Safety Margins and Hazard Awareness

Question 1

When you’re travelling downhill, control your speed by…

Answer 1

Selecting a lower gear

Breaking gently

Question 2

What does it mean to ‘coast’ and why should you not do it?

Answer 2

To ‘coast’ is to travel in neutral with the clutch pressed down - don’t do it, because it reduces your control

Question 3

What is stopping distance?

Answer 3

It’s the distance your car travels from the moment you realise you must brake to the moment the vehicle stops

Question 4

What gap should you leave between your vehicle and the one infront?

Answer 4

2 second gap

Question 5

Stopping distance in rainy conditions

Answer 5

2 x dry, good condition

Question 6

Stopping distance when icy

Answer 6

10 x dry, good conditions

Question 7

When driving, what preparations should you make considering the weather conditions?

Answer 7

Consider whether your journey is really necessary.
Use the highest gear you can
Brake gently and in plenty of time
Be prepared to stop and clean snow from your windscreen by hand if the wipers can’t keep it clear

Question 8

What things should you consider for driving in fog?

Answer 8

Allow more time for your journey
Slow down
Increase the gap between your vehicle and the one in front of you
Use dipped headlights even in daylight - if the visibility falls below 100m, yes fog lights

Question 9

What should you do while aquaplaning>

Answer 9

Ease off the accelerator

Don’t break until your steering feels normal again

Question 10

What should you do after driving through deep water like a ford or a flood?

Answer 10

Test your brakes, and if necessary, dry them out by pressing lightly on the brake pedal as you go along.

Question 11

Why is hot weather dangerous for driving?

Answer 11

The road surface could become soft and your tyres might not grip so well, affecting your braking and steering.

Bright sunlight can dazzle (other drivers might not be able to see your indicators) so consider giving arm signals as well

Question 12

What should you do during high winds with high-sided vehicles/motorcyclists/cyclists?

Answer 12

Take care - allow them extra room and then check your left side as you pass them.

Question 13

How can you reduce the risk of skidding and wheel spin?

Answer 13

Driving at a low speed

In as high a gear as possible

Question 14

What’s a good way to not be taken by surprise for hazards on the road?

Answer 14

Scan the road ahead for clues such as road signs and markings
Slow down gradually before you reach the hazard, such as a bend
Avoid sudden steering movements

Question 15

What should you do if you start to skid?

Answer 15

Release the foot brake and reapply it gently

Steer smoothly in the direction of the skid - if the back of the car skids to the right, steer carefully to the right.

Question 16

The ABS (anti-lock braking system) reduces the risk of skidding if you have to brake in an emergency. Wheel speed sensors anticipate when a wheel is about to lock.

If you’re driving a vehicle with ABS….

Answer 16

Apply the foot brake rapidly and firmly

Don’t release the brake pedal until you’ve stopped

Question 17

Where may ABS be less effective for steering while braking?

Answer 17

Where there’s surface water

Where there’s a loose road surface

Question 18

What is the ESC?

Answer 18

Electronic stability control - it compromises the functions of ABS and traction control system, and aims to prevent a vehicle from skidding sideways.

It detects the risk of a skid at an early stage and provides selective braking intervention to restore the vehicle stability.

Question 19

What happens when a temporary contraflow is in operation?

Answer 19

You’ll be travelling close to ongoing traffic, sometimes in narrow lanes.

Question 20

What should you do when entering a contraflow system?

Answer 20

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

Question 21

Why should you keep well left before a right-hand bend?

Answer 21

It’ll improve your view of the road ahead and gives you an earlier indication of hazards.

Question 22

How can you park safely on a downhill slope?

Answer 22

Apply the parking brake firmly and turn the steering wheel towards the kerb.

Question 23

What are the benefits of a four-wheel-drive vehicle?

Answer 23

It has improved road holding. The extra grip helps when travelling on slippery or uneven roads.

Question 24

When should you not overtake?

Answer 24

Where your view ahead is blocked
When approaching a junction
If you’re intending to turn off the road shortly afterwards

Question 25

Why are there so many speed humps around?

Answer 25

They’re normally found in built-up areas to improve the safety of the area - slow down as you approach and drive over them.

Question 26

How should you respond to static hazards?

Answer 26

Take a mental note of their existence

Slow down and get ready to stop if necessary

Question 27

How should you treat traffic lights that are out of order?

Answer 27

Like an unmarked crossroad - proceed with caution

Question 28

What should you watch out for (parked cars)?

Answer 28

Watch out for:

Children dashing out from between the cars
Car doors opening
Cars moving away

Question 29

What should you do at junctions?

Answer 29

Pull forward slowly until you can see down the road.
You could see reflections of traffic in shop windows.
Don’t block them.

Question 30

What should you do when lanes are closed?

Answer 30

Be ready for cars cutting in front of you and keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
Take extra care on two-way roads that have a third lanes in the centre (both directions can use this for overtaking)

Question 31

What should you do if you’re driving on a motorway or a dual carriageway and you see a hazard ahead?

Answer 31

Briefly use your hazard warning lights to warn the traffic behind

Question 32

If your vehicle has broken down and is causing an obstructions, what should you do?

Answer 32

Use your hazard warning lights

Question 33

What should you consider for cyclists?

Answer 33

They may wobble or swerve to avoid drains or potholes
At junctions or traffic lights, give them time to turn or pull away
Before you turn left, check for cyclists filtering on your left

Question 34

What should you think about when you see a bus at a bus stop?

Answer 34

People may get off the bus and cross the road

The bus may be about to move off. School buses might stop at places other than bus stops.

Question 35

If you’ve been drinking alcohol, what could this cause while driving?

Answer 35

Reduces concentration, coordination and control
Gives a false sense of confidence
Reduces your judgement of speed
Slows down your reactions

Question 36

Eyesight rules while driving

Answer 36

If you can’t find your glasses if you need them to drive, don’t drive.
Don’t wear tinted glasses at night.
You MUST tell the licensing authority if your eyesight deteriorates or you suffer from an illness which may affect your driving

Question 37

How do I deal with inconsiderate drivers

Answer 37

Wait if necessary to allow the other driver to move out of the way.
If you feel upset, stop and take a break if you can.
Have good anticipation skills - it’ll help prevent these situations becoming more serious incidents.

Question 38

How do you prevent the car behind driving too closely?

Answer 38

Move over and let the car through if you can. If there’s no room and the driver behind seems to be ‘pushing’ you, increase your distance from the car in front. This will lessen the risk of a road traffic incident involving several vehicles.

Question 39

What do I do if a car is about to reverse out in front of me?

Answer 39

Reduce your speed and be prepared to stop (and horn if not between half 11pm and 7am, otherwise flash your headlights)

Question 40

What do I do if I take the wrong route and find myself in a one-way street

Answer 40

Don’t try to turn round. Continue to the end of the road and then find a safe place to turn around.