Learner_Drivers

ABS Braking – An anti-lock braking system (or ABS for short) is a safety system which prevents the wheels on a motor vehicle from locking while braking. Advanced stop lines – some signal-controlled junctions have advanced stop lines to allow cycles to be positioned ahead of other traffic. Motorists and motorcyclists MUST stop at the first white line when instructed (e.g., by red traffic light). Alcohol – It is against the law to drink and drive as it seriously affects your judgement and abilities. You MUST NOT drive with a breath alcohol level higher than 35 microgrammes/100 millilitres of breath of a blood alcohol level of more than 80 milligrammes/100 millilitres of blood. Aquaplaning – This occurs when a layer of water builds between the rubber tyres of the vehicle and the road surface, leading to the loss of traction which prevents the vehicle from responding to control inputs such as steering, braking or accelerating. Audio equipment – It is important NOT to try to tune the radio or change CD whilst driving as this will affect your concentration. DO NOT listen to loud music or use headphones of any kind, as these can mask other sounds Battery Check – Periodic checks on your battery are essential for safety. Top up with distilled water if necessary, although some batteries are maintenance free and don’t need topping up. Battery charge warning light - This light should illuminate on the dashboard when the ignition is switched on and should extinguish as soon as the engine starts. If it does not illuminate at all, or if it illuminates while driving, your battery is not being charged as there is a fault with your charging system. This may be due to a slack battery or starter terminals, a broken or loose alternator drive belt or an alternator failure. If the drive belt is broken, it must be replaced before you restart the engine. The coolant system may rely on this belt and its failure could cause the engine to overheat, in turn causing engine damage. Immediately move the vehicle to a safe location and switch off the engine. Do not restart the engine and seek assistance Biting point – In its simplest form, the clutch creates the link between the engine and the wheels. When your left foot slowly brings the clutch pedal up the two clutch plates meet, and this is what is referred to as the ‘biting point’. Blue Badge Scheme – This provides a range of parking concessions for people with severe mobility problems who have difficulty using public transport. The scheme operates throughout the UK. Box Junctions – These have criss-cross lines painted on the road. You MUST NOT enter the box until your exit road or lane is clear. However, you may enter the box and wait when you want to turn right, and are only stopped from doing so by oncoming traffic, or by other vehicles waiting to turn right Brake system warning light - This light will remain illuminated on the dashboard when the handbrake is engaged. Illumination after releasing the handbrake may indicate low brake fluid level. Refer to the handbook and add the correct brake fluid at once to bring the level up to the MAX mark. If the light remains illuminated, even though the brake fluid level is correct, this may indicate a sensor fault. Take your vehicle to a garage as soon as possible Braking distance - A distance a vehicle will travel from the point where its brakes are fully applied to when it comes to a complete stop. It is affected by the original speed of the vehicle, the type of brake system in use, the type of road surface and poor weather conditions Breakdowns – If your vehicle breaks down get your vehicle off the road if possible and warn other traffic by using your hazard warning lights if it’s causing an obstruction. Put a warning triangle on the road at least 45 metres (147 feet) behind your broken-down vehicle on the same side of the road. If it’s dark or visibility is poor turn on your sidelights and do not stand between your vehicle and oncoming traffic. If possible, wear reflective or fluorescent clothing. Breaks in journeys – Always give yourself ample of time for your journey. You must stop for a rest break after every 2.5 – 3.5 hours of continuous driving. This rest break will allow sufficient time for you to have some refreshments and stretch your legs. However, a rest break should also be taken if you begin to feel tired or fatigued Broken white line – This marks the centre of the road. When this line lengthens and the gap shortens, it means that there is a hazard ahead. Do not cross it unless you can see the road is clear and wish to overtake or turn off Caravans/Trailers – you MUST NOT tow more than your licence permits. If you passed a car test after 1 Jan 1997 you are restricted to the weight of the trailer you can tow. DO NOT overload your vehicle/trailer and ensure that you have secured your load which MUST NOT stick out dangerously. Ensure that you have properly distributed the weight in your caravan or trailer with heavy items mainly over the axle(s) and ensure a downward load on the tow ball. Manufacturers recommend weight and tow ball load should not be exceeded. This should avoid the possibility of swerving or snaking and going out of control (if this does happen, ease off the accelerator and reduce your speed gradually until you gain full control). You may need to adjust your headlights if you’re pulling a trailer or caravan. Catalytic converters - A device used to reduce the toxicity of emissions from an internal combustion engine. Chicanes - An obstacle placed on a road that is designed to slow down vehicles. When approaching a chicane you should reduce your speed and allow cyclists and motorcyclist’s room to pass. Maintain a reduced speed along the road and give way to oncoming road users if directed to do so by signs. Child seats - If a child is under 1.35 metres (approx 4 feet 5 inches) tall, a baby seat, child seat, booster seat or booster cushion MUST be used suitable for the child’s weight and fitted to the manufacturer’s instructions. Chippings –When a road has been resurfaced, always ensure that you observe the special warning speed limit signs and keep well back from other vehicles. Flying stone chips can cause damage to vehicles and serious injury to pedestrians and other road users Clearways – Some main roads are designated as No Stopping zones or Clearways. This means that you are NOT allowed to stop at any time, not even to pick up or drop off passengers or goods. Crawler lanes – These lanes are typically used on hills for large or slow moving vehicles. When traveling uphill, these types of vehicles join the crawler lane, allowing faster moving vehicles to overtake safely in the outside lane. Coasting – Either when the clutch pedal is held down or the gear lever is in the neutral position. It is important that you avoid coasting as it reduces the driver’s control of the vehicle. Contraflow systems – Is when you may be travelling in a narrower lane than normal with no permanent barrier between you and oncoming traffic. The hard shoulder may be used for traffic, but be aware that there may be broken-down vehicles ahead of you. Always keep a good distance from the vehicle ahead and observe any temporary speed limits Coolant - A fluid which flows through the engine in order to prevent it from overheating. Cornering on ice and snow – Approach a corner at a steady speed using as high a gear as you reasonably can. Be very gentle with the accelerator, don’t use the clutch unless you absolutely have to and DO NOT make any sudden steering movements Country roads – Take extra care on country roads and reduce your speed when approaching bends, which can be sharper than they appear, and at junctions and turnings, which may be partially hidden. Be prepared for pedestrians, horse risers, cyclists, slow-moving farm vehicles or mud on the road. Crossroads - The point at which two or more roads cross each other. Extra care should be taken when approaching a crossroads, so reduce your speed in plenty of time. Crosswinds – High sided vehicles are most affected by windy weather, but strong gusts can also blow a car, cyclists, motorcyclist or horse rider off course. This can happen on open stretches of road exposed to strong crosswinds, or when passing bridges or gaps in hedges. Cycle lanes/cycle tracks – If a cycle lane is marked by a solid white line, you must NOT drive or park during the times of operation shown on the signs. If the cycle lane is marked by a broken white line, you can not drive or park in it unless it is unavoidable. Cycle only crossing – Cycle tracks on opposite sides of the road may be linked by signalled crossings. You may ride across but you MUST NOT cross until the green cycle symbol is showing. Diagonal stripes / chevrons – These are to separate traffic lanes or to protect traffic turning right. If the area is bordered by a broken white line, you should not enter the area unless it is necessary and you can see that it is safe to do so. If the area is marked with chevrons and bordered by solid white lines you MUST NOT enter it except in an emergency. Distractions – Avoid distractions when driving or riding such as load music, trying to read maps, inserting a CD or tuning a radio, arguing with a passenger, eating and drinking or smoking. You MUST NOT use a hand-held mobile phone or similar device when driving or when supervising a learner driver. Double white lines – If the line nearest you is BROKEN then you may cross the lines to overtake if it is safe, providing you can complete the manoeuvre before you reach a solid white line. If the line nearest you is SOLID, you MUST NOT cross or straddle it unless it is safe and you need to enter adjoining premises or a side road. You can overtake a pedal cycle, horse or road maintenance vehicle, if they are travelling at 10 mph (16kph) or less. Drinking and driving – you MUST NEVER drink and drive as it seriously affects your judgement and abilities. You MUST NOT drive with a breath alcohol level higher than 35 microgrammes/100 millilitres of breath of a blood alcohol level of more than 80 milligrammes/100 millilitres of blood. Alcohol will give you a false sense of confidence, reduce your co-ordination and slow down reactions, affect your judgement of speed, distance and risk and reduce your driving ability, even if you’re below the legal limit. Emergency vehicles – An emergency vehicle is any vehicle that is designated and authorised to respond to an emergency such as the police, fire and ambulance. Other vehicles include coastguard, bomb disposal, mountain rescue and blood transfusion services. Doctors on call will use a green flashing light. Equestrian crossings – These are designed for horse riders. They have pavement barriers, wider crossing spaces, horse and rider figures in the light panels and either two sets of controls (on higher), or just one higher control panel. Exhaust emissions limits – As part of the MOT test your exhaust emissions will also be tested to ensure that they are correctly tuned and adjusted. There are prescribed limits for petrol-engine vehicles registered after 1975 and the MOT test will check that these limits are not exceeded. Eyesight requirements - You MUST be able to read a vehicle number plate, in good daylight, from a distance of 20 metres (or 20.5 metres where the old style number plate is used). If you need to wear glasses (or contact lenses) to do this, you MUST wear them at all times while driving. The police have the power to require a driver to undertake an eyesight test. Fire – If you vehicle catches fire get everyone out as quickly as possible and to a safe place. Do not attempt to distinguish a fire in the engine compartment, as opening the bonnet will make the fire flare. Call the fire brigade. Flashing amber beacons – Powered vehicles used by disabled people MUST have a flashing amber beacon on a dual carriageway where the speed limit exceeds 50 mph (80 km/h). Slow moving vehicles such as a salt spreader, snow plough, recovery vehicle or abnormal loads will also have a flashing amber beacon so you must approach with caution. Flashing headlights - Only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there. Do not flash your headlights to convey any other message or intimidate other road users. Never assume that flashing headlights is a signal inviting you to proceed. Use your own judgement and proceed with caution. Fluid levels – Check fluid levels in your vehicle at least weekly. Low brake fluid may result in brake failure and a crash. Make sure you recognise the low fluid warning lights in your vehicle has them fitted. Fog lights - You MUST use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet). You may also use front or rear fog lights but you MUST switch them off when visibility improves. Give way junctions – The approach to a junction may have a ‘Give Way’ sign or a triangle marked on the road. You MUST give way to traffic on the main road when emerging from a junction with broken white lines across the road. Green Cross Code –The Green Cross Code was introduced in 1970 to help raise awareness of pedestrian road safety throughout the UK. The main aim is to teach children how to cross the road safely – First find a safe place to cross, stopping just before you get to the kerb. Look all around for traffic and listen. When it is safe, go straight across the road, but do not run. Hard shoulder – You may only stop on the hard shoulder, in a breakdown, in an emergency or if told to stop by the police. You MUST NOT use the hard shoulder for overtaking. In areas where an Active Traffic Management (ATM) Scheme is in force, the hard shoulder may be used as a running lane. You will know when you can use this because a speed limit sign will be shown above all open lanes, including the hard shoulder. A red cross or blank sign above the hard shoulder means that you MUST NOT drive on the hard shoulder except in an emergency or breakdown. Emergency refuge areas have also been built into these areas for use in cases of emergency or breakdown. Hatch markings – These are dangerous areas where it is essential to separate the traffic completely. These may be used on a sharp bend where traffic turning right needs protection. You can identify these areas with painted white chevrons or diagonal stripes. Hazard warning lights - These may be used when your vehicle is stationary, to warn that it is temporarily obstructing traffic. Never use them as an excuse for dangerous or illegal parking. You MUST NOT use hazard warning lights while driving or being towed unless you are on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway and you need to warn drivers behind you of a hazard or obstruction ahead. Only use them for long enough to ensure that your warning has been observed. Hazard warning plates - Vehicles carrying dangerous goods will be marked with plain orange reflective plates. Road tankers and vehicles carrying tank containers of dangerous goods will have hazard warning plates. Hill parking – When parking on a hill you must stop your vehicle as close to the nearside kerb as possible and leave your steering wheel turned to the right. If for any reason the car does roll, the front wheels will be stopped by the kerb. If however there is no kerb, leave your steering wheel turned to the right, so if it does roll backwards, it won’t roll across the road. ALWAYS remember to leave your vehicle in first gear with the handbrake on. Horn – Your horn should only be used while your vehicle is moving and you need to warn other road users of your presence. You MUST NOT sound your horn out of aggression, whilst stationary or when driving in a built-up area between the hours of 11.30pm and 7.00am. Icy roads – When driving on ice always reduce your speed and treat all the controls (brakes, steering, accelerator etc) with great care. Remember that your stopping distance is greatly increased on icy roads, so always leave a larger gap in between the vehicle in front. Ignition warning lights – If the ignition warning light comes on when the engine is running, it shows that you have a problem with the electrical charging system. Insurance – To use a motor vehicle on the road, you MUST have a valid insurance policy. This MUST at least cover you for injury or damage to a third party while using that motor vehicle. Before driving any vehicle, make sure that you are insured to drive it. Under no circumstances should you drive a motor vehicle without insurance. Junctions - Priority junctions are the most common form of junction control where a minor road joins a major road at an intersection in the highway. Traffic in the minor road gives way to traffic on the major road through the use of carriageway markings or carriageway markings and signs. Where visibility is restricted, vehicles on the minor road are required to stop. Lane discipline - If you need to change lane, first use your mirrors and if necessary take a quick sideways glance to make sure you will not force another road user to change course or speed. When it is safe to do so, signal to indicate your intentions to other road users and when clear, move over. Level crossings – The road crosses a railway line at a level crossing. You must always approach with great care and NEVER drive onto the crossing unless the road is clear on the other side. Most crossings have full or half barriers, but open crossing has no gates or barriers. You may also see a steady amber light followed by twin flashing red lights with an audible alarm to warn pedestrians. You must ALWAYS obey the signal at a level crossing. Lights - You MUST ensure all sidelights and rear registration plate lights are lit between sunset and sunrise and that you use headlights at night, except on a road which has lit street lighting. These roads are generally restricted to a speed limit of 30 mph (48 km/h) unless otherwise specified. In built-up areas, use dipped headlights, or dim-dip if fitted, at night and in dull daytime weather, to ensure that you can be seen. You must keep your headlights dipped when overtaking until you are level with the other vehicle and then change to main beam if necessary, unless this would dazzle oncoming road users. You must also use your headlights when visibility is seriously reduced. Loading and unloading – Do not load or unload where there are yellow markings on the kerb and upright signs advise restrictions are in place. This may be permitted where parking is otherwise restricted. On red routes, specially marked and signed bays indicate where and when loading and unloading is permitted. Maintenance – It is important that you maintain your vehicle on a regular basis to ensure that everything is in full working order. Such things include lights, brakes, steering, exhaust system, seat belts, demisters, wipers and washers, indicators, reflectors, number plates, tyres, windscreens and windows Mirrors – All mirrors should be used effectively throughout your journey. You should use your mirrors frequently so that you always know what is behind and to each side of you. You should use them in good time before you signal or change direction or speed but always remember that mirrors do not cover all areas and there will be blind spots, so you will need to look round and check. Remember: Mirrors – Signal – Manoeuvre MOT – Cars and motorcycles MUST normally pass an MOT test three years from the date of the first registration and every year thereafter. You MUST NOT drive a motor vehicle without an MOT certificate when it should have one. Exceptionally, you may drive to a pre-arranged test appointment or to a garage for repairs required for the test. Driving an unroadworthy motor vehicle may invalidate your insurance. Motorcycle licence – If you have a provisional motorcycle licence, you MUST satisfactorily complete a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course. You can then ride on the public road, with L plates (in Wales either D plates, L plates or both can use used), for up to two years. To obtain your full motorcycle licence you MUST pass a motorcycle theory test and then a practical test. Motorway breakdown - If your vehicle develops a problem, leave the motorway at the next exit or pull into a service area. If you cannot do so, you should pull on to the hard shoulder and stop as far to the left as possible, with your wheels turned to the left. Try to stop near an emergency telephone and leave the vehicle by the left-hand door and ensure your passengers do the same. You MUST leave any animals in the vehicle or, in an emergency, keep them under proper control on the verge. Never attempt to place a warning triangle on a motorway. Ensure that passengers keep away from the carriageway and hard shoulder, and that children are kept under control. Walk to an emergency telephone on your side of the carriageway (follow the arrows on the posts at the back of the hard shoulder) – the telephone is free of charge and connects directly to the Highways Agency or the police. Always face the traffic when you speak on the phone. Return and wait near your vehicle (well away from the carriageway and hard shoulder). Moving off – Before moving off you should use all your mirrors to check the road is clear. Look round to check the blind spots and signal if necessary before moving out. Look around for a final check and move off only when it is safe to do so. MSM routine – Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre routine MSPSL – Mirrors, Signal, Position, Speed, Look – This routine should be completed whenever you alter your speed or position in the road, such as at a junction, roundabout, parking your vehicle etc Narrow/winding roads – Take extra care on winding country roads and reduce your speed when approaching bends, which can be sharper than they appear, and at junctions and turnings, which may be partially hidden. Be prepared for pedestrians, horse risers, cyclists, slow-moving farm vehicles or mud on the road. Night driving – At night or in poor visibility, do not use tinted glasses, lenses or visors if they restrict your vision. Oil pressure warning light - This light should illuminate when the ignition is switched on and should extinguish as soon as the engine starts. If the light stays on after starting or illuminates during a journey, STOP IMMEDIATELY, switch off the engine and check the engine oil level. Top up straight away if the level is low. If the warning lamp illuminates, even though the oil level is correct, do not start the engine and seek assistance. Older driver – Always be patient with older drivers as their reactions may be slower than other drivers, so ensure that you make an allowance for this. One-way streets – Traffic MUST travel in the direction indicated by signs. Buses and/or cycles may have a contraflow lane. Choose the correct lane for your exit as soon as you can. Do not change lanes suddenly. Unless road signs or markings indicate otherwise, you should use the left-hand lane when going left, the right-hand lane when going right and the most appropriate lane when going straight ahead. But remember, traffic could be passing on both sides. Orange Badge – This is now known as the Blue Badge Scheme which provides a range of parking concessions for people with severe mobility problems who have difficulty using public transport. The scheme operates throughout the UK. Parking – Use off-street parking areas, or bays marked out with white lines on the road as parking places, wherever possible. If you have to stop beside the roadside do not park facing against the flow of the traffic and make sure you stop as close as you can to the side, but not too close to a vehicle displaying a Blue Badge. You must switch off the engine, headlights and fog lights and apply the handbrake. Make sure that you hide all valuables out of sight and lock your vehicle. Parking at night – You must NOT park on a road at night facing against the direction of the traffic flow unless in a recognised parking space. All vehicles MUST display parking lights when parked on a road or a lay-by on a road with a speed limit greater than 30mph (48 km/h). Cars, goods vehicles not exceeding 1525 kg unladen weight, invalid carriages, motorcycles and pedal cycles may be parked without lights on a road (or lay-by) with a speed limit of 30 mph (48 km/h) or less if they are at least 10 metres (32 feet) away from any junction, close to the kerb and facing in the direction of the traffic flow or in a recognised parking place or lay-by. Other vehicles and trailers, and all vehicles with projecting loads, MUST NOT be left on a road at night without lights. Pass Plus scheme – New drivers can take a further training course after they have passed their driving test. The Pass Plus scheme has been created by the DSA for new drivers who would like to improve their basic driving skills. Drivers who have taken this course may be entitled to a reduced insurance premium. Passing places – Single track roads are only wide enough for one vehicle and may have special passing places. If you see a vehicle coming towards you, or the driver behind wants to overtake, pull into a passing place on your left, or wait opposite a passing place on your right. Give way to vehicles coming uphill whenever you can. If necessary, reverse until you reach a passing place to let the other vehicle pass. Slow down when passing pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. Do not park in a passing place. Pedestrian crossings – You MUST NOT park on a crossing or in the area covered by the zigzag lines. You MUST NOT overtake the moving vehicle nearest the crossing or the vehicle nearest the crossing which has stopped to give way to pedestrians. Allow pedestrians plenty of time to cross and do not harass them by revving your engine or edging forwards. Pelican crossing - These are signal-controlled crossings where flashing amber follows the red ‘Stop’ light. You MUST stop when the red light shows. When the amber light is flashing, you MUST give way to any pedestrians on the crossing. If the amber light is flashing and there are no pedestrians on the crossing, you may proceed with caution. Pelican crossings which go straight across the road are one crossing, even when there is a central island. You MUST wait for pedestrians who are crossing from the other side of the island. Penalties – A driver or motorcyclist who accumulates 12 or more penalty points within a three-year period MUST be disqualified. This will be for a minimum of six months, or longer if the driver or motorcyclist has previously been disqualified. However, for new drivers, if you accumulate six or more penalty points before the end of the two year period from passing your driving test, the licence will be revoked automatically. To re-gain your licence you must then reapply for a provisional licence and may drive but only as a learner until you pass your driving test again. Pillion passengers – You MUST NOT carry more than one pillion passenger who MUST sit astride the machine on a proper seat. They should face forwards with both feet on the footrests. You MUST NOT carry a pillion passenger unless your motor cycle is designed to do so. Provisional licence holders MUST NOT carry a pillion passenger. Police stopping procedure - If the police want to stop your vehicle they will where possible attract your attention by flashing blue lights, headlights or sounding their siren or horn, usually from behind. They will direct you to pull over to the side by pointing and/or using the left indicator. You MUST then pull over and stop as soon as it is safe to do so. Then switch off your engine. POM routine – Prepare Observe Move routine. This routine is probably used almost every time you pull away from a stopped position. PSL routine – Position Speed Look routine Positioning – Once moving you should keep to the left, unless road signs or markings indicate otherwise. The exceptions are when you want to overtake, turn right or pass parked vehicles or pedestrians in the road. Positioning on a right-hand bend – Keep well to the left on a right-hand bend. This will improve your view of the road and help avoid the risk of colliding with traffic approaching from the opposite direction Puffin crossing – These are similar to pelican crossings, but there is no flashing amber phase; the light sequence for traffic at a puffin crossing is the same as at traffic lights. If the signal-controlled crossing is not working, proceed with extreme care. Punctures – If your car suddenly becomes unstable or you begin to feel steering problems you may have a puncture. Take your foot off the accelerator, don’t brake suddenly, hold the steering wheel firmly and try to come to a gradual stop at the side of the road. Quad bikes – These are only suitable for off-road use and do not meet legal standards for use on roads. Vehicles that do not meet these standards MUST NOT be used on roads. They MUST NOT be used on pavements, footpaths, cycle paths or bridleways either. If you intend to drive your quad bike on the roads, you MUST make sure that it meets legal standards and is properly registered, taxed and insured before using it on the roads. Even when registered, taxed and insured for the road, vehicles MUST NOT be used on pavements. Railway level crossing – Where a road crosses a railway or tramway line. Approach and cross with great care. Never drive onto a crossing until the road is clear on the other side and do not get too close to the car in front. Never stop or park on, or near a crossing. Rain – When driving in the rain use dipped headlights especially when the visibility is poor. Rain can dramatically reduce your view so it’s vital that all your windows and mirrors are clear. Keep your speed down and increase the distance between you and the car in front, as your stopping distance will increase in wet conditions. Rear facing baby seats – A rear facing baby seat MUST NOT be fitted into a seat protected by an active frontal airbag, as in a crash it can cause serious injury or death to the child. Rear fog lights – Only use your front or rear fog lights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet). You MUST switch them off when visibility improves to avoid dazzling other road users. Red routes - Red routes are major roads in urban areas, on which stopping (even to load or unload a vehicle) is prohibited or only allowed during very restricted periods at times displayed on nearby signs. The intention is to enhance the flow of commuter traffic. The routes are marked with continuous red lines painted along the road adjacent to the kerb. Reflective studs/road studs – May be used alongside white lines. White studs mark the lanes or the middle of the road. Red studs mark the left edge of the road. Amber studs mark the central reservation of a dual carriageway or motorway. Green studs mark the edge of the main carriageway at lay-bys and slip roads. Green/yellow studs indicate temporary adjustments to lane layouts, e.g. where road works are taking place. Reflectors – At night all cycles MUST have white front and red rear lights lit. It MUST also be fitted with a red rear reflector (and amber pedal reflectors, if manufactured after 1/10/85). These will help you to be seen by other road users. Registration certificate – These are issued for all motor vehicles used on the road, describing them and giving details of the registered keeper. You MUST notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) as soon as possible when you buy or sell a motor vehicle Reversing – Choose an appropriate place to complete the manoeuvre. Do not reverse from a side road into a main road. Before you start to reverse you should use all your mirrors and check the ‘blind spot’ behind you and check there are no pedestrians (particularly children), cyclists, other road users or obstructions in the road behind you. When you are ready, slowly start reversing whilst checking all around. Look mainly through the rear window and be aware that the front of your vehicle will swing out as you turn. If unsure, get someone to guide you and NEVER reverse your vehicle further than necessary Road signs – You MUST obey all traffic signs giving orders, including temporary signals and signs. There are eight categories of road signs, Danger warning signs, Priority Signs, Prohibitory or restrictive signs, Mandatory Signs, Special Regulation Signs, Information, Facilities or Service Signs, Direction, Position or Indication Signs and Additional Panels Road works – Observe all signs – they are there for your safety and the safety of road workers. You MUST NOT exceed any temporary maximum speed limit signs. Use your mirrors and get into the correct lane for your vehicle in good time and as signs direct and do not switch lanes to overtake queuing traffic. Take extra care near cyclists and motorcyclists as they are vulnerable to skidding on grit, mud or other debris at road works. Do not drive through an area marked off by traffic cones, concentrate on the road ahead and keep a safe distance from the car in front. School crossing patrols – Drive slowly and be particularly aware of young cyclists and pedestrians. In some places, there may be a flashing amber signal below the ‘School’ warning sign which tells you that there may be children crossing the road ahead. Drive very slowly until you are clear of the area. You MUST stop when a school crossing patrol shows a ‘Stop for children’ sign. Security of vehicles – When you leave your vehicle you should remove the ignition key and engage the steering lock and lock the car. Ensure that all the windows are closed completely and never leave children or pets in an unventilated car. Take all contents with you, or lock them in the boot and never leave vehicle documents in the car. Separation distance – It is essential that you are able to judge a safe separation distance in all road, traffic and weather conditions. It is recommended that in good dry conditions you leave a gap of one metre for each mph of your speed. In bad conditions it’s advised that you leave at least double the distance, and even more for foggy/icy conditions. However, it’s advisable to use the ‘Two-second rule’. Signals/signalling – Signals warn and inform other road users, including pedestrians of your intended actions. You should always give clear signals in plenty of time, having checked it is not misleading to signal at that time. Use them to advise other road users before changing course or direction, stopping or moving off. Make sure your signals will not confuse others and always remember to cancel them after use. Single broken lines – Watch out for single broken lines in the middle of the road that gradually get longer, these indicate a hazard ahead. Skidding – Skidding is usually caused by the driver braking, accelerating or steering too harshly or driving too fast for the road conditions. If skidding occurs, remove the cause by releasing the brake pedal fully or easing off the accelerator. Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid. For example, if the rear of the vehicle skids to the right, steer immediately to the right to recover. Slip roads – Some junctions have a slip road that allows you to slow down to turn left without holding up other traffic. On a motorway slip road, adjust your speed so that it matches the traffic already on the motorway before joining it. Snow, driving in - In winter, check the local weather forecast for warnings of icy or snowy weather. DO NOT drive in these conditions unless your journey is essential. If it is, take great care and allow more time for your journey. Take an emergency kit of de-icer and ice scraper, torch, warm clothing and boots, first aid kit, jump leads and a shovel, together with a warm drink and emergency food in case you get stuck or your vehicle breaks down. Before you set off you MUST be able to see, so clear all snow and ice from all your windows and ensure that lights are clean and number plates are clearly visible and legible. Ensure that the mirrors are clear and the windows are demisted thoroughly and remove all snow that might fall off into the path of other road users. And finally don’t forget to check your planned route is clear of delays and that no further snowfalls or severe weather are predicted. Snow chains - These are devices which are fitted to the tyres of your vehicle to provide additional traction when driving through snow and ice. Speed limits – You MUST NOT exceed the maximum speed limits for the road and for your vehicle. The presence of street lights generally means that there is a 30 mph (48 km/h) speed limit unless otherwise specified. The speed limit is the absolute maximum and does not mean it is safe to drive at that speed irrespective of conditions. Driving at speeds too fast for the road and traffic conditions is dangerous. You should always reduce your speed when the road layout or condition presents hazards, such as bends, in bad weather, at night or if there are other road users such as pedestrians, cyclists or horse riders around. Spray on roads – In wet conditions you may be affected by spray thrown up off the roads from other vehicles, especially when overtaking or being overtaken. It is important to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front to ensure that the spray does not cause temporarily blindness to conditions ahead. Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN) – This is a notification to the DVLA that a motor vehicle is not being used on the road. If you are the vehicle keeper and want to keep a motor vehicle untaxed and off the public road you MUST declare SORN – it is an offence not to do so. You will not have to pay road tax for those 12 months. If the vehicle is still off the road after this period, you will need to send a further declaration. The SORN will end if you sell the vehicle and the new owner will become immediately responsible. Stop signs – These are octagonal with white lettering on a red background. A stop sign is always accompanied with a white line marked on the road, which you MUST stop at (even if you can see the road is clear). Once you can see the road ahead is clear, you can then proceed past the Stop sign. Stopping distance – Drive at a speed that will allow you to stop well within the distance you can see to be clear. You should leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front so that you can pull up safely if it suddenly slows down or stops. Always allow at least a two-second gap between you and the vehicle in front. The gap should be at least doubled on wet roads and increased even further on icy roads. Remember, large vehicles and motorcycles need a greater distance to stop. If you have to stop in a tunnel, leave at least a 5-metre gap between you and the vehicle in front. Supertrams – These are modern versions of ‘tramcars’ and are sometimes otherwise known as Light Rapid Transit (LRT) or ‘Metro’. These are being introduced in large cities to provide a more efficient and environmentally friendly public transport system. Tailgating – When a vehicle is travelling too close to you from behind, gradually ease off the accelerator to increase the gap between you and the vehicle in front. Thinking distance – This varies depending on the individual but on average it takes well over half a second for most people to react, but this will increase if you’re unwell or tired. Tinted glasses / windows – You MUST NOT use a vehicle with excessively dark tinting applied to the windscreen, or to the glass in any front window to either side of the driver Towing - You MUST NOT tow more than your licence permits. If you passed a car test after 1 Jan 1997 you are restricted on the weight of trailer you can tow. Make sure that you DO NOT overload your vehicle or trailer, or tow a weight greater than that recommended by the manufacturer of your vehicle. All loads MUST be secured and MUST NOT stick out dangerously. Make sure that you distribute the weight in your caravan or trailer with heavy items mainly over the axle(s) and ensure a downward load on the tow ball. Manufacturer’s recommended weight and tow ball load should not be exceeded. This should avoid the possibility of swerving or snaking and going out of control. If this does happen, ease off the accelerator and reduce speed gently to regain control Traffic calming - On some roads there are features such as road humps, chicanes and narrowing’s which are intended to slow you down. When you approach these reduce your speed. Allow cyclists and motorcyclists room to pass through them. Maintain a reduced speed along the whole of the stretch of road within the calming measures. Give way to oncoming road users if directed to do so by signs. You should not overtake other moving road users while in these areas. Tramways – You MUST NOT enter a road, lane or other route reserved for trams. Take extra care where trams run along the road. You should avoid driving directly on top of the rails and should take care where trams leave the main carriageway to enter the reserved route, to ensure you do not follow them. Diamond-shaped signs and white light signals give instructions to tram drivers only. You MUST NOT park your vehicle where it would get in the way of trams or where it would force other drivers to do so. Look out for pedestrians, especially children, running to catch a tram approaching a stop. Always give priority to trams, especially when they signal to pull away from stops, unless it would be unsafe to do so. Triangles – Advanced warning triangles are folded flat and stored in your car until needed. In the event of a breakdown the warning triangle is used to warn other road users if your car is causing an obstruction. You should place the warning triangle on the road at least 45 metres (147 feet) behind your broken-down vehicle on the same side of the road, or use other permitted warning devices if you have them. Always take great care when placing or retrieving them, but never use them on motorways Two-second rule – The two-second rule is a guide for all drivers to help maintain a safe following distance at any speed. The practice has been shown to dramatically reduce the risk of tailgating, road rage and collision, and also the severity of an accident should an accident occur. Tyre pressures – Incorrect tyre pressures can affect your steering, so it’s important to check these on a regular basis. Don’t check the pressure when you’ve been driving for a long time as the tyres will be warm and the reading will be inaccurate. Only check and adjust when the tyres are cold. Tyres – Tyres MUST be inflated to the vehicle manufacturer’s specification for the load being carried. Always refer to the vehicle’s handbook or data. Tyres should also be free from certain cuts and other defects Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) – All motor vehicles used or kept on public roads MUST display a valid Vehicle Excise Duty disc (tax disc) at all times. Even motor vehicles exempt from duty MUST display a tax disc at all times. Vehicle Registration Certificate – Also called harmonised registration certificates are issued for all motor vehicles used on the road, describing them (make, model etc) and giving details of the registered keeper. You MUST notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency in Swansea as soon as possible when you buy or sell a motor vehicle, or if you change your name and address. For registration certificates issued after 27 March 1997, the buyer and seller are responsible for completing the registration certificates. The seller is responsible for forwarding them to the DVLA. Water (on brakes) – If you have driven through deep water your brakes may be less effective. Test them at the first safe opportunity by pushing gently on the brake pedal to make sure that they work. If they are not fully effective, gently apply light pressure while driving slowly. This will help to dry them out. Wet roads – In wet weather, the rain and spray from vehicles may make it difficult to see and be seen so stopping distances will be at least double those required for stopping on dry roads. This is because your tyres have less grip on the road. In wet weather you should keep well back from the vehicle in front. This will increase your ability to see and plan ahead. If the steering becomes unresponsive, it probably means that water is preventing the tyres from gripping the road. Ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually. Windy weather – High-sided vehicles are most affected by windy weather, but strong gusts can also blow a car, cyclist, motorcyclist or horse rider off course. This can happen on open stretches of road exposed to strong crosswinds, or when passing bridges or gaps in hedges. In very windy weather your vehicle may be affected by turbulence created by large vehicles. Motorcyclists are particularly affected, so keep well back from them when they are overtaking a high-sided vehicle. Windscreen wipers/washers – You MUST ensure that windscreens and wipers are kept clean and free from obstructions to vision. Winter driving – Before winter ensure that the battery is maintained and that there are appropriate anti-freeze agents in your radiator and windscreen bottle. Yellow lines – You MUST NOT wait or park on yellow lines during the times of operation shown on nearby time plates (or zone entry signs if in a Controlled Parking Zone). Double yellow lines indicate a prohibition of waiting at any time even if there are no upright signs. You MUST NOT wait or park, or stop to set down and pick up passengers, on school entrance markings when upright signs indicate a prohibition of stopping. Zebra crossing – As you approach a zebra crossing look out for pedestrians waiting to cross and be ready to slow down or stop to let them cross. You MUST give way when a pedestrian has moved onto a crossing but do not wave or use your horn to invite pedestrians across; this could be dangerous if another vehicle is approaching. Always allow more time for stopping on wet or icy roads and be aware of pedestrians approaching from the side of the crossing. A zebra crossing with a central island is two separate crossings