Alertness

Question 1

Before carrying out any manoeuvre (moving off, stopping, turning, changing lanes), what three things should you do?

Answer 1

1. Use mirrors to assess how your actions will affect traffic behind you
2. Look around for final checks
3. Signal if necessary

Question 2

What should you do if you can’t see behind when reversing?

Answer 2

Ask a reliable person to guide you

Question 3

What should you do if you can’t see when emerging from a junction due to an obstructed view from parked cars?

Answer 3

Move forward until you can get a proper view

Question 4

Before you overtake you should ensure that…

Answer 4

1. You have a clear view of the road ahead (no bends or dips)
   You have enough to safely complete the manoeuvre

Question 5

What should you do to ensure other road users know you are there?

Answer 5

1. When it starts to get dark, turn on your lights

2. Consider using your horn when you can’t be seen e.g. near a bump or bridge

Question 6

When you look at road signs and markings you should…

Answer 6

1. Follow their advice

2. Slow down if necessary

Question 7

What should you do when turning right onto a dual carriageway?

Answer 7

Check that the central reservation is wide enough for your vehicle

Question 8

When following a large vehicle e.g. a lorry, what should you do and why?

Answer 8

You should stay well back - this will help the driver to see you in their mirrors. If you can’t see their mirrors, they can’t see you.
Staying back will also help you to see the road ahead clearly

Question 9

What other vulnerable road users should you look out for?

Answer 9

1. Pedestrians - especially when hidden or approaching a crossing
2. Cyclists
3. Motorcyclists

Question 10

What should you do when passing a cyclist?

Answer 10

Always pass them slowly and leave plenty of room

Question 11

What vulnerable road users could be hidden by your windscreen pillar?

Answer 11

Motorcyclists

Question 12

What should you do when approaching traffic lights that have been green for quite a while?

Answer 12

Be prepared to stop

Question 13

What should you do in an emergency, for example when driving on a wet road?

Answer 13

Keep both hands on the wheel as you brake so that in an emergency you can keep control of your vehicle

Question 14

Why should you always plan your journeys?

Answer 14

1. So that you know what route you need to take

2. So that you can have regular stops

Question 15

You can’t concentrate properly when you’re tired, especially on a motorway. To reduce the risk of this you should…

Answer 15

1. Do not drive continuously for more than 2 hours
2. Ensure you have a supply of fresh air
3. If you feel tired, leave at the next exit, find a safe place to stop and have a short nap

Question 16

What things can distract you inside a vehicle? Why do they distract you?

Answer 16

Arguing or joking with passengers
Hanging objects inside the car
Loud music
Reading a map
Speaking into a microphone
Starting/adjusting music/radio
These will affect your concentration, make it difficult to hear sounds outside the car or could cause you to not notice potential hazards

Question 17

If you take your eyes off the road for a second whilst travelling at 60mph, how far will you travel?

Answer 17

27 metres

Question 18

Mobile phone usage whilst driving is illegal. Using one makes you 4x more likely to have a collision. You should make sure you’re parked in a safe space before you…

Answer 18

• Receive any messages
• Make any calls
• Send or receive texts

Question 19

What should you do if you need to use your mobile phone and you’re on a motorway?

Answer 19

Leave the motorway, stop in a safe place before using your phone

Question 20

What should you do if you have and need to use a navigation system?

Answer 20

Stop in a safe place and program the system

Question 21

What should you do if you get lost on a busy road?

Answer 21

Turn into a side road asap and stop and check a map

Question 22

Is it ok to use a ‘hands free’ phone when driving?

Answer 22

Just because it’s hand safe doesn’t mean it won’t distract you. The person you’re talking to can’t see any hazards. Always find a place to stop before using any phone.

Question 23

What do yellow lines painted at intervals across the road mean? Also, where are they often seen?

Answer 23

Encourage drivers to reduce their speed
May be red
Often seen on the approach to a:
- Hazard
- Reduced speed limit

Question 24

What does the term ‘blind spot’ mean?

Answer 24

Areas that can’t be seen either when using normal forward vision or when using the mirrors