Theory Test 2

Recognising hazards will improve once you do not have to think as much about controls of the car.

Hazard- situation which may require you as a driver to respond by taking action, such as braking or steering. These can be

Static hazards- such as roundabouts and junctions

Moving hazards- other road users

Road and weather conditions

e.g. junctions, roundabouts, parked vechiles and skips. 

Respond by- taking a mental note, slow down and prepare to stop if necessary. 

Always check road markings to reduce speed in good time same for traffic lights, other light signals, level crossings and signals from police officers. If traffic lights are broken, treat junction as an unmarked cross road and proceed with caution. 

If you see a bend slow down incase of pedestrians or obstructions. Parked cars cause hazards, especially if parked illegally e.g. on zigzag lines. watch out for children inbetween cars, open doors and cars moving away. 

Near schools- amber flashing lights, children may be crossing. Slow down ready to stop if necesary or when signalled to do so. 

Take extra care at reduced visibility junctions, especially in built up areas. Pull out slowly until you can see down the roa. You may also be able to see reflectios in windows. 

Dont block a junction- leave it clear to allow vehicles to enter and emerge.

Closed lanes- prepare for cars cutting in front of you and keep a safe distance behind the vehicle infront. Take extra care on two-way roads that have a third lane in the centre. Traffic from both directions can use this lane for overtaking.

If you're driving on a motorway or dual carriageway and see a hazard or obstruction ahead, briefly use your hazard warning lights to warn the traffic behind. 

If your vehicle has broken down and is causing an obstruction, switch on yor hazard warning lights to warn other road users. 

Look out for other road users. Always be patient if there is an obstruction in the road. 

On country roads, walkers may be in the road if there is no pavement.

Cyclists may swerve potholes, traffic lights give them room to pull away and before turning left check for cyclists on your left. 

Bus stop- people may get off and cross the road, bus may be about to move off. school buses may not always stop at bus stops. 

Bridges high vehicles may need to use centre of the road to pass underneath. Drop back if anyone overtakes you. Older drivers may not react as quickly so give them space. Some vehicles have different signs on them- Learn what they mean.

Dont overtake if:

• you're turning left shortly afterwards
• signs and road markings prohibit this 
• when approaching a junction
• when the view ahead is blocked 

BE ALERT AT ALL TIMES. Use your mirrors they give a wider field of vision. Don't drive when tired, plan your journey with breaks, try stop at least once every two hours, always keep the air fresh by opening windows. 

Tired? pull over to a legal safe place, motorway- leave the next exit or services.

Concerntration is affected by mobile phone, loud music, map or navigation equipment.

Always drive calm. Do not ever drink and drive, take public transport. 

Alcohol- reduces concerntration, coordination and control, gives false sense of confidence, reduces your judgement of speed and slows down reactions. 

Check medications if they make you drowsy. Some drugs can last up to 72 hours. Insurance will rise considerably if caught driving under alcohol or drugs. Eyesight should be of a safe standard- wear glasses to drive if needed. dont wear tinted glasses at night. 

You MUST tell the licensing authority if your eyesight deteriorates or you suffer from an illness which may affect your driving. 

Weather affects the safety of roads. Drive accordingly and be aware of the added dangers. 

In wet weather double your seperation distance to four seconds and spray may reduce your vision

Icy weather slow down and increase your seperation distance allow up to 10 times the gap you'd leave in the dry

In fog slow down, use dipped headlights and use fog lights if visibility is less than 100 metres (328 feet) 

In bright sunlight be aware that sunlight- especially low winter sun- can dazzle you or other drivers

Regular maintenance ensures your car is safe and roadworthy. It will help fuel economy and keep exhaust emissions to a minimum. Always check lights, brakes, steering, exhaust system, seat belts, horn, speedometer, wipers and washers.

Oil water levels especially before long journeys. Brake fluid if low could cause incident. Battery levels unless it is a maintenence free battery. Windscreen. Tyre pressures (try to do it when cold as it gives a more accurate reading. Underinflated tyres can affect steering as it will feel heavy, fuel consumption may increase and braking.

Tyre condition- Tread must be at least 1.6mm deep across central three quarters of the breadth and around the entire circumference. It is illegal to drive with tyres that have deep cutes in the side

Uneven wear on the tyres can be cause by the braking system, suspension and wheel allignment.

If the wheels are unbalanced, they could cause the steering to vibrate.

Regular maintenance ensures your car is safe and roadworthy. It will help fuel economy and keep exhaust emissions to a minimum. Always check lights, brakes, steering, exhaust system, seat belts, horn, speedometer, wipers and washers.

Oil water levels especially before long journeys. Brake fluid if low could cause incident. Battery levels unless it is a maintenence free battery. Windscreen. Tyre pressures (try to do it when cold as it gives a more accurate reading. Underinflated tyres can affect steering as it will feel heavy, fuel consumption may increase and braking.

Tyre condition- Tread must be at least 1.6mm deep across central three quarters of the breadth and around the entire circumference. It is illegal to drive with tyres that have deep cutes in the side

Uneven wear on the tyres can be cause by the braking system, suspension and wheel allignment.

If the wheels are unbalanced, they could cause the steering to vibrate.

A basic understanding of how your car works helps to recognise signs of a defect. It is important to get your car regularly serviced.

Warning lights warn of problems with the engine and any defects. Check the handbook for what they mean and don't ignore the warning it could affect your safety.

The ABS warning light should go out when the vehicle is travelling at 5-10 MPH. If it doesn't get it checked by a qualified mechanic.

To check the condition of the shock absorbers, 'bounce' the vehicle. Push down hard on each corner. It shouldn't continue to bounce unduly when released.

Consult a a garage as soon as possible if the steering vibrates as the wheels may need balancing and if the vehicle pulls to one side when you brake as your brakes may need adjusting.

ALWAYS WEAR A SEATBELT. Anyone under 14 if the drivers responsibility. Never have a rear-facing baby seat by an airbag as it could cause fatal injuries.

Before driving, adjust the seat, adjust the head restraint, wear suitable shoes and adjust the mirrors to maximise your field of vision. Convex mirrors give a wider view but can make vehicles look further away than they are.

If visibility is poor use dipped headlights and for fog use fog lights. When parking on a two way road at night, park in the direction of the traffic. If the speed limit is above 30mph switch on your parking lights.

Hazard warning lights are to be used when you've broken down and when queueing traffic on a dual carriageway or motorway.

Don't use them as an excuse to park illegally, even for a short time.

Prefent theaft by engaging steering lock, removing the keys and LOCK, moving everything out of sight, not leaving the vehicle registration document in the car they could declare ownership and parking in a well-lit area or in a secure car park at night when possible.

Make it more difficult for the opportunist theif by fitting an anti-theft alarm system, using a visible security device such as steering wheel or handbrake lock and have the vehicle registration number etched on the windows.

Radios and in-car entertainment devices are prime targets for thieves. If you can, install a security-coded radio. This would be of little use if it were stolen.

Consider joining a vehicle watch team if there is someone in your area.

Avoid parking where it would cause an obstruction e.g. in front of a property entrance, at or near a bus stop, near the brow of a hill, where the kerb has been lowered for wheelchair access or on a bend or oppsite a side road.

Never stop or park on or near a level crossing, or on the zigzag lines at a pedestrian crossing. This would block the view of pedestrains and drivers, and endanger people trying to use the crossing.

Motor vehicles can cause air pollution, building damage and usage of natural resources

20% of emissions are caused by road transport. To reduce this drive in an ecosafe manner; you'll improve road safety, reduce exhaust emissions and improve your fuel consumption. 

You should reduce your speed- driving at 70mph uses 30% more fuel than 50mph, plan ahead for a smooth drive- avoid rapid accelerating and heavy braking can reduce bill up to 15%, use selective gear changing- reduces the amount of time you spend accelerating, have your vehicle tuned and serviced properly and make sure tyres are correctly inflated. 

Don't carry unnecessary weight or leave an empty roof rack on your car, over-rev in lower gears and leave the engine running unnecessarily- switch off the engine in stationary for long time. 

Never leave the engine running with the vehicle unattended. Consider walking/cycling for shorter journeys. Public transport and sharing journeys reduces traffic volume and emissions. Modern trams reduce traffic and noise pollution. 

Always make sure your filler cap is securely fastened. If loose fuel could spill which wastes fuel and money. It also makes the road slippery which is a hazard for others. 

Regular car services will give better fuel economy and exhaust emissions will give better fuel economy and exhaust emissions will be cleaner. If your vehicle is over three years old it will have to pass an emissions test as part of the MOT test. 

If you service your own vehicle, dispose of old engine oil and batteries responsibly. Take them to a local-authority site or a garage. Don't pour oil down the drain. 

Also bear in mind noise pollution. 

Continuous high speeds could increase the risk of a breakdown. Make sure you check your vehicle before making a long motorway journey; particularly oil, water and tyre pressure. 

For a more pleasant journey if you plan your route before starting out, avoid rush hours and allow plenty of time for your journey

Plan routes by looking at maps, using SatNav's, checking with a motoring organisation and using a route planner on the internet. 

Travelling on new or unfamiliar routes print out or write down directions. Also plan an alternative route incase your original is blocked. 

By travelling when roads a quiet you will be less likely to be delayed and ease congestion for those who have to travel at these times. 

In some areas, those using congested road space have to pay a congestion charge. In london, those exempt from paying are blue badge holders, electrically powered vehicles or alternative fuel vehicles and riders of two-wheeled vehicles. 

Residents living within the zone obtain a reduced rate but arent exempt.