Section 1: Alertness

Question 1

What are the things must you be aware that’s happening around you while you’re driving?

Answer 1

• Other road users
• Pedestrians
• Signs and road markings
• !Weather conditions
• The area you’re driving through

Question 2

What must you do as you drive on the roads?

Answer 2

Keep scanning road ahead and to the sides, assessing changing situations.

Question 3

What must you do as you drive on the roads?

Answer 3

Keep scanning road ahead and to the sides, assessing changing situations.

Question 4

What should you do before you move off in your car?

Answer 4

1) Use your mirrors to check how your actions will affect traffic behind you.
2) Look around for a final check, including checking the blind spots around your car.
3) Signal if necessary.

Question 5

What does a blind spot mean?

Answer 5

The area behind you that you’re unable to see in mirrors.

Question 6

What do you do when you’re unable to see behind you when reversing?

Answer 6

Ask someone to guide you to make sure that you reverse safely.

Question 7

What do you do when your view is blocked by parked cars when coming out of a junction?

Answer 7

Move forward slowly and carefully until you have a clear view.

Question 8

What must you look out for when overtaking?

Answer 8

• Vehicles coming towards you.
• Whether you’re near a junction - vehicles could come out of the junction while you’re overtaking.
• Narrowing roads - there may not be enough space for you to overtake.
• Bends or dips in the road - difficult to see traffic coming towards you.
• Road signs that mean you MUST NOT overtake.

Question 9

What must you check before you overtake?

Answer 9

• That it’s safe, legal and necessary.
• You have enough time to complete the overtaking manoeuvre.
• You have a clear view of the road.

Question 10

What do you do to make your presence known to other road users?

Answer 10

• Switch on your lights when it’s starts to get dark, even if the street lights aren’t on.
• When you can’t be seen, such as at a hump bridge, your horn may need to be used.

Question 11

Why must you stay well back when following a large vehicle?

Answer 11

• Helps the driver see you in their mirrors - if you can’t see a large vehicle’s mirrors, the driver can’t see you.
• Improves view of the road ahead - important when planning to overtake the vehicle.

Question 12

What do circle shaped signs do?

Answer 12

They give orders.

Question 13

What do triangle shaped signs do?

Answer 13

They give warnings.

Question 14

What do rectangle shaped signs do?

Answer 14

They give information.

Question 15

What must you do when you see a road sign/marking?

Answer 15

• Follow their advice.

* Slow down off necessary.

Question 16

What is a dual carriageway?

Answer 16

A road that has a central reservation to separate the carriageways.

Question 17

What is a central reservation?

Answer 17

An area of land that separates opposing lanes of traffic.

Question 18

What must you do when turning right into a dual carriageway?

Answer 18

Check that the central reservation is wide enough for your vehicle to stop in, especially when towing a trailer.

If the central reservation is deep enough to protect the full length of your vehicle then go in the central reservation until there is a safe gap in the traffic of the road.

If the central reservation isn’t deep enough, then wait until it’s clear on both sides of the traffic.

Question 19

What should you do when approaching traffic lights that have been green for some time?

Answer 19

Prepare to stop because they may change.

Question 20

What will make anticipation (prediction) more difficult when driving and factors you need to be more aware of?

Answer 20

• Very wet or windy weather
• Poor lighting
• Heavy traffic volume
• Route you’re driving is new to you

Question 21

What type of vulnerable road users do you need to watch out for?

Answer 21

• Pedestrians - especially younger, older or disabled people who may need more time to cross the road.
• Cyclists - Always pass slowly and leave plenty of room, especially if the cyclist is young and inexperienced in dealing with traffic.
• Motorcyclist - Difficult to see.
• Horses - May be startled by the noise of your vehicle, pass by slowly and leave plenty of room.

Question 22

Why must you always plan your journey?

Answer 22

• So you know which route to take.

* Have regular rest stops.

Question 23

How do you avoid tiredness during driving?

Answer 23

• Don’t drive continuously for more than 2 hours.
• Keep fresh air circulating in the air.
• If you start to feel sleepy, leave at the next exit. Find a legal and safe place to stop and take a break.

Question 24

Why aren’t caffeinated drinks a good idea when it comes to fighting drowsiness?

Answer 24

Because it’s only a short-term solution. It’s better off having a proper rest, if possible then take a short nap.

Question 25

What can be distracting whilst you’re driving?

Answer 25

• Mobile phones
• Music players
• Navigation systems
• Passengers (especially when joking about or arguing)
• Incidents happening on the road.

Question 26

Is using a mobile phone illegal while driving?

Answer 26

Yes, it increases the chance of being involved in a collision. Even a hands free phone isn’t safe as it can divert your attention.

Question 27

What must you do if you don’t want to be distracted by your phone?

Answer 27

Switch it off or leave it on voicemail/driving mode (if your phone has it). Wait until you’re parked legally in a safe place until you can use your phone.

Question 28

What must you do with a navigation system before driving off and using it?

Answer 28

Make sure you stop in a safe place before programming the system.

Question 29

What are the factors that you aren’t fit to drive?

Answer 29

• Being too tired
• Being too ill
• Being too emotional
• Under the influence of drugs and alcohol