Safety Margins
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Vehicle Loading
What should you do if you're towing a trailer and it starts to swing from side to side?
Strong winds or buffeting from large vehicles can cause a trailer or caravan to swing from side to side ('snake'). If this happens, ease off the accelerator. Do not brake harshly, steer sharply or increase your speed.
Alertness
What should you do when you're approaching traffic lights that have been green for some time?
The longer traffic lights have been green, the sooner they'll change. Allow for this as you approach traffic lights that you know have been green for a while. They're likely to change soon, so you should be prepared to stop.
Vehicle Loading
You're carrying a child under 3 years old in your car. Which restraint is suitable for a child of this age?
It’s your responsibility to make sure that all children under 14 years old in your car are secure. Suitable restraints include a child seat, baby seat, booster seat or booster cushion. It’s essential that any restraint used is suitable for the child’s size and weight, and fitted according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Incidents, Accidents, Emergencies
What should you do if an instrument panel warning light comes on while you're driving?
Make sure you know what the different warning lights mean. An illuminated warning light could mean that your car is unsafe to drive. If you’re not sure about the problem, get a qualified mechanic to check it.
Documents
When should you update your vehicle registration certificate?
As the registered keeper of a vehicle, it's up to you to inform DVLA of any changes in your details; for example, your name or address. You do this by completing and sending off the relevant section of the registration certificate.
Vehicle Handling
What should you do when you meet an oncoming vehicle on a single-track road?
Take care when using single-track roads. It can be difficult to see around bends, because of hedges or fences, so expect to meet oncoming vehicles. Drive carefully and be ready to pull into or stop opposite a passing place, where you can pass each other safely.
Road and Traffic Signs
What does this sign mean?
Road signs that prohibit overtaking are placed in locations where passing the vehicle in front is dangerous. If you see this sign, do not attempt to overtake. The sign is there for a reason; you must obey it.
Vulnerable Road Users
What does this sign mean?
Usually, a picture of a bicycle will also be painted on the road, and sometimes the lane will have a different coloured surface. Leave these areas clear for cyclists and do not pass too closely when you overtake.
Safety Margins
What does it mean if the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) indicator light comes on briefly while you’re driving?
ESC is a computer controlled technology that detects reduced traction and automatically makes corrective adjustments to prevent loss of control. The ESC light comes on briefly to alert the driver that the system has activated and the car is approaching its handling limits. It’s a powerful driver aid but it cannot save a car once its traction limits have been exceeded.
Other Types of Vehicle
Why should drivers be more careful on roads where trams also operate?
You should take extra care when you first encounter trams. You'll have to get used to dealing with a different traffic system. Be aware that trams can accelerate and travel very quickly, and they cannot change direction to avoid obstructions.
Motorway Rules
When should you use the left-hand lane of a motorway?
You should drive in the left-hand lane whenever possible. Only use the other lanes for overtaking or when directed to do so by signals. Using other lanes when the left-hand lane is empty can frustrate drivers behind you.
Incidents, Accidents, Emergencies
At an incident, how could you help a casualty who has stopped breathing?
You should begin CPR on someone who has stopped breathing as soon as possible. If someone can help, send them to find the nearest defibrillator (AED). You should continue CPR until a healthcare professional can take over or the casualty starts breathing again.
Vulnerable Road Users
What should you do when you're following a learner driver who stalls at a junction?
Learning to drive is a process of practice and experience. Try to understand this and tolerate those who make mistakes while they're learning.
Hazard Awareness
What should you do as you approach this cyclist?
Keep well back and give the cyclist time and room to turn safely. Do not intimidate them by getting too close or trying to squeeze past.
Rules of the road
What's the meaning of this sign?
This sign does not tell you the speed limit in figures. You should know the speed limit for the type of road that you're on and the type of vehicle that you're driving or riding. Study your copy of The Highway Code.
Vehicle Handling
Why could it be dangerous to keep the clutch down, or select neutral, for long periods of time while you're driving?
Letting your vehicle roll or coast in neutral reduces your control over steering and braking. This can be dangerous on downhill slopes, where your vehicle could pick up speed very quickly.
Hazard Awareness
What will become more expensive after you've been convicted of driving while unfit through drink or drugs?
You've shown that you're a risk to yourself and others on the road. For this reason, insurance companies may charge you a higher premium.
Rules of the road
What must you do if you come across roadworks that have a temporary speed limit displayed?
Where there are extra hazards, such as at roadworks, it’s often necessary to slow traffic by imposing a lower speed limit. These speed limits are not advisory; they must be obeyed.
Road and Traffic Signs
What does this sign mean?
A sign will indicate which types of vehicles are prohibited from certain roads. Make sure that you know which signs apply to the vehicle you're using.
Safety And Your Vehicle
When will your vehicle use more fuel?
Check your tyre pressures frequently - normally once a week. If they're lower than those recommended by the manufacturer, there will be more 'rolling resistance'. The engine will have to work harder to overcome this, leading to increased fuel consumption.
Attitude
The conditions are good and dry. When should you use the 'two-second rule'?
In good conditions, the 'two-second rule' can be used to check the distance between your vehicle and the one in front. This technique works on roads carrying faster traffic. Choose a fixed object, such as a bridge, sign or tree. When the vehicle ahead passes this object, say to yourself 'Only a fool breaks the two-second rule.' If you reach the object before you finish saying this, you're too close.
Motorway Rules
How should you use the lanes on a motorway?
You should normally travel in the left-hand lane unless you're overtaking a slower-moving vehicle. When you've finished overtaking, move back into the left-hand lane, but do not cut across in front of the vehicle that you’ve overtaken.
Alertness
Where should you avoid overtaking?
Oncoming vehicles or other hazards can be hidden from view by dips in the road. If you cannot see into the dip, wait until you have a clear view and can see that it's safe before starting to overtake.
Attitude
What does it mean if the signs at a bus lane show no times of operation?
Bus-lane signs show the vehicles allowed to use the lane and its times of operation. Where no times are shown, the bus lane is in operation 24 hours a day.
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This product includes the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) revision question bank.