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Question:

After this hazard you should test your brakes. Why is this?

A Your brakes will be soaking wet

explanation

A ford is a crossing over a stream that’s shallow enough to go through. After you’ve gone through a ford or deep puddle the water will affect your brakes. To dry them out apply a light brake pressure while moving slowly. Don’t travel at normal speeds until you are sure your brakes are working properly again.

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On a foggy day you unavoidably have to park your car on the road. You should

leave your sidelights on

Ensure that your vehicle can be seen by other traffic. If possible, park your car off the road in a car park or driveway to avoid the extra risk to other road users.

Why is it dangerous to leave rear fog lights on when they’re not needed?

They may be confused with brake lights

If your rear fog lights are left on when it isn’t foggy, the glare they cause makes it difficult for road users behind to know whether you are braking or you have just forgotten to turn off your rear fog lights. This can be a particular problem on wet roads and on motorways. If you leave your rear fog lights on at night, road users behind you are likely to be dazzled and this could put them at risk.

You are driving down a steep hill. Why could keeping the clutch down or rolling in neutral for too long be dangerous?

Your vehicle will pick up speed

Driving in neutral or with the clutch down for long periods is known as ‘coasting’. There will be no engine braking and your vehicle will pick up speed on downhill slopes. Coasting can be very dangerous because it reduces steering and braking control.

You have been driving in thick fog which has now cleared. You must switch OFF your rear fog lights because

they make your brake lights less clear

It is essential that the traffic behind is given a clear warning when you brake. In good visibility, your rear fog lights can make it hard for others to see your brake lights. Make sure you switch off your fog lights when the visibility improves.

You are on a motorway at night. You MUST have your headlights switched on unless

your vehicle is broken down on the hard shoulder

Always use your headlights at night on a motorway unless you have stopped on the hard shoulder. If you break down and have to stop on the hard shoulder, switch off the headlights but leave the sidelights on so that other road users can see your vehicle.

When MUST you use dipped headlights during the day?

In poor visibility

You MUST use dipped headlights and/or fog lights in fog when visibility is seriously reduced to 100 metres (328 feet) or less. You should use dipped headlights, but NOT fog lights, when visibility is poor, such as in heavy rain.

Chains can be fitted to your wheels to help prevent

skidding in deep snow

Snow chains can be fitted to your tyres during snowy conditions. They can help you to move off from rest or to keep moving in deep snow. You will still need to adjust your driving according to the road conditions at the time.

When snow is falling heavily you should

not drive unless it is essential

Consider if the increased risk is worth it. If the weather conditions are bad and your journey isn’t essential, then stay at home.

Why are vehicles fitted with rear fog lights?

To make them more visible in thick fog

Rear fog lights make it easier to spot a vehicle ahead in foggy conditions. Avoid the temptation to use other vehicles’ lights as a guide, as they may give you a false sense of security.

Areas reserved for trams may have

a different surface texture

Trams can run on roads used by other vehicles and pedestrians. The part of the road used by the trams is known as the reserved area and this should be kept clear. It often has a different surface and is usually edged with white road markings.

You have to park on the road in fog. You should*

leave sidelights on

If you have to park your vehicle in foggy conditions it’s important that it can be seen by other road users. Try to find a place to park off the road. If this isn’t possible leave it facing in the same direction as the traffic. Make sure that your lights are clean and that you leave your sidelights on.

Traffic calming measures are used to

slow traffic down

Traffic calming measures are used to make the roads safer for vulnerable road users, such as cyclists, pedestrians and children. These can be designed as chicanes, road humps or other obstacles that encourage drivers and riders to slow down.

The road is wet. Why might a motorcyclist steer round drain covers on a bend?

To prevent the motorcycle sliding on the metal drain covers

Other drivers or riders may have to change course due to the size or characteristics of their vehicle. Understanding this will help you to anticipate their actions. Motorcyclists and cyclists will be checking the road ahead for uneven or slippery surfaces, especially in wet weather. They may need to move across their lane to avoid surface hazards such as potholes and drain covers.

You are driving with your front fog lights switched on. Earlier fog has now cleared. What should you do?

Switch them off as long as visibility remains good

Switch off your fog lights if the weather improves, but be prepared to use them again if visibility reduces to less than 100 metres (328 feet).

What will affect your vehicle's stopping distance?

The condition of the tyres

Having tyres correctly inflated and in good condition will ensure they have maximum grip on the road; how well your tyres grip the road has a significant effect on your car's stopping distance.