Vehicle handling test (with hints)

Areas reserved for trams may have*

metal studs around them

zigzag markings

a different surface texture

yellow hatch markings

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.

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

They may be confused with brake lights

The bulbs would fail

Electrical systems could be overloaded

Direction indicators may not work properly

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.

Why could keeping the clutch down or selecting neutral for long periods of time be dangerous?*

Fuel spillage will occur

Engine damage may be caused

You will have less steering and braking control

It will wear tyres out more quickly

Letting your vehicle roll or coast in neutral reduces your control over steering and braking. This can be dangerous on downhill slopes where your vehicle could pick up speed very quickly.

Why are vehicles fitted with rear fog lights?*

To be seen when driving at high speed

To use if broken down in a dangerous position

To make them more visible in thick fog

To warn drivers following closely to drop back

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.

When may you wait in a box junction?*

When you are stationary in a queue of traffic

When approaching a pelican crossing

When approaching a zebra crossing

When oncoming traffic prevents you turning right

The purpose of a box junction is to keep the junction clear by preventing vehicles from stopping in the path of crossing traffic. You must not enter a box junction unless your exit is clear. But, you may enter the box and wait if you want to turn right and are only prevented from doing so by oncoming traffic.

While you are driving in fog, it becomes necessary to use front fog lights. You should*

only turn them on in heavy traffic conditions

remember not to use them on motorways

only use them on dual carriageways

remember to switch them off as visibility improves

It is an offence to have your fog lights on in conditions other than seriously reduced visibility, ie. less than 100 metres (328 feet).

You are driving down a long steep hill. You suddenly notice your brakes are not working as well as normal. What is the usual cause of this?*

The brakes overheating

Air in the brake fluid

Oil on the brakes

Badly adjusted brakes

This is more likely to happen on vehicles fitted with drum brakes but can apply to disc brakes as well. Using a lower gear will assist the braking and help you to keep control of your vehicle.

When MUST you use dipped headlights during the day?*

All the time

Along narrow streets

In poor visibility

When parking

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.

Using rear fog lights on a clear dry night will*

help oncoming drivers see you sooner

help your indicators to be seen more clearly

give a better view of the road ahead

make your brake lights difficult to notice

You shouldn’t use rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced. If you forget to turn them off when the weather improves they can
• be confused with brake lamps
• dazzle following drivers.
A warning light will show on the dashboard to indicate when your rear fog lights are on. You should know the meaning of all the lights on your dashboard and check them before you move off and as you drive.

You have to make a journey in foggy conditions. You should*

follow other vehicles’ tail lights closely

avoid using dipped headlights

leave plenty of time for your journey

keep two seconds behind other vehicles

If you’re planning to make a journey when it’s foggy, listen to the weather reports on the radio or television. Don’t travel if visibility is very poor or your trip isn’t necessary. If you do travel, leave plenty of time for your journey. If someone is expecting you at the other end, let them know that you’ll be taking longer than normal to arrive.

You are on a motorway in fog. The left-hand edge of the motorway can be identified by reflective studs. What colour are they?*

Green

Amber

Red

White

Be especially careful if you’re on a motorway in fog. Reflective studs are used to help you in poor visibility. Different colours are used so that you’ll know which lane you are in. These are
• red on the left-hand side of the road
• white between lanes
• amber on the right-hand edge of the carriageway
• green between the carriageway and slip roads.

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

To avoid puncturing the tyres on the edge of the drain covers

To prevent the motorcycle sliding on the metal drain covers

To help judge the bend using the drain covers as marker points

To avoid splashing pedestrians on the pavement

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.

Front fog lights should be used ONLY when*

travelling in very light rain

visibility is seriously reduced

daylight is fading

driving after midnight

Fog lights will help others see you, but remember, they must only be used if visibility is seriously reduced to less than 100 metres (328 feet).

How will your vehicle be affected when you drive up steep hills?*

The higher gears will pull better

The steering will feel heavier

Overtaking will be easier

The engine will work harder

The engine will need more power to pull the vehicle up the hill. When approaching a steep hill you should select a lower gear to help maintain your speed. You should do this without hesitation, so that you don’t lose too much speed before engaging the lower gear.

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

there are vehicles close in front of you

you are travelling below 50 mph

the motorway is lit

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.

A rumble device is designed to*

give directions

prevent cattle escaping

alert you to low tyre pressure

alert you to a hazard

A rumble device consists of raised markings or strips across the road. It gives drivers an audible, visual and tactile warning. They are found along the hard shoulder on the motorway and approaching some hazards to alert drivers of the need to slow down.

Front fog lights may be used ONLY if*

visibility is seriously reduced

they are fitted above the bumper

they are not as bright as the headlights

an audible warning device is used

Your vehicle should have a warning light on the dashboard which illuminates when the fog lights are being used. You need to be familiar with the layout of your dashboard so you are aware if they have been switched on in error, or you have forgotten to switch them off.

Why is it bad technique to coast when driving downhill?*

The fuel consumption will increase

The engine will overheat

The tyres will wear more quickly

The vehicle will gain speed

Coasting is when you allow the vehicle to freewheel in neutral or with the clutch pedal depressed. Speed will increase as you lose the benefits of engine braking and have less control. You shouldn't coast when approaching hazards such as junctions or bends and when travelling downhill.

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

they use a lot of power from the battery

they make your brake lights less clear

they will cause dazzle in your rear view mirrors

they may not be properly adjusted

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 travelling in very heavy rain. Your overall stopping distance is likely to be*

doubled

halved

up to ten times greater

no different

As well as visibility being reduced, the road will be extremely wet. This will reduce the grip the tyres have on the road and increase the distance it takes to stop. Double your separation distance.

Front fog lights should be used*

when visibility is reduced to 100 metres (328 feet)

as a warning to oncoming traffic

when driving during the hours of darkness

in any conditions and at any time

When visibility is seriously reduced, switch on your fog lights if you have them fitted. It is essential not only that you can see ahead, but also that other road users are able to see you.

To correct a rear-wheel skid you should*

not steer at all

steer away from it

steer into it

apply your handbrake

Prevention is better than cure, so it’s important that you take every precaution to avoid a skid from starting. If you feel the rear wheels of your vehicle beginning to skid, try to steer in the same direction to recover control. Don’t brake suddenly – this will only make the situation worse.

Holding the clutch pedal down or rolling in neutral for too long while driving will*

use more fuel

cause the engine to overheat

reduce your control

improve tyre wear

Holding the clutch down or staying in neutral for too long will cause your vehicle to freewheel. This is known as ‘coasting’ and it is dangerous as it reduces your control of the vehicle.

You are driving on the motorway in windy conditions. When passing high-sided vehicles you should*

increase your speed

be wary of a sudden gust

drive alongside very closely

expect normal conditions

The draught caused by other vehicles could be strong enough to push you out of your lane. Keep both hands on the steering wheel to maintain full control.

You are driving on an icy road. What distance should you drive from the car in front?*

four times the normal distance

six times the normal distance

eight times the normal distance

ten times the normal distance

Don’t travel in icy or snowy weather unless your journey is necessary. Drive extremely carefully when roads are or may be icy. Stopping distances can be ten times greater than on dry roads.

Which of these plates normally appear with this road sign?*

Road humps are used to slow down the traffic. They are found in places where there are often pedestrians, such as
• in shopping areas
• near schools
• in residential areas.
Watch out for people close to the kerb or crossing the road.

You are driving in fog. Why should you keep well back from the vehicle in front?*

In case it changes direction suddenly

In case its fog lights dazzle you

In case it stops suddenly

In case its brake lights dazzle you

If you’re following another road user in fog stay well back. The driver in front won’t be able to see hazards until they’re close and might brake suddenly. Another reason why it is important to maintain a good separation distance in fog is that the road surface is likely to be wet and slippery.

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

leave sidelights on

leave dipped headlights and fog lights on

leave dipped headlights on

leave main beam headlights 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.

You may use front fog lights with headlights ONLY when visibility is reduced to less than*

100 metres (328 feet)

200 metres (656 feet)

300 metres (984 feet)

400 metres (1312 feet)

It is an offence to use fog lights if the visibility is better than 100 metres (328 feet). Switch front fog lights off if the fog clears to avoid dazzling other road users, but be aware that the fog may be patchy.

You are braking on a wet road. Your vehicle begins to skid. It does not have anti-lock brakes. What is the FIRST thing you should do?*

Quickly pull up the handbrake

Release the footbrake

Push harder on the brake pedal

Gently use the accelerator

If the skid has been caused by braking too hard for the conditions, release the brake. You may then need to reapply and release the brake again. You may need to do this a number of times. This will allow the wheels to turn and so limit the skid. Skids are much easier to get into than they are to get out of. Prevention is better than cure. Stay alert to the road and weather conditions. Drive so that you can stop within the distance you can see to be clear.

Why is travelling in neutral for long distances (known as coasting) wrong?*

It will cause the car to skid

It will make the engine stall

The engine will run faster

There is no engine braking

Try to look ahead and read the road. Plan your approach to junctions and select the correct gear in good time. This will give you the control you need to deal with any hazards that occur. You’ll coast a little every time you change gear. This can’t be avoided, but it should be kept to a minimum.

Why should you switch off your rear fog lights when the fog has cleared?*

To allow your headlamps to work

To stop draining the battery

To stop the engine losing power

To prevent dazzling following drivers

Don’t forget to switch off your fog lights when the weather improves. You could be prosecuted for driving with them on in good visibility. The high intensity of rear fog lights can dazzle following drivers and make your brake lights difficult to notice.

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

leave your headlights on

leave your fog lights on

leave your sidelights on

leave your hazard lights 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.

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

Fuel consumption will be higher

Your vehicle will pick up speed

It will damage the engine

It will wear tyres out more quickly

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 will feel the effects of engine braking when you*

only use the handbrake

only use neutral

change to a lower gear

change to a higher gear

When going downhill, prolonged use of the brakes can cause them to overheat and lose their effectiveness. Changing to a lower gear will assist your braking.

How can you use the engine of your vehicle to control your speed?*

By changing to a lower gear

By selecting reverse gear

By changing to a higher gear

By selecting neutral

You should brake and slow down before selecting a lower gear. The gear can then be used to keep the speed low and help you control the vehicle. This is particularly helpful on long downhill stretches, where brake fade can occur if the brakes overheat.

You have to make a journey in fog. What should you do before you set out?*

Top up the radiator with anti-freeze

Make sure that you have a warning triangle in the vehicle

Make sure that the windows are clean

Check the battery

If you have to drive in fog, drive with you dipped beam headlamps on and keep your windcsreen clear. You should always be able to pull up within the distance you can see ahead.

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

You will be on a slippery road

Your brakes will be soaking wet

You will be going down a long hill

You will have just crossed a long bridge

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.

You have just driven out of fog. Visibility is now good. You MUST*

switch off all your fog lights

keep your rear fog lights on

keep your front fog lights on

leave fog lights on in case fog returns

You MUST turn off your fog lights if visibility is over 100 metres (328 feet). However, be prepared for the fact that the fog may be patchy.

You are overtaking a car at night. You must be sure that*

you flash your headlights before overtaking

you select a higher gear

you have switched your lights to full beam before overtaking

you do not dazzle other road users

To prevent your lights from dazzling the driver of the car in front, wait until you’ve overtaken before switching to full beam.

When snow is falling heavily you should*

only drive with your hazard lights on

not drive unless you have a mobile phone

only drive when your journey is short

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.

You are on a motorway at night with other vehicles just ahead of you. Which lights should you have on?*

Front fog lights

Main beam headlights

Sidelights only

Dipped headlights

If you’re driving behind other traffic at night on the motorway, leave a two-second time gap and use dipped headlights. Full beam will dazzle the other drivers. Your headlights’ beam should fall short of the vehicle in front.

Whilst driving, the fog clears and you can see more clearly. You must remember to*

switch off the fog lights

reduce your speed

switch off the demister

close any open windows

Bright rear fog lights might be mistaken for brake lights and could be misleading for the traffic behind.

What should you do when dealing with this hazard?*

Switch on your hazard lamps

Use a low gear and drive slowly

Use a high gear to prevent wheelspin

Switch on your windscreen wipers

In normal conditions a Ford can be crossed quite safely by driving through it slowly. The water may affect your brakes, so when you're clear of the Ford test them before you resume normal driving.

You may drive with front fog lights switched on*

when visibility is less than 100 metres (328 feet)

at any time to be noticed

instead of headlights on high speed roads

when dazzled by the lights of oncoming vehicles

Only use front fog lights if the distance you are able to see is less than 100 metres (328 feet). Turn off your fog lights as the visibility improves.

You are on a road which has speed humps. A driver in front is travelling slower than you. You should*

sound your horn

overtake as soon as you can

flash your headlights

slow down and stay behind

Be patient and stay behind the car in front. Normally you should not overtake other vehicles in traffic-calmed areas. If you overtake here your speed may exceed that which is safe along that road, defeating the purpose of the traffic calming measures.

Daytime visibility is poor but not seriously reduced. You should switch on*

headlights and fog lights

front fog lights

dipped headlights

rear fog lights

Only use your fog lights when visibility is seriously reduced. Use dipped headlights in poor conditions.

You are on a well-lit motorway at night. You must*

use only your sidelights

always use your headlights

always use rear fog lights

use headlights only in bad weather

If you’re driving on a motorway at night or in poor visibility, you must always use your headlights, even if the road is well-lit. The other road users in front must be able to see you in their mirrors.

You are travelling at night. You are dazzled by headlights coming towards you. You should*

pull down your sun visor

slow down or stop

switch on your main beam headlights

put your hand over your eyes

You will have additional hazards to deal with at night. Visibility may be very limited and the lights of oncoming vehicles can often dazzle you. When this happens don’t close your eyes, swerve or flash your headlights, as this will also distract other drivers. It may help to focus on the left kerb, verge or lane line.

Front fog lights may be used ONLY if*

your headlights are not working

they are operated with rear fog lights

they were fitted by the vehicle manufacturer

visibility is seriously reduced

It is illegal to use fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced, which is generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet). Check that they have been switched off when conditions improve.

You see a vehicle coming towards you on a single-track road. You should*

go back to the main road

do an emergency stop

stop at a passing place

put on your hazard warning lights

You must take extra care when on single track roads. You may not be able to see around bends due to high hedges or fences. Proceed with caution and expect to meet oncoming vehicles around the next bend. If you do, pull into or opposite a passing place.

You see these markings on the road. Why are they there?*

To show a safe distance between vehicles

To keep the area clear of traffic

To make you aware of your speed

To warn you to change direction

These lines may be painted on the road on the approach to a roundabout, village or a particular hazard. The lines are raised and painted yellow and their purpose is to make you aware of your speed. Reduce your speed in good time so that you avoid having to brake harshly over the last few metres before reaching the junction.

When may you overtake another vehicle on the left?*

When you’re in a one-way street

When approaching a motorway slip road where you’ll be turning off

When the vehicle in front is signalling to turn left

When a slower vehicle is travelling in the right-hand lane of a dual carriageway

You may pass slower traffic on their left while driving along a one-way street. Be aware of drivers who may need to change lanes and not expect faster traffic passing on their left.

What will affect your vehicle's stopping distance?*

The speed limit

The street lighting

The time of day

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.

Using rear fog lights in clear daylight will*

be useful when towing a trailer

give extra protection

dazzle other drivers

make following drivers keep back

Rear fog lights shine brighter than normal rear lights so that they show up in reduced visibility. When the weather is clear they could dazzle the driver behind, so switch them off.

When overtaking at night you should*

wait until a bend so that you can see the oncoming headlights

sound your horn twice before moving out

put headlights on full beam

beware of bends in the road ahead

Don’t overtake if there’s a possibility of a road junction, bend or brow of a bridge or hill ahead. There are many other possible hazards that may be difficult to see in the dark so only overtake if you’re certain that the road ahead is clear. Don’t take a chance.

Using front fog lights in clear daylight will*

flatten the battery

dazzle other drivers

improve your visibility

increase your awareness

Fog lights can be brighter than normal dipped headlights. If the weather has improved turn them off to avoid dazzling other road users.

Traffic calming measures are used to*

stop road rage

help overtaking

slow traffic down

help parking

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.

You should switch your rear fog lights on when visibility drops below*

your overall stopping distance

ten car lengths

200 metres (656 feet)

100 metres (328 feet)

If visibility falls below 100 metres (328 feet) in fog, switching on your rear fog lights will help following road users to see you. Don’t forget to turn them off once visibility improves: their brightness might be mistaken for brake lights and they could dazzle other drivers.

Chains can be fitted to your wheels to help prevent*

damage to the road surface

wear to the tyres

skidding in deep snow

the brakes locking

aSnow 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.

Why should you always reduce your speed when travelling in fog?*

The brakes do not work as well

You will be dazzled by other headlights

The engine will take longer to warm up

It is more difficult to see events ahead

You won’t be able to see as far ahead in fog as you can on a clear day. You will need to reduce your speed so that, if a hazard looms out of the fog, you have the time and space to take avoiding action. Travelling in fog is hazardous. If you can, try and delay your journey until it has cleared.

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

Leave them on if other drivers have their lights on

Switch them off as long as visibility remains good

Flash them to warn oncoming traffic that it is foggy

Drive with them on instead of your headlights

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).

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