Alertness, attitude & safety

Question 1

What to check before overtaking?

Answer 1

1. clear view of road ahead

2. enough time to carry out manoeuvre safely

Question 2

How often should you take a break on the motorway?

Answer 2

At least every 2 hours

Question 3

What are some exmaples of distractions when driving?

Answer 3

1. objects hanging in the car
2. starting or adjusting any music or radio
3. looking at a map
4. talking into a microphone

Question 4

What do yellow lines painted across a road at intervals represent?

Answer 4

reduce speed

seen as you approach a hazard or speed change sign

Question 5

What is a blind spot?

Answer 5

Areas that are hidden from the driver, either by the car’s bodywork or areas not covered by the mirrors.

Question 6

How much of a gap should you leave between you and the vehicle in front (in seconds)?

Answer 6

Good, dry conditions –> 2-second gap
Wet weather –> 4-second gap
Icy weather –> 20-second gap

Question 7

What is tailgating?

Answer 7

Driving too close to the vehicle in front.

Question 8

When is it appropriate to sound the horn?

Answer 8

If there’s danger and if you need to let others know you’re there

Question 9

Which break should you use in a queue at night?

Answer 9

Handbrake as footbrake can dazzle driver behind you

Question 10

Which emergency services use a blue flashing light?

Answer 10

fire
police
ambulance
coastguard
bomb disposal 
mountain rescue
blood transfusion

Question 11

Who uses a green flashing light?

Answer 11

Doctors on an emergency call

Question 12

What are the different types of crossings?

Answer 12

Zebra - pedestrians get priority
Pelican - pedestrian controlled, flashing amber light
Puffin - electronically controlled, sensors to ensure lights don’t change until pedestrian has safely crossed. Steady amber light.
Toucan - cyclists can cross at same time as pedestrians

Question 13

What’s the diamond shaped sign with a number (30) in it?

Answer 13

Speed sign for trams

Question 14

When is it appropriate to flash your lights?

Answer 14

Only to show other road users that you’re there.

Question 15

Why is diesel fuel particularly dangerous spilt?

Answer 15

It’s slippery.

Question 16

What parts of your car should you check on a regular basis?

Answer 16

1. lights, brakes, steering, exhaust system, seat belts, horn, speedometer, wipers, washers
2. oil and water levels
3. brake fluid
4. battery level - may need topping up with distilled water to just above the cel plates
5. windscreen
6. tyre pressures - check once a week when they’re cold
7. tyre condition - tread

Question 17

What effects do under-inflated tyres have?

Answer 17

steering will feel heavy
increased fuel consumption
braking

Question 18

What must the tyre tread be?

Answer 18

at least 1.6 mm deep across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire circumference

it’s illegal to drive with tyres that have deep cuts in the side walls

Question 19

What can cause uneven wear on the tyres?

Answer 19

Faults in:

• braking system
• suspension
• wheel alignment

Question 20

What happens if the wheels are unbalanced?

Answer 20

Steering can vibrate

Question 21

When should the ABS warning light go out?

Answer 21

When driving at 5-10 mph (8-16 km/h)

Question 22

How do you check the condition of the shock absorbers?

Answer 22

Bounce the vehicle by pressing down hard on each corner. Should not bounce a lot on letting go.

Question 23

When must you consult a garage asap?

Answer 23

steering wheel vibrates

vehicle pulls to one side when you brake

Question 24

Children under what age must wear a suitable restraint?

Answer 24

14

Question 25

When to use dipped lights?

Answer 25

poor visibility

Question 26

When to use fog lights?

Answer 26

thick fog

Question 27

Which direction should you park your car in on a two-way road at night?

Answer 27

in the direction of the traffic

Question 28

Over what speed limit should you have your parking lights on when parking?

Answer 28

30 mph

Question 29

When can you use your hazard lights?

Answer 29

• when you’ve broken down

- to warn of queuing traffic on a motorway or dual carriageway

Question 30

What additional measures can you take to avoid robbery?

Answer 30

1. fit an anti-theft alarm or mobiliser
2. use a visible security device such as a steering wheel or handbrake lock
3. have the vehicle registration number etched on the windows
4. install a security-coded radio
5. join a vehicle watch scheem in your area

Question 31

Where must you avoid parking?

Answer 31

1. in front of property entrance
2. at or near a bus stop
3. near the brow of a hill
4. lowered kerb for wheelchair access
5. on a bend or opposite a side road

Question 32

What % of emissions does road transport account for?

Answer 32

20%

Question 33

When does your car need to pass an emissions test as part of its MOT?

Answer 33

if more than 3 years old (4 in NI)

Question 34

When should you avoid using your horn?

Answer 34

In built up areas between 11.30 pm and 7 am

Question 35

What is dry steering?

Answer 35

When you turn the steering wheel whilst the car is not moving - wears out the tyres and steering mechanism

Question 36

Name 3 traffic-calming measures.

Answer 36

1. road humps
2. road narrowings
3. chicanes

Question 37

What do red lines on the side of the road mean?

Answer 37

Cannot stop

Question 38

What is brake fade?

Answer 38

Brake becomes less effective due to overheating