Vehicle Handling Flashcards
What are the various conditions that can affect the handling of your vehicle?
Weather and light conditions
Control and speed
Road surfaces
How should you approach stopping distances if it’s wet weather?
Leave at least double the normal stopping distance
What should you do if another vehicle pulls in front of you in wet weather?
Drop back to regain a safe distance
What should you watch out for on wet roads?
Motorcyclists who may suddenly change direction to avoid slippery drain covers
What should you do as a driver when visibility is poor but not seriously reduced in the day?
Use dipped headlights
What should you think about when trying to approach a ford in winter?
It’s more likely to flood in winters, so more harder to cross.
Check for depth gauges to decide whether to go through or not
What should you do if deciding to go through a ford in winter?
Use a low gear
Drive through slowly
Test your brakes immediately after, wet brakes are less effective
What should you do as a driver if visibility is seriously reducedd?
Use headlights, plus fog lights if you have them
What is meant by ‘seriously reduced’ visibility?
You can’t see for more than 100m (328 feet) in front of you
When should you use front and rear fog lights?
If visibility is seriously reduced
Why should you not use fog lights when they’re not needed?
you can be breaking the law
may dazzle other drivers
drivers behind you won’t be able to see your bright lights as clearly, or they might think you’re braking when you’re not
What should you think about in foggy weather?
keep speed down, as it’s harder to see what’s going on
increase your distance from the vehicle in front incase it suddenly slows/stops
allow plenty of time for your journey
What should you think about when driving on the motorway in foggy weather?
be careful
How can you find the left-hand edge of the carriageway on the motorway?
red studs mark it
How can you find the central reservation on the motorway?
Amber studs mark the central reservation
Should you travel in very bad weather?
If it’s snowing heavily/very foggy, don’t travel unless it’s essential
What should you do if you’re travelling in the bad weather?
Make sure your lights are working & your windows are clean before setting out
What should you do if you’re planning to travel in heavy snow?
Consider fitting chains to your wheels to help grip and prevent skidding
What should you do on the road when travelling in bad weather?
Keep well back: Increase the gap between vehicles incase of sudden stops
What should your stopping distance be in icy conditions?
it can be 10 times what it would be on a dry road
How can wind affect your vehicles?
Sudden gusts may catch your vehicle when passing a high-sided vehicle on the motorway or when driving on a exposed stretch of road
Who may your headlights dazzle?
The vehicle you’re following
any oncoming traffic
other road users
What should you do if you’re being dazzled?
Slow down or stop to remain in control
Why should you be careful when overtaking at night?
you can’t see far ahead/there may be bends
What should you do if driving on a motorway at night?
use dipped headlights, even if the road is well lit
What should you do if you’ve broken down on the motorway at night?
use sidelights if you’ve broken down and are parked on the hard shoulder - will help other drivers see you
What is the point of traffic calming?
slow down traffic and make roads safer for vulnerable road users, esp. pedestrians
How do you control traffic?
road humps
What should you do when driving in traffic controlled areas?
Stay within speed limits & don’t overtake other vehicles within these areas
How are tram areas different?
Areas used by trams may have different surface textures/colours. They might be edged with white line marking
What is a ‘rumble device’?
raised markings across the road
What are rumble devices used for?
alert you to a hazard, e.g. roundabout
encourage you to reduce speed
When should you control your vehicle?
at all times
How do you reduce control of your vehicle?
driving with a clutch down or in neutral for any length of time (coasting)
What does coasting especially wreck your control of ?
Steering and braking
When is coasting especially dangerous?
When travelling downhill, as speed is quickly gained and there’s no engine braking
How can you control your speed?
Use your vehicle’s engine.
How can you use your vehicle’s engine to control your speed downhill?
Select lower gears driving down steep hills, as your brakes may be less effective (overheating)
What does your engine do when driving up a steep hill?
work harder and you’ll slow down
What should you do when driving on a single-track road?
take extra care
What should you do if you see a vehicle coming towards you on a single track road?
if you seen a vehicle coming towards you, pull into or opposite a passing place
What will your stopping distance be affected by?
your speed
the condition of your tyres
the weather
Why should you avoid skidding?
It’s hard to regain control
What should you do if you skid and you don’t have anti-lock brakes on a wet road?
- Release the foot brake
If the read wheels are skidding, steer into the skid by turning the steering wheel in the same direction
What should you avoid when skidding on a wet road?
Braking suddenly or harshly as it’ll make it worse
Am I allowed to wait in a box junction?
Yes, if turning right and your exits clear but you’re prevented from turning by oncoming traffic
Do I need to leave sidelights on when i park on a two way street?
If the speed limit’s more than 30mph (48km/h)
if it’s foggy
Where should you park?
On the left-hand side of the road
