecessary wear on the tires and steering mechanism.

A catalytic converter is a component installed in the exhaust system that functions as a filter, reducing emissions by removing some of the toxic waste.

This device provides rapid acceleration when required, such as during overtaking maneuvers. However, excessive use of kick-down can result in increased fuel consumption.

These markings denote “Red Routes,” which are designed to facilitate traffic flow by limiting stopping along these routes. They are now also implemented in various other cities.

In addition to road humps, traffic-calming measures such as road narrowing and chicanes are implemented to slow down traffic. It’s important to maintain a reduced speed throughout these areas. Many narrow residential streets are adopting a reduced speed limit of 20 mph (32 km/h). Pay attention to the signs, as these measures are implemented for safety reasons and could potentially save lives.

Engage the parking brake securely and turn the steering wheel towards the curb to prevent your vehicle from rolling downhill.

These traffic-calming measures are typically installed in built-up areas to enhance safety. Approach them with caution, reducing your speed significantly as you drive over them.

It provides enhanced road holding, offering additional grip that proves beneficial when driving on slippery or uneven surfaces.

Always ensure you have adequate time to complete the maneuver safely. Specifically, refrain from overtaking in situations where your view ahead is obstructed, such as by a bend, when approaching a junction, or if you intend to turn off the road shortly afterwards.

Maintaining a position closer to the left side of the road enhances your sightline of the road ahead, providing you with advanced notice of potential hazards.

There are times when we all make misjudgments or mistakes. Recognize that other drivers may not always adhere to the rules. Stay calm and avoid shouting or making rude gestures; it won’t improve the situation.
• If needed, wait to allow the other driver to move out of the way.
• If you’re feeling upset, consider stopping and taking a break if possible.
Strong anticipation skills can help prevent these situations from escalating into more serious incidents.

If possible, make space and allow the car behind to pass. If there’s limited room and the driver behind appears to be pressuring you, increase the distance between you and the car ahead. This will reduce the likelihood of a multi-vehicle traffic incident.

Traffic in both directions can utilize the middle lane for overtaking, which means that oncoming vehicles might also be planning to perform the same maneuver simultaneously.

Slow down your vehicle and be ready to come to a complete stop. Utilize your horn to alert the other driver of your presence (between 11:30 PM and 7 AM in built-up areas, use your headlights instead).

Avoid attempting to turn around in a one-way street. Proceed to the end of the road and then locate a safe area to perform a U-turn.

Exercise caution and maintain a safe distance behind the vehicle without attempting to overtake, as the driver may be uncertain about the location of a junction and could make a sudden turn.

If it appears that the driver in front has forgotten to cancel their right indicator, what actions should you take to ensure safety on the road?

Always thoroughly check the area behind the car, paying special attention to children who may be difficult to see. If you’re uncertain, get out and physically check. Stop and yield to any pedestrians crossing the road behind you.

Junctions pose significant risks, particularly for road users who may be less visible, such as pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. It’s crucial to exercise additional caution in these areas.

This indicates a slow-moving vehicle, typically a powered vehicle used by a disabled person. On a dual carriageway, it is mandatory for such vehicles to display a flashing amber light while in motion.

You cannot always predict if someone will cross between parked cars, but watch for signs like a ball bouncing onto the road or a bicycle wheel visible between cars. Slow down and be ready to stop.

Pedestrians might emerge from behind the bus and attempt to cross the road, or unexpectedly dart across from your left side.

Adjust your interior mirror to anti-dazzle mode, if available. If visibility remains poor, reduce your speed and come to a stop if necessary.

Stop, then advance slowly until you have a clear view.

Cyclists, motorcyclists, and high-sided vehicles are significantly more susceptible to side winds compared to cars. When following or overtaking them, anticipate sudden swerves and provide extra space.

Wheelchairs and scooters utilized by individuals with disabilities are subject to a maximum speed limit of 8 mph (12 km/h) when operating on roads.

Install extended-arm side mirrors. They enhance visibility beyond the caravan, improving safety while towing.

Reduce your speed and yield if feasible. Large vehicles face greater challenges in stopping and resuming motion when traveling uphill.

Yes, you are allowed to wait in a box junction if you want to turn right and your exit is clear, but you are prevented from turning by oncoming traffic.

Keep your sidelights on:

• If the speed limit exceeds 30 mph (48 km/h).
• When visibility is reduced due to fog.
  Always park on the left-hand side of the road.

Some vehicles are not permitted on motorways, including bicycles, motorcycles under 50 cc, powered wheelchairs or mobility scooters, agricultural vehicles, and some slow-moving vehicles.

Maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead and adhere to the reduced speed limit. Exercise caution, as the lanes may be narrower and there might not be a permanent barrier separating your lane from oncoming traffic. Stay in your lane and avoid unnecessary lane changes.

Motorcyclists holding provisional entitlement are not permitted to ride on the motorway. Learner drivers are allowed to have driving lessons on motorways, but only under the supervision of an approved driving instructor (ADI) and in a vehicle equipped with dual controls, prominently displaying L plates.

Yield to oncoming traffic if there isn’t enough space for both vehicles to proceed safely.

Change lanes well in advance; do not wait until the last moment to do so.

Wait until the road is clear in both directions before proceeding, or you may obstruct traffic approaching from your right.

Wait until the turn signal of the vehicle ahead is canceled before attempting to overtake. The other driver may have misjudged the distance to a road junction, or there could be a hidden hazard ahead.

If you encounter a passing place on your left, pull over into it. Alternatively, if the nearest passing place is on your right, wait opposite it until it’s safe to proceed.

Brake lights indicate to traffic behind you that you are decelerating or coming to a stop.

Lower your headlights promptly after the vehicle overtakes you to avoid potentially dazzling the other driver.

Absolutely. You are required to come to a stop:

• When involved in an incident
• At a red traffic light
• At ‘stop’ signs and lines
• When directed to stop by a police officer, traffic officer, or school crossing patrol.

It is advised to utilize dipped headlights to ensure your visibility to other road users.

Certainly, this situation typically occurs when you’re attempting to make a right turn, but you’re obstructed by oncoming traffic or other vehicles waiting to turn right, despite your exit being clear.

Different methods of traffic control include:

• Police officers
• Traffic signals
• Stop-go boards

Signs with a brown background typically provide tourist information, guiding travelers to nearby attractions, points of interest, or tourist facilities.

These markers are typically installed on slow-moving or stationary maintenance vehicles that are obstructing traffic lanes. They indicate which side of the vehicle you should pass, providing guidance to drivers on how to safely navigate around the obstruction.

If you are driving on a motorway or an unrestricted dual carriageway, you are allowed to use your hazard warning lights to alert drivers behind you of an obstruction ahead.

You are permitted to cross a solid white line in the following circumstances:

• When turning into a side road on the right.
• When entering a property.
• When passing a stationary vehicle.
• When overtaking a pedal cycle, horse, or road maintenance vehicle, provided they are traveling at a speed of 10 mph (16 km/h) or less.

This scheme is aimed at enhancing your fundamental driving abilities following the completion of your practical driving test. For further information, consult your Approved Driving Instructor (ADI), contact DVSA at 0115 936 6504, or visit www.gov.uk/pass-plus. (Please note that Pass Plus is not offered in Northern Ireland.)

The individual accompanying you MUST be at least 21 years old and have held a full driving licence for a minimum of 3 years.

If you accumulate 6 or more penalty points within 2 years of passing your practical driving test, you will face license suspension. This entails the need to reapply for a provisional license and retake both your theory and practical driving tests. Any points accrued on your provisional license will be transferred to your new license upon passing the driving test.

You have the option to produce them at a police station within a period of 7 days.

When encountering a hazard or if anything falls from your vehicle, stop at the nearest emergency telephone and promptly notify the police. It’s essential to follow the same procedure if any object falls from your own vehicle—never attempt to retrieve it yourself.

As soon as possible and safely, pull over and evacuate yourself and any passengers from the vehicle. Then, promptly contact the fire service. Avoid opening the bonnet, as this action could exacerbate the fire.

Having a first aid kit, a warning triangle, and a fire extinguisher in your vehicle can be highly beneficial. These items could prove invaluable in preventing or reducing injuries during emergencies. Therefore, investing in them is worthwhile.

Halt and inspect the situation promptly once it’s safe to do so. Never disregard the smell of petrol. While carrying a fire extinguisher could prove beneficial in addressing a minor fire, exercise caution and avoid taking unnecessary risks.

You should increase the pressure in your tires when carrying a heavy load or driving at high speeds for an extended period, such as on a motorway.

You can generally find the recommended maximum nose weight for your vehicle’s tow bar in the vehicle handbook.