General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders Flashcards
What should always do with signals?
You should always:
Giver clear signals in plenty of time, having checked it is not misleading to signal at that time
Use them to advise other road users before changing course of direction, stopping or moving off
Cancel them after use
Make sure your signals will not confuse others. If, for instance, you want to stop after a side road, do not signal until you are passing the road. If you signal earlier it may give the impression that you intend to turn into the road. Your brake lights will warn traffic behind you that you are slowing down
Use an arm signal to emphasise or reinforce your signal if necessary. Remember that signalling does not give you priority.
What should you also do with signals?
You should also:
Watch out for signals given by other road users and proceed only when you are satisfied that it is safe
Be aware that an indicator on another vehicle may not have been cancelled.
Who MUST you obey signals from?
You MUST obey signals given by police officers, traffic officers, traffic wardens and signs used by school crossing patrols.
What are the rules for police stopping procedures?
If the police want to stop your vehicle they will, where possible, attract your attention by:
Flashing blue lights, headlights or sounding their siren or horn, usually from behind
Directing you to pull over to the side by pointing and/or using the left indicator.
You MUST then pull over and stop as soon as it is safe to do so. Then switch off your engine.
What powers do Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency Officers have?
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency Officers have powers to stop vehicles on all roads, including motorways and trunk roads, in England and Wales. They will attract your attention by flashing amber lights
Either from the front requesting you to follow them to a safe place to stop
Or from behind directing you to pull over to the side by pointing and/or using the left indicator.
It is an offence not to comply with their directions. You MUST obey any signals given
What powers do Highway Agency Traffic Officers have?
Highways Agency Traffic Officers have powers to stop vehicles on most motorways and some ‘A’ class roads, in England only. If HA traffic officers in uniform want to stop your vehicle on safety grounds (e.g. an insecure load) they will, where possible, attract your attention by
Flashing amber lights, usually from behind
Directing you to pull over to the side by pointing and/or
using the left indicator.
You MUST then pull over and stop as soon as it is safe to do so. Then switch off your engine. It is an offence not to comply with their directions.
What should you do with Traffic light signals and traffic signs?
You MUST obey all traffic light signals (download ‘Light signals controlling traffic’) and traffic signs giving orders, including temporary signals & signs (download ‘Traffic signs’). Make sure you know, understand and act on all other traffic and information signs and road markings
What are the regulations for flashing headlights?
Flashing headlights. Only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there. Do not flash your headlights to convey any other message or intimidate other road users.
Never assume that flashing headlights is a signal inviting you to proceed. Use your own judgement and proceed carefully.
What are the regulations for using your horn?
The horn. Use only while your vehicle is moving and you need to warn other road users of your presence. Never sound your horn aggressively. You MUST NOT use your horn
● while stationary on the road
● when driving in a builtup area between the hours of 11.30 pm and 7.00 am except when another road user poses a danger.
What are the MUST regulations for lights?
You MUST
● ensure all sidelights and rear registration plate lights are lit
between sunset and sunrise
● use headlights at night, except on a road which has lit street
lighting. These roads are generally restricted to a speed limit
of 30 mph (48 km/h) unless otherwise specified
● use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced
How is daylight and night defined?
Night (the hours of darkness) is defined as the period between half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise).
What are the MUST NOT regulations for lights?
You MUST NOT
● use any lights in a way which would dazzle or cause
discomfort to other road users, including pedestrians,
cyclists and horse riders
● use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously
reduced. You MUST switch them off when visibility improves to avoid dazzling other road users
In stationary queues of traffic, drivers should apply the parking brake and, once the following traffic has stopped, take their foot off the footbrake to deactivate the vehicle brake lights. This will minimise glare to road users behind until the traffic moves again.
What should you also do with your lights?
You should also
● use dipped headlights, or dimdip if fitted, at night in
builtup areas and in dull daytime weather, to ensure that
you can be seen
● keep your headlights dipped when overtaking until you are level with the other vehicle and then change to main beam if necessary, unless this would dazzle oncoming road users
● slow down, and if necessary stop, if you are dazzled by
oncoming headlights
What are the regulations for hazard warning lights?
Hazard warning lights. These may be used when your vehicle is stationary, to warn that it is temporarily obstructing traffic.
Never use them as an excuse for dangerous or illegal parking.
You MUST NOT use hazard warning lights while driving or being towed unless you are on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway and you need to warn drivers behind you of a hazard or obstruction ahead. Only use them for long enough to ensure that your warning has been observed.
What are the rules for breaking in normal circumstances?
In normal circumstances. The safest way to brake is to do so early and lightly. Brake more firmly as you begin to stop. Ease the pressure off just before the vehicle comes to rest to avoid a jerky stop.
What are the rules for breaking in an emergency?
In an emergency. Brake immediately. Try to avoid braking so harshly that you lock your wheels. Locked wheels can lead to loss of control.
What are the rules on how to handle skidding?
Skids. Skidding is usually caused by the driver braking, accelerating or steering too harshly or driving too fast for the road conditions.
If skidding occurs, remove the cause by releasing the brake pedal fully or easing off the accelerator. Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid. For example, if the rear of the vehicle skids to the right, steer immediately to the right to recover.
What are the rules regarding ABS (Anti-lock steering)?
If your vehicle is fitted with antilock brakes, you should follow the advice given in the vehicle handbook. However, in the case of an emergency, apply the footbrake firmly; do not release the pressure until the vehicle has slowed to the desired speed. The ABS should ensure that steering control will be retained, but do not assume that a vehicle with ABS will stop in a shorter distance.
What are the rules for breaks affected by water?
If you have driven through deep water your brakes may be less effective. Test them at the first safe opportunity by pushing gently on the brake pedal to make sure that they work. If they are not fully effective, gently apply light pressure while driving slowly. This will help to dry them out.
What are the rules about coasting?
This term describes a vehicle travelling in neutral or with the clutch pressed down. It can reduce driver control because
● engine braking is eliminated
● vehicle speed downhill will increase quickly
● increased use of the footbrake can reduce its effectiveness
● steering response will be affected, particularly on bends and
corners
● it may be more difficult to select the appropriate gear when needed.
What MUSTN’T you do with a parked vehicle?
You MUST NOT leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running or leave a vehicle engine running unnecessarily while that vehicle is stationary on a public road. Generally, if the vehicle is stationary and is likely to remain so for more than a couple of minutes, you should apply the parking brake and switch off the engine to reduce emissions and noise pollution. However it is permissible to leave the engine running if the vehicle is stationary in traffic or for diagnosing faults.
What MUSTN’t you do with speed limits?
The speed limit is the absolute maximum and does not mean it is safe to drive at that speed irrespective of conditions. Driving at speeds too fast for the road and traffic conditions is dangerous. You should always reduce your speed when
● the road layout or condition presents hazards, such as bends
● sharing the road with pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders,
particularly children, and motorcyclists
● weather conditions make it safer to do so
● driving at night as it is more difficult to see other road users.
What are the different speed limits for cars and motorcycles (including car derived vans up to 2 tonnes maximum laden weight)
Built up areas: 30mph (48 km/h) (the 30 mph limit usually applies to all traffic on all roads with street lighting unless signs show otherwise.)
Single carriageways: 60 mph (96km/h)
Dual carriageways: 70 mph (112 km/h)
Motorways: 70 mph (112 km/h)
What are the different speed limits for cars towing caravans or trailers (including car derived vans or motorcycles)
Built up areas: 30mph (48km/h)
Single carriageways: 50mph (80kmh)
Dual carriageways: 60 mph (96km/h)
Motorways: 60mph (96km/h)
What are the different speed limits for buses, coaches and minibuses (not exceeding 12 metres (39 ft) in overall length?
Built up areas: 30 mph (48km/h)
Single carriageways: 50 mph (80km/h)
Dual carriageways: 60 mph (96km/h)
Motorways: 70 mph (112 km/h)