Highway code: drivers and motorcyclists Flashcards
Rule for vehicle condition
You must ensure that your vehicle and trailer meet the full requirements of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations and Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations
89
If you have any health condition that may affect your fitness to drive
Must report it to the DVLA
90
How to ensure you are fit to drive with regard to tiredness
- Do not begin a journey if you are tired.
- Get a good night’s sleep before embarking on a long journey
91
At what times should you avoid driving and why?
Long journeys between midnight and 6am
- natural alertness is at a minimum
- reduce risk due to tiredness
What should you make sure to do for long journeys to reduce risk of tiredness?
Plan journey for sufficient breaks
- recommended minimum of ≥15mins every 2 hours
What if you feel sleepy when driving?
Find a safe place to stop
- do not stop on the hard shoulder of a motorway
Most effective ways to counter sleepiness
- drink eg 2 cups of caffeinated coffee
- take a short nap at least 15 mins
Requirements of your vision to be fit to drive
- You must be able to read a number plate in good daylight from 20 metres
- Must wear glasses at all times if you need them
92
What if you are dazzled by bright sunlight
Slow down
- if necessary, stop
93
In night or poor visibility, how do you make sure you are fit to drive/
don’t use tinted glasses, lenses or visors if they restrict your vision
Alcohol level restrictions for England and Wales
≤35µg/100ml breath
and
≤80mg/100ml blood
Alcohol level restrictions for Scotland
≤22µg/100ml breath
and ≤50mg/100ml blood
Best way to avoid risk of alcohol when driving (and why)
don’t drink at all when planning to drive
- any amount of alcohol affects ability to drive safely
If you are going to drink, arrange another means of transport
95
consideration when drinking alcohol and planning to drive
- takes time to leave body
- may not be able to drive in evening after lunch or morning after evening
95
How to determine if you should drive after having medicine
Check with doctor or pharmacist and do not drive if you are advised that you may be impaired
- certain medicines have specified limits
Before setting off
- plan
must have planned your route and allowed sufficient time
Before setting off
- clothing
Clothing and footwear must not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner
Before setting off
- car and driver config
- be familiar with the controls of the car; know how to use them; not all vehicles equal
- correctly adjust mirrors and seat for comfort, full control and maximum vision
- head restraints properly adjusted to reduce risk of neck and spine injuries in collision
- switch off phone
Before setting off
- state of car requirements
- Sufficient fuel before journey
- -> especially if motorway driving
- ensure vehicle is legal and roadworthy
Who is responsible for people wearing seatbelts?
Driver for all
except those aged 14+
Seatbelt requirements for age under 3
if child restraint not available in taxi, may travel unrestrained
Seatbelt requirements for age 3 to first of 1.35m or 12th birthday
must use adult belt if either
- correct child restraint not available in licensed taxi or private hire vehicle
- reasons of unexpected necessity over short distance
- two occupied restraints prevent fitment of third
When must child restraints be used?
from age 3
to first of 1.35m height or 12th birthday
consideration when fitting a baby seat
do not fit it rear-facing to a seat protected by a frontal airbag
Driver responsibilities for children
- should enter by door nearest to kerb
- child restraints fitted to manufacturer’s instructions
- should not sit behind rear seats in estate or hatchback without a special child seat being fitted
- use child safety door locks if available
- keep under control
