Alertness

Question 1

Before you carry out any manoeuvre, what should you do?

Answer 1

Use your mirrors to asses how your actions will affect traffic behind you.

Look around for a final check - windscreen pillars can obstruct your view.

Signal if necessary.

Question 2

If you can’t see behind when reversing, what should you do?

Answer 2

Ask a reliable person to guide you

Question 3

If you can’t see when emerging from a junction because your view is obstructed by parked cars, what should you do?

Answer 3

Move forward slowly and carefully until you can get a proper view.

Question 4

When you overtake, what should you ensure?

Answer 4

You have a clear view of the road ahead - there shouldn’t be any bends or dips.

You have enough time to complete the manoeuvre safely.

Question 5

What should you do to let other road users know you’re there?

Answer 5

When it starts to get dark, switch on your lights, even if the street lights aren’t on.

Where you can’t be seen, such as at a hump bridge, consider using your horn.

Question 6

When turning right onto a dual carriageway, what should you first check?

Answer 6

Check that the central reservation is wide enough for your vehicle.

Question 7

When following a large vehicle, what should you do?

Answer 7

Stay well back. If you can’t see the vehicle’s mirrors, the driver may not be able to see you or know you’re there. Staying back will also help you to see the road ahead much more clearly.

Question 8

Other than large vehicles, which other vulnerable road users should you watch out for?

Answer 8

Pedestrians, especially where they may be hidden or approaching a crossing.

Cyclists - always pass slowly and leave plenty of room.

Motorcyclists, who may be obscured by your windscreen pillar.

Question 9

However well prepared you are, you still may need to stop quickly in an emergency. What’s the best way to keep control?

Answer 9

Keep both hands on the wheel as you brake to keep control of your vehicle.

Question 10

Why should you always plan your journey?

Answer 10

So you know what route you need to take.

So you have regular rest stops.

Question 11

You’ll not bee able to concentrate properly if you’re tired. It’s easy to feel sleepy on a motorway, so….

Answer 11

Don’t drive continuously for more than two hours

Ensure you have a supply of fresh air

If you feel tired, leave at the next exit. Find a safe place to stop and have a short nap

Question 12

In what ways can you be distracted in a car?

Answer 12

Arguing/joking around

Loud music

Objects hanging in the car

Starting/adjusting any music or radio

Looking at a map

Talking into a microphone

Question 13

Should you use a mobile phone while driving, and why?

Answer 13

No, it’s illegal. It also drastically increases the chance of being involved in a collision. Switch your phone off or put it on voicemail.

Question 14

If you have a navigation system, where should you stop?

Answer 14

In a safe place before programming the system.

Question 15

If you lose your way on a busy road, what should you do?

Answer 15

Turn into a side road as soon as possible and stop and check a map.

Question 16

I’ve seen yellow lines painted at intervals across the road. What do they mean?

Answer 16

These encourage drivers to reduce their speed. They may be red. You often see them on the approach to a hazard (like a roundabout) or reduced speed limit.