Rules for drivers and motorcyclists

Question 1

What are the rules about vehicle condition?

Answer 1

You MUST ensure your vehicle and trailer comply with the full requirements of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations and Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations

Question 2

What MUST you do when deciding whether you are fit to drive?

Answer 2

You MUST report to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) any health condition likely to affect your driving

Question 3

What 5 things should you do to minimise risk of collision when tired?

Answer 3

Make sure you are fit to drive. Don’t begin a journey if you are tired. Get a good night’s sleep before embarking on a long journey

Avoid undertaking long journeys between midnight and 6 am, when natural alertness is at a minimum

Plan your journey to take sufficient breaks. A minimum break of at least 15 mins after every 2 hours of driving is recommended

If you feel at all sleepy, stop in a safe place. Don’t stop on the hard shoulder of a motorway

The most effective ways to counter sleepiness are to drink, for example, 2 cups of caffeinated coffee and to take a short nap (at least 15 minutes)

Question 4

What are the 3 rules about vision?

Answer 4

You MUST be able to read a vehicle number plate, in good daylight, from a distance of 20 metres (or 20.5 metres where the old style number plate is used) If you need to wear glasses (or contact lenses) to do this, you MUST wear them at all times while driving. The police have the power to require a driver to undertake an eyesight test

Slow down, and if necessary stop, if you are dazzled by bright sunlight

At night or in poor visibility, do not use tinted glasses, lenses or visors if they restrict your vision

Question 5

What MUSN’T do with alcohol?

Answer 5

Do not drink and drive as it will seriously affect your judgement and abilities

You MUST NOT drive with a breath alcohol level higher than 35 micrograms/100 millilitres

Or a blood alcohol level of more than 80 milligrammes/ 100 millilitres of blood

Question 6

What can alcohol do to your driving skills?

Answer 6

Alcohol will:

Give a false sense of confidence

Reduce co-ordination and slow down reactions

Affect judgement of speed, distance and risk

Reduce your driving ability, even if you’re below the legal limit

Take time to leave your body; you may be unfit to drive in the evening after drinking at lunchtime, or in the morning after drinking the previous evening

Question 7

What is the best thing to do in regards to alcohol?

Answer 7

The best solution is not to drink at all when planning to drive because any amount of alcohol affects your ability to drive safely. If you are going to drink, arrange another means of transport

Question 8

What else mustn’t you drive under the influence of?

Answer 8

You MUST NOT drive under the influence of drugs or medicine. Check the instructions or ask your doctor or pharmacist. using illegal drugs is highly dangerous. Never take them if you intend to drive; the effects are unpredictable, but can be even more severe than alcohol and may result in fatal or serious road crashes

Question 9

What 8 things should you do before setting off?

Answer 9

Before setting off you should ensure that:

You have planned your route and allowed sufficient time

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

You know where all the controls are and how to use them before you need them. Not all vehicles are the same; do not wait until it is too late to find out

Your mirrors and seat are adjusted correctly to ensure comfort, full control and maximum vision

Head restraints are properly adjusted to reduce the risk of neck and spine injuries in the event of a collision

You have sufficient fuel before commencing your journey, especially if it includes motorway driving. It can be dangerous to lose power when driving in traffic

Ensure your vehicle is legal and roadworthy

Switch off your mobile phone

Question 10

What are the 6 rules about vehicle towing and loading?

Answer 10

As a driver:

You MUST NOT tow more than your licence permits. If you passed a car test after 1st January 1997 you are restricted on the weight of trailer you can tow

You MUST NOT overload your vehicle or trailer. You should not trow a weight greater than that recommended by the manufacturer of your vehicle

You MUST secure your load and it MUST NOT stick out dangerously. Make sure any heavy or sharp objects and any animals are secured safely. If there is a collision, they might hit someone inside the vehicle and cause serious injury

You should properly distribute the weight in your caravan or trailer with heavy items mainly over the axle(s) and ensure a downward load on the tow ball. Manufacturers recommend weight and tow ball load should not be exceeded. This should avoid the possibility of swerving or snaking and going out of control. If this does happen, ease off the accelerator and reduce speed gently to regain control

Carrying a load or pulling a trailer may require you to adjust the headlights

In the event of a breakdown, be aware that towing a vehicle on a tow rope is potentially dangerous. You should consider professional recovery

Question 11

What are the rules about seat belts and child restraints?

Answer 11

You MUST wear a seat belt in cars, vans and other goods vehicles if one is fitted.

Adults, and children aged 14 years and over, MUST use a seat belt or child restraint, where fitted, when seated in minibuses, buses and coaches

Exemptions are allowed for the holders of medical; exemption certificates and those making deliveries or collections in goods vehicles when travelling less than 50 metres (approx 162 feet)

Question 12

What are the seatbelt regulations for the driver?

Answer 12

Seat belt MUST be worn if fitted

Driver is responsible

Question 13

What are the seat belt regulations for children under 3 years of age?

Answer 13

Front seat: Correct child restraint MUST be used

Rear seat: Correct child restraint mUST be used. If one is not available in a taxi, may travel unrestrained

Driver is responsible

Question 14

What are the seat belt requirements for children from 3rd birthday up to 1.35 metres (approx 4ft 5 inches) in height (or 12th birthday, whichever they reach first)

Answer 14

Front seat: Correct child restraint MUST be used

Rear seat: Correct child restraint MUST be used where seat belts fitted. MUST use adult belt if correct child restraint is not available in a licensed taxi or private hire vehicle, or for reasons of unexpected necessity over a short distance, or if 2 occupied restraints prevent fitment of a third

Driver is responsible

Question 15

What are the seat belt requirements for children over 1.35 metres (approx 4ft 5 inches) in height or 12 or 13 years?

Answer 15

Front seat: Adult seat belt mUST be worn if available

Rear seat: Adult seat belt MUST be worn if available

Driver is responsible

Question 16

What are the seat belt requirements for adult passengers aged 14 and over?

Answer 16

Front seat: Seat belt MUST be worn if available

Rear seat: Seat belt MUST be worn if available

Passender is responsible

Question 17

What must the driver ensure?

Answer 17

The driver MUST ensure that all children under 14 years of age in cars, vanes and other goods vehicles wear seat belts or sit an approved child restraint where required

If a child is under 1.35 metres (approx 4ft 5 inches) tall, a baby seat, child seat, booster seat or booster cushion MUST be used suitable for the child’s weight and fitted to the manufacturers instructions

Question 18

What must you not do with baby seats?

Answer 18

A rear facing baby seat MUST NOT be fitted into a seat protected by an active frontal airbag, as in a crash it cab cause serious injury or death to the child

Question 19

What are the rules for children in cars, vans and other good vehicles?

Answer 19

Drivers who are carrying children in cars, vans and other good vehicles should also ensure that:

Children should get into the vehicle through the door nearest the kerb

Child restraints are properly fitted to manufacturers instructions

Children do not sit behind the rear seats in an estate car or hatchback, unless a special seat has been fitted

The child safety door locks, where fitted, are used when children are in the vehicle

Children are kept under control

Question 20

What MUST you do if you have a provisional motorcycle license?

Answer 20

If you have a provisional motorcycle licence, you MUST satisfactorily complete a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course. You can then ride a motorcycle up to 125 cc with a power output not exceeding 11 kW on the public road, with L plates (in Wales either D plates, L plates or both can be used), for up to two years.

Question 21

What motorcycle are you allowed to practice on?

Answer 21

Under direct access you can practise on a motorcycle that exceeds 125 cc provided that
● you meet the minimum age for the category concerned
● you’re accompanied at all times by a qualified approved
trainer, who is on another motorcycle and in radio contact
with you
● fluorescent or reflective safety clothing is worn during
supervision
● red L plates (D plates in Wales) are fitted and provisional
licence restrictions followed.
To obtain your full motorcycle licence you MUST pass a motorcycle theory test and then a practical test.

Question 22

What is an A1 motorcycle license?

Answer 22

A1 motorcycle licence: At age 17 or over, you take a test on a motorcycle without sidecar of between 120 and 125 cc. If you pass you may ride a motorcycle up to 125 cc with power output up to 11 kW, or a motor tricycle with power not exceeding 15 kW.

Question 23

Whats an A2 motorcycle license?

Answer 23

A2 motorcycle licence: At age 19 or over, you take a test on a motorcycle without sidecar of at least 395 cc with a power output of at least 25 kW but not exceeding 35 kW. If you pass, you may ride any motorcycle not exceeding 35 kW and with a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.2 kW/kg.

Question 24

Whats a Full A motorcycle license?

Answer 24

Full A motorcycle licence: Test taken on a motorcycle without sidecar, of at least 595 cc and an engine power of at least 40 kW This gives you full access to all motorcycles and motor tricycles. You obtain a category A licence by taking progressive access from age 21, or under the direct access scheme from age 24.

Question 25

What a Category A test under progressive access?

Answer 25

Category A under progressive access: You can take a category A practical test at age 21 if you already have an A2 licence that you’ve held for a minimum of two years. You don’t need to take another theory test or hold a CBT certificate.

Question 26

Whats a Category A test under direct access?

Answer 26

Category A under direct access: This is for riders aged 24 or over. To obtain a category A licence you must
● successfully complete a CBT course
● pass the motorcycle theory test
● pass the practical motorcycle test.
Passing the practical test on a motorcycle of at least 40 kW (53.6bhp) gives immediate access to all sizes of motorcycle.
You MUST NOT carry a pillion passenger or pull a trailer until you have passed your test. Also see Rule 253 covering vehicles prohibited from motorways.

Question 27

What are the regulations for a moped?

Answer 27

A moped MUST have an engine capacity not exceeding 50 cc, not weigh more than 250kg and be designed to have a maximum speed not exceeding 28mph (45 km/h).

Before June 2003 a licence allowed the riding of mopeds up to 50km/h.

Question 28

What are the rules for being allowed to ride a moped?

Answer 28

To ride a moped, learners MUST
● be 16 or over
● have a provisional moped licence
● complete CBT training.
You MUST first pass the theory test for motorcycles and then the moped practical test to obtain your full moped licence. If you passed your car driving test before 1 February 2001 you are qualified to ride a moped without L plates (and/or D plates in Wales), although it is recommended that you complete CBT before riding on the road. If you passed your car driving test after this date you MUST complete CBT before riding a moped on the road.

Question 29

What must you have for the vehicle you are driving?

Answer 29

You MUST have a valid driving licence for the category of motor vehicle you are driving. You MUST inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if you change your name and/or address.

Question 30

What are holders of non-European Community licences allowed to do?

Answer 30

Holders of non­-European Community licences who are now resident in the UK may only drive on that licence for a maximum of 12 months from the date they become resident in this country. To ensure continuous driving entitlement
● a British provisional licence should be obtained and a driving test(s) passed before the 12­month period elapses, or
● in the case of a driver who holds a licence from a country which has been designated in law for licence exchange purposes, the driver should exchange the licence for a British one.

Question 31

What are the regulations for an MOT?

Answer 31

MOT. Cars and motorcycles MUST normally pass an MOT test three years from the date of the first registration and every year after that.

You MUST NOT drive a motor vehicle without an MOT certificate when it should have one. Exceptionally, you may drive to a pre­arranged test appointment or to a garage for repairs required for the test.

Driving an unroadworthy motor vehicle may invalidate your insurance. From November 2012, motor vehicles manufactured before 1960 will be exempted from an MOT requirement, although they can still be submitted for a test voluntarily. Owners are still legally required to ensure their vehicle is safe and roadworthy.

Question 32

To use a motor vehicle on the road, what MUST you have?

Answer 32

To use a motor vehicle on the road, you MUST have a valid insurance policy. This MUST at least cover you for injury or damage to a third party while using that motor vehicle. Before driving any motor vehicle, make sure that it has this cover for your use or that your own insurance provides adequate cover. You MUST NOT drive a motor vehicle without insurance. Also, be aware that even if a road traffic incident is not your fault, you may still be held liable by insurance companies.

Question 33

How are uninsured drivers detected?

Answer 33

Uninsured drivers can now be automatically detected by roadside cameras. Further to the penalties for uninsured driving listed on page 126, an offender’s vehicle can now be seized by the Police, taken away and crushed.

Question 34

What is Third Party Insurance?

Answer 34

Third ­Party insurance ­- this is often the cheapest form of insurance, and is the minimum cover required by law. It covers anyone you might injure or whose property you might damage. It does not cover damage to your own motor vehicle or injury to yourself.

Question 35

What is Third Party, Fire and Theft Insurance?

Answer 35

Third­Party, Fire and Theft insurance ­- similar to third­party, but also covers you against your motor vehicle being stolen, or damaged by fire.

Question 36

What is Comprehensive Insurance?

Answer 36

Comprehensive insurance -­ this is the most expensive but the best insurance. Apart from covering other persons and property against injury or damage, it also covers damage to your own motor vehicle, up to the market value of that vehicle, and personal injury to yourself.

Question 37

What are Registration Certificates?

Answer 37

Registration certificates (also called harmonised registration certificates) are issued for all motor vehicles used on the road, describing them (make, model, etc) and giving details of the registered keeper.

You MUST notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency in Swansea as soon as possible when you buy or sell a motor vehicle, or if you change your name or address.

For registration certificates issued after 27 March 1997, the buyer and seller are responsible for completing the registration certificates. The seller is responsible for forwarding them to DVLA. The procedures are explained on the back of the registration certificates.

Question 38

What are the regulations for Vehicle Excise Duty (VED)?

Answer 38

Vehicle Excise Duty (VED).

All motor vehicles used or kept on public roads MUST display a valid Vehicle Excise Duty disc (tax disc) displayed at all times. Even motor vehicles exempt from duty MUST display a tax disc at all times.

Question 39

What is Statutory Off Road Notification?

Answer 39

Statutory Off­ Road Notification (SORN). This is a notification to the DVLA that a motor vehicle is not being used on the road.

If you are the vehicle keeper and want to keep a motor vehicle untaxed and off the public road you MUST declare SORN ­ it is an offence not to do so. You then won’t have to pay any road tax for that vehicle for a period of 12 months. You need to send a further declaration after that period if the vehicle is still off the public road.

The SORN will end if you sell the vehicle and the new owner will become immediately responsible. If your vehicle is unused or off the road, it MUST have either a SORN declaration or valid insurance.

Question 40

What are the regulations for Production of Documents?

Answer 40

Production of documents. You MUST be able to produce your driving licence and counterpart, a valid insurance certificate and (if appropriate) a valid MOT certificate, when requested by a police officer. If you cannot do this you may be asked to take them to a police station within seven days.

Question 41

What documents MUST learners have?

Answer 41

Learners driving a car MUST hold a valid provisional licence. They MUST be supervised by someone at least 21 years old who holds a full licence for that type of car (automatic or manual) and has held one for at least three years.

Question 42

What are the regulations for a vehicle driven by a learner?

Answer 42

Vehicles. Any vehicle driven by a learner MUST display red L plates. In Wales, either red D plates, red L plates, or both, can be used. Plates MUST conform to legal specifications and MUST be clearly visible to others from in front of the vehicle and from behind. Plates should be removed or covered when not being driven by a learner (except on driving school vehicles).

Question 43

What must you pass if you wish to drive unaccompanied?

Answer 43

You MUST pass the theory test (if one is required) and then a practical driving test for the category of vehicle you wish to drive before driving unaccompanied.