Highway code: drivers and motorcyclists

Question 1

Rule for vehicle condition

Answer 1

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

Question 2

If you have any health condition that may affect your fitness to drive

Answer 2

Must report it to the DVLA

90

Question 3

How to ensure you are fit to drive with regard to tiredness

Answer 3

• Do not begin a journey if you are tired.
• Get a good night’s sleep before embarking on a long journey
  91

Question 4

At what times should you avoid driving and why?

Answer 4

Long journeys between midnight and 6am

• natural alertness is at a minimum
• reduce risk due to tiredness

Question 5

What should you make sure to do for long journeys to reduce risk of tiredness?

Answer 5

Plan journey for sufficient breaks

- recommended minimum of ≥15mins every 2 hours

Question 6

What if you feel sleepy when driving?

Answer 6

Find a safe place to stop

- do not stop on the hard shoulder of a motorway

Question 7

Most effective ways to counter sleepiness

Answer 7

• drink eg 2 cups of caffeinated coffee

- take a short nap at least 15 mins

Question 8

Requirements of your vision to be fit to drive

Answer 8

• 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

Question 9

What if you are dazzled by bright sunlight

Answer 9

Slow down
- if necessary, stop
93

Question 10

In night or poor visibility, how do you make sure you are fit to drive/

Answer 10

don’t use tinted glasses, lenses or visors if they restrict your vision

Question 11

Alcohol level restrictions for England and Wales

Answer 11

≤35µg/100ml breath
and
≤80mg/100ml blood

Question 12

Alcohol level restrictions for Scotland

Answer 12

≤22µg/100ml breath

and ≤50mg/100ml blood

Question 13

Best way to avoid risk of alcohol when driving (and why)

Answer 13

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

Question 14

consideration when drinking alcohol and planning to drive

Answer 14

• takes time to leave body
• may not be able to drive in evening after lunch or morning after evening
  95

Question 15

How to determine if you should drive after having medicine

Answer 15

Check with doctor or pharmacist and do not drive if you are advised that you may be impaired
- certain medicines have specified limits

Question 16

Before setting off

- plan

Answer 16

must have planned your route and allowed sufficient time

Question 17

Before setting off

- clothing

Answer 17

Clothing and footwear must not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner

Question 18

Before setting off

- car and driver config

Answer 18

• 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

Question 19

Before setting off

- state of car requirements

Answer 19

• Sufficient fuel before journey
• -> especially if motorway driving
• ensure vehicle is legal and roadworthy

Question 20

Who is responsible for people wearing seatbelts?

Answer 20

Driver for all

except those aged 14+

Question 21

Seatbelt requirements for age under 3

Answer 21

if child restraint not available in taxi, may travel unrestrained

Question 22

Seatbelt requirements for age 3 to first of 1.35m or 12th birthday

Answer 22

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

Question 23

When must child restraints be used?

Answer 23

from age 3

to first of 1.35m height or 12th birthday

Question 24

consideration when fitting a baby seat

Answer 24

do not fit it rear-facing to a seat protected by a frontal airbag

Question 25

Driver responsibilities for children

Answer 25

• 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