Hazard Awareness practice

Hazard warning lights are an important safety feature and should be used if you've broken down and are causing an obstruction. Do not use them as an excuse to park illegally. You may also use them on motorways or unrestricted dual carriageways to warn traffic behind you of danger ahead.

You should be slowing down and selecting the correct gear in case you have to stop at the level crossing. Look for the signals and be prepared to stop if necessary.

The yellow grid markings are a box junction. They're used where stationary traffic is likely to block the junction. You must not enter a box junction unless your exit road is clear. You can enter the box and wait when you want to turn right but oncoming traffic is preventing you turning. The right-turn exit must be clear.

White lines painted on the road give you information about where you may drive and when. The broken white line marks the boundary between lanes on your side of the dual carriageway. But when the lines start to lengthen, with shorter gaps, this warns you of a hazard coming up – like a sharp bend. Watch out for changes in the road markings so you can prepare for the hazard ahead.

When a pedestrian uses a crossing, you must wait until they've safely crossed before you can continue driving. When the pedestrian is on the crossing, do not try to hurry them by edging forward or sounding your horn. Be patient and only move off when they've safely reached the other pavement.

A long vehicle at a roundabout may need to use the left-hand lane, even if it's signalling to go right. This is because it needs extra room to travel around a roundabout. For the same reason, it may also straddle lanes. Watch out for a long vehicle's signals and allow it plenty of room on a roundabout.

If you feel yourself becoming tense or upset, stop in a safe place and take a break. Tiredness can make things worse and may cause a different reaction to upsetting situations.

As you approach a large or complex roundabout, you'll see a sign telling you the layout of the roundabout and route directions. Use this to choose the lane you need. If there are multiple lanes, there'll often be route numbers marked on the road to help you select the right lane. Get into the lane you need in plenty of time. Do not straddle lanes and avoid changing lanes at the last moment.

The speed limit when you're towing a caravan or trailer is lower than the limit for a car that's not towing. This is mainly because the increased length and weight of the combination make it more difficult to control. When you're towing a caravan or trailer, you should take your time with any manoeuvres. You should also allow more time for slowing and stopping.