Safety margins

Question 1

How should you use anti-lock brakes when you need to stop in an emergency?

Answer 1

Brake promptly and firmly until you’ve stopped

Question 2

You’re driving on an open road in dry weather. What distance should you keep from the vehicle in front?

Answer 2

a two-second time gap

Question 3

What’s the main benefit of driving a four-wheel-drive vehicle?

Answer 3

improve grip on the road

Question 4

Travelling for long distances in neutral (known as coasting) (with the clutch pedal pressed down)

Answer 4

reduction in control

Question 5

How can you tell when you are driving over black ice? (ice, black ice and

Answer 5

• tyres make little noise
• the steering becomes light.

Question 6

You are on a wet motorway with surface spray. You should use

Answer 6

use dipped headlights

Question 7

You have driven though a flood. What is the first thing you should do?

Answer 7

Test your brakes

go slowly while gently applying the brakes, as this will help to dry them.

Question 8

driving in fog circumstances

Answer 8

use dipped headlights

Question 9

Your overall stopping distance will be much longer when driving

Answer 9

in the rain

Question 10

You are driving in heavy rain. Your steering suddenly becomes very light. You should

Answer 10

ease off the accelerator

Question 11

Anti-lock brakes may not work as effectively if the road surface is

Answer 11

loose or wet.

Question 12

You are on a long, downhill slope. What should you do to help control the speed of your vehicle?

Answer 12

select a low gear,

as this makes use of the engine brake, and use the brakes carefully.

Question 13

The main benefit of having four-wheel drive is to improve

Answer 13

road holding

Question 14

You are trying to move off on snow. You should use

Answer 14

the highest gear you can

as this helps avoid wheel spin.

Question 15

You are following a vehicle at a safe distance on a wet road. Another driver overtakes you and pulls into the gap you have left. What should you do?

Answer 15

Drop back to regain a safe distance

Question 16

What is the most common cause of skidding?

Answer 16

driver error,

driving too fast for the road conditions.

Question 17

You are travelling at 50mph on a good, dry road. What is your typical overall stopping distance?

Answer 17

53m

Question 18

on a good, dry road
(thinking distance - stopping distance = overall stopping distance)

20mph = 6m - 6m = 12m
30mph = 9m - 14m = 23m
40mph = 12m - 24m = 36m

Answer 18

50mph = 15m - 38m = 53m
60mph = 18m - 55m = 73m
70mph = 21m - 75m = 96m

Question 19

You are overtaking a motorcyclist in strong winds. What should you do?

Answer 19

Allow extra room

Question 20

You have just gone through deep water. To dry off the brakes you should

Answer 20

go slowly while gently applying the brakes

Question 21

In windy conditions you need to take extra care when

Answer 21

passing pedal cyclists

cyclists and motorcyclists. Always allow them extra room.

Question 22

When approaching a right-hand bend you should keep well to the left. Why is this?

Answer 22

To improve your view of the road

Question 23

In heavy motorway traffic the vehicle behind you is following too closely. How can you lower the risk of collision?

Answer 23

Increase your distance from the vehicle in front

Question 24

Overall stopping distance is made up of thinking and braking distance. You are on a good, dry road surface with good brakes and tyres. What is the typical braking distance from 50 mph?

Answer 24

38m

Question 25

In very hot weather the road surface can become soft. Which two of the following will be most affected?

Answer 25

• tyre grip
• braking system

Question 26

you are travelling at 50 mph on a good, dry road. What is your typical overall stopping distance?

Answer 26

53m

Question 27

To avoid a collision when entering a contraflow system, you should

Answer 27

• Reduce speed in good time
• Choose an appropriate lane in good time
• Keep the correct separation distance

Question 28

how can you use your vehicle’s engine as a brake

Answer 28

by changing to a lower gear

Question 29

where is your vehicle most likely to be affected by side winds

Answer 29

on an open stretch of road

Question 30

what does it mean if the Electronic stability control (ESC) indicator light comes on briefly while driving

Answer 30

the ESC system has activated
the car is approaching its handling limits

Question 31

what should you do when you park a car facing downhill?

Answer 31

• turn the steering wheel towards the kerb
• use low gear

Question 32

what would suggest you are driving on a icy road?

Answer 32

there is less tyre noise

Question 33

how should you apply the footbrake when you need to stop in an emergency?

Answer 33

rapidly and firmly

properly and firmly until you have stopped

Question 34

what should you do when approaching a sharp bend in freezing conditions?

Answer 34

• slow down
• avoid sudden steering movements