Theory Test 3

Always be considerate. Other types of vehicle, cyclists and horse riders dont have as much of a right on the road as you do, but do not drive competitively. this increases risk for everyone. 

When passing horses slow right down and give them plenty of room.

Be aware of animals like sheep on the road, stop and switch of engine if asked to do so. 

When driving a slow-moving vehicle, consider the other drivers behind you. If there is a long queue pull over when you safely can and let traffic pass.

Think how you would feel if you were one of the drivers behind you, they may not be as patient. 

Always signal correctly and take up the correct position at junctions or one-way systems. Badly positioned vehicles could prevent vehicles behind proceeding.

Keep a safe distance from the vehicle infront, in good dry conditons leave a two-second gap and in wet weather leave a four-second gap. 

Tailgating is when you drive too close to the vehicle infront and is very dangerous and intimidating for the driver infront. 

Keep well back, especially from large vehicles. You can see further down the road and therefore be prepared for any hazards. 

If the driver behind is following too closely, gradually increase the gap between you and the vehicle infront. This will give you a greater safety margin. 

If another driver cuts infront of you, drop back to maintain your correct separation distance. 

Be patient with other users. Be aware that not everyone obeys the rules, be calm and tolerant. If a vehicle pulls out infront slow down and don't get annoyed with them. 

Only sound your horn if there is danger and you need to let others know you're there. Don't sound it through inpatience. 

At night don't dazzle other drivers. Dip you're headlights when your following another vehicle or meeting another vehicle. 

When queuing in traffic use your parking brake. Keepng your foot on the brake could dazzle drivers behind. 

Emergency vehicles always have priority, pull over to let them through as soon as you can do so safely. 

Besides fire, police and ambulance services, coastguard, bomb disposal, mountain rescue and blood tranfusion may also use a blue flashing light. 

Docotrs may use a green flashing light when answering an emergency call.

Give priority to buses pulling out from bus stops, as long as it is safe. Some areas have bus lanes to allow buses to proceed quickly through traffic. Look at signs to make sure you don't use bus lanes whilst in operation. 

At unmarked crossroads, no-one has priority. Slow down and look both ways before pulling out.

Watch out for pedestrians at zebra crossings, be prepared to slow down and stop, be patient if they're a bit slow, don't encourage them to cross by waving or flashing headlights- there may be another vehicle coming. 

If approaching a pelican crossing and the amber light is flashing give way to pedestrians on the crossing and don't move until the crossing is clear. 

Puffin crossings are electronically controlled. Sensors mean the red light stays on until the person has reached a safe position. There is no flashing amber phase- the sequence follows that of normal traffic lights e.g. with a steady amber light. 

Toucan crossings allow cyclists to cross at the same time as pedestrians.

Driving safely takes concerntration. Constantly look around and assess the changing situations as you drive. Be aware of traffic all around you. Before you carry out any manoeuvre such as moving off, stopping, turning or changing lanes, you should use your mirrors to assess how your actions will affect traffic behind, look around for a final check- remember windscreen pillars can obstruct your view and signal if necessary.

If you can't see behind when reversing, ask for help. 

If you can't see when emerging from a junction, slowly move forward until you can see properly. 

When overtaking ensure you have a clear view of the road ahead and you have enough time to complete the manoeuvre safely. 

Its also important for other road users to know your there, when it starts to get dark switch on your lights even if street lights aren't on abd where you can't be seen, such as at a hump bridge consider using your horn.

Road signs and markings give information of hazards. You should follow their advice and slow down if necessary. 

Watch other road users. Try to anticipate their actions so you're ready if you need to slow down or change direction. 

When turning right onto a dual carriageway, first check that the central reservation is wide enough for your vehicle. 

When following a large vehicle, stay well back. This helps the driver to see you in their mirrrors, if you can't see their mirrors they can't see you. Staying back helps you to see the road ahead more clearly. 

Watchout for pedestrians especially when hidden or approaching crossing, cyclists; always slow down and leave plenty of room and motorcyclists who may be obscured by your windscreen pillar.

If you're approaching green traffic lights be prepared to slow down. 

In emergencies keep both hands on the wheel as you brake to keep control. 

Always plan your journey to know what route you need and have regular rest stops. 

You can't concerntrate properly when tired.

On motorways it is particularly easy to feel sleepy so don't drive continuously for more than two hours, ensure you have a supply of fresh air and if you feel tired, leave at the next exit and find a safe place to stop to have a short nap.

Arguing and joking around will distract you, loud music affects concerntration and will make it difficult for you to hear sounds outside the car. Any of these could cause you not to notice a potential hazard. 

You can get distracted by objects hanging in the car, adjusting music or radio, looking at a map or talking into a microphone. 

Taking your eyes off the road could be disastrous. At 60mph your car travels 27metres in 1 second

Using phones when driving is illegal. You're four times more likely to have a collision. Switch it off and use voicemail. Wait to be safely parked before retrieving any messages, making calls and sending or receiving texts. If on a motorway- leave before using your phone.

If your vehicle has a navigation system, stop in a safe place before programming the system. If you lose your way on a busy road, turn into a side road as soon as possible, stop and check a map.