Safety margins test (with hints)

How can you tell when you are driving over black ice?*

It is easier to brake

The noise from your tyres sounds louder

You will see tyre tracks on the road

Your steering feels light

Sometimes you may not be able to see that the road is icy. Black ice makes a road look damp. The signs that you’re travelling on black ice can be that the steering feels light or that the noise from your tyres suddenly goes quiet.

You are following a vehicle at a safe distance on a wet road. Another driver overtakes you and pulls into the gap you have left. What should you do?

Flash your headlights as a warning

Try to overtake safely as soon as you can

Drop back to regain a safe distance

Stay close to the other vehicle until it moves on

Wet weather will affect the time it takes for you to stop and can affect your control. Your speed should allow you to stop safely and in good time. If another vehicle pulls into the gap you’ve left, ease back until you’ve regained your stopping distance.

Anti-lock brakes prevent wheels from locking. This means the tyres are less likely to*

aquaplane

skid

puncture

wear

If an anti-lock braking system is fitted it activates automatically when maximum braking pressure is applied or when it senses that the wheels are about to lock. It prevents the wheels from locking so you can continue to steer the vehicle during braking. It does not remove the need for good driving practices such as anticipation and correct speed for the conditions.

You are on a good, dry, road surface. Your brakes and tyres are good. What is the typical overall stopping distance at 40 mph?*

23 metres (75 feet)

36 metres (118 feet)

53 metres (175 feet)

96 metres (315 feet)

Stopping distances are affected by a number of variable factors. These include the type, model and condition of your vehicle, road and weather conditions, and your reaction time. Look well ahead for hazards and leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front. This should allow you to pull up safely if you have to, without braking sharply.

What should you do when parking your vehicle facing downhill?*

Turn the steering wheel towards the kerb

Park close to the bumper of another car

Park with two wheels on the kerb

Turn the steering wheel away from the kerb

Turning the wheels towards the kerb will allow it to act as a chock, preventing any forward movement of the vehicle. It will also help to leave it in gear, or select 'Park' if you have an automatic.

In heavy motorway traffic the vehicle behind you is following too closely. How can you lower the risk of a collision?*

Increase your distance from the vehicle in front

Operate the brakes sharply

Switch on your hazard lights

Move onto the hard shoulder and stop

On busy roads traffic may still travel at high speeds despite being close together. Don’t follow too closely to the vehicle in front. If a driver behind seems to be ‘pushing’ you, gradually increase your distance from the vehicle in front by slowing down gently. This will give you more space in front if you have to brake, and lessen the risk of a collision involving several vehicles.

The roads are icy. You should drive slowly*

in the highest gear possible

in the lowest gear possible

with the handbrake partly on

with your left foot on the brake

Driving at a slow speed in a high gear will reduce the likelihood of wheel-spin and help your vehicle maintain the best possible grip.

How can you use your vehicle’s engine as a brake?*

By changing to a lower gear

By selecting reverse gear

By changing to a higher gear

By selecting neutral gear

When driving on downhill stretches of road selecting a lower gear gives increased engine braking. This will prevent excess use of the brakes, which become less effective if they overheat.

The MAIN benefit of having four-wheel drive is to improve*

road holding

fuel consumption

stopping distances

passenger comfort

By driving all four wheels there is improved grip, but this does not replace the skills you need to drive safely. The extra grip helps road holding when travelling on slippery or uneven roads.

Anti-lock brakes reduce the chances of a skid occurring particularly when*

driving down steep hills

braking during normal driving

braking in an emergency

driving on good road surfaces

The anti-lock braking system will operate when the brakes have been applied harshly. It will reduce the chances of your car skidding, but it is not a miracle cure for careless driving.

What should you do when overtaking a motorcyclist in strong winds?*

Pass close

Pass quickly

Pass wide

Pass immediately

In strong winds riders of two-wheeled vehicles are particularly vulnerable. When you overtake them allow plenty of room. Always check to the left as you pass.

Vehicles fitted with anti-lock brakes*

are impossible to skid

can be steered while you are braking

accelerate much faster

are not fitted with a handbrake

Preventing the wheels from locking means that the vehicle’s steering and stability can be maintained, leading to safer stopping. However, you must ensure that the engine does not stall, as this could disable the power steering. Look in your vehicle handbook for the correct method when stopping in an emergency.

In very hot weather the road surface can become soft. What will this affect?*

The suspension

The exhaust emissions

The fuel consumption

The tyre grip

If the road surface becomes very hot it can soften. Tyres are unable to grip onto a soft surface as well as they can a firm dry one. Take care when cornering and braking.

You are driving on an icy road. How can you avoid wheelspin?*

Drive at a slow speed in as high a gear as possible

Use the handbrake if the wheels start to slip

Brake gently and repeatedly

Drive in a low gear at all times

If you’re travelling on an icy road extra caution will be required to avoid loss of control. Keeping your speed down and using the highest gear possible will reduce the risk of the tyres losing their grip on this slippery surface.

Travelling for long distances in neutral (known as coasting)*

improves the driver’s control

makes steering easier

reduces the driver’s control

uses more fuel

Coasting, is the term used when the clutch is held down, or the gear lever is in neutral, and the vehicle is allowed to freewheel. This reduces the driver’s control of the vehicle. When you coast, the engine can’t drive the wheels to pull you through a corner. Coasting also removes the assistance of engine braking that helps to slow the car.

Where are you most likely to be affected by a side wind?*

On a narrow country lane

On an open stretch of road

On a busy stretch of road

On a long, straight road

In windy conditions, care must be taken on exposed roads. A strong gust of wind can blow you off course. Watch out for other road users who are particularly likely to be affected, such as cyclists, motorcyclists, high-sided lorries and vehicles towing trailers.

You are driving along a wet road. How can you tell if your vehicle is aquaplaning?*

The engine will stall

The engine noise will increase

The steering will feel very heavy

The steering will feel very light

If you drive at speed in very wet conditions your steering may suddenly feel ‘light’. This means that the tyres have lifted off the surface of the road and are skating on the surface of the water. This is known as aquaplaning. Reduce speed by easing off the accelerator, but don’t brake until your steering returns to normal.

When driving in falling snow you should*

brake firmly and quickly

be ready to steer sharply

use sidelights only

brake gently in plenty of time

Braking on snow can be extremely dangerous. Be gentle with both the accelerator and brake to prevent wheel- spin.

You are on a wet motorway with surface spray. You should use*

hazard flashers

dipped headlights

rear fog lights

sidelights

When surface spray reduces visibility switch on your dipped headlights. This will help other road users to see you.

Your car is fitted with anti-lock brakes. You need to stop in an emergency. You should*

brake normally and avoid turning the steering wheel

press the brake pedal promptly and firmly until you have stopped

keep pushing and releasing the foot brake quickly to prevent skidding

apply the handbrake to reduce the stopping distance

Keep pressure on the brake pedal until you have come to a stop. The anti-lock mechanism will activate automatically if it senses the wheels are about to lock.

Anti-lock brakes are of most use when you are*

braking gently

driving on worn tyres

braking excessively

driving normally

Anti-lock brakes will not be required when braking normally. Looking well down the road and anticipating possible hazards could prevent you having to brake late and harshly. Knowing that you have anti-lock brakes is not an excuse to drive in a careless or reckless way.

You're driving in freezing conditions. What should you do when approaching a sharp bend?*

Coast into the bend

Gently apply your handbrake

Firmly use your footbrake

Slow down before you reach the bend

Harsh use of the accelerator, brakes or steering are likely to lead to skidding, especially on slippery surfaces. Avoid steering and braking at the same time. In icy conditions it’s very important that you constantly assess what’s ahead, so that you can take appropriate action in plenty of time.

Braking distances on ice can be*

twice the normal distance

five times the normal distance

seven times the normal distance

ten times the normal distance

In icy and snowy weather, your stopping distance will increase by up to ten times compared to good, dry conditions. Take extra care when braking, accelerating and steering, to cut down the risk of skidding.

You are about to go down a steep hill. To control the speed of your vehicle you should*

select a high gear and use the brakes carefully

select a high gear and use the brakes firmly

select a low gear and use the brakes carefully

select a low gear and avoid using the brakes

When going down a steep hill your vehicle will speed up. This will make it more difficult for you to stop. Select a lower gear to give you more engine braking and control. Use this in combination with careful use of the brakes.

Anti-lock brakes can greatly assist with*

a higher cruising speed

steering control when braking

control when accelerating

motorway driving

If the wheels of your vehicle lock they will not grip the road and you will lose steering control. In good conditions the anti-lock system will prevent the wheels locking and allow you to retain steering control.

When would an anti-lock braking system start to work?*

After the parking brake has been applied

Whenever pressure on the brake pedal is applied

Just as the wheels are about to lock

When the normal braking system fails to operate

The anti-lock braking system has sensors that detect when the wheels are about to lock. It releases the brakes momentarily to allow the wheels to revolve and grip, then automatically reapplies them. This cycle is repeated several times a second to maximise braking performance.

When entering a contraflow system, you should*

choose an appropriate lane in good time

switch lanes at any time to make progress

increase speed to pass through quickly

follow other motorists closely to avoid long queues

In a contraflow system you'll be travelling close to oncoming traffic and sometimes in narrow lanes. You should get into the correct lane in good time obey, the temporary speed limit signs and keep a safe separation distance from the vehicle ahead.

Overall stopping distance is made up of thinking and braking distance. You are on a good, dry road surface with good brakes and tyres. What is the typical BRAKING distance from 50 mph?*

14 metres (46 feet)

24 metres (80 feet)

38 metres (125 feet)

55 metres (180 feet)

Be aware this is just the braking distance. You need to add the thinking distance to this to give the OVERALL STOPPING DISTANCE. At 50 mph the typical thinking distance will be 15 metres (50 feet), plus a braking distance of 38 metres (125 feet), giving an overall stopping distance of 53 metres (175 feet). The distance could be greater than this depending on your attention and response to any hazards. These figures are a general guide.

What is the most common cause of skidding?*

Worn tyres

Driver error

Other vehicles

Pedestrians

A skid happens when the driver changes the speed or direction of their vehicle so suddenly that the tyres can't keep their grip on the road. Remember that the risk of skidding on wet or icy roads is much greater than in dry conditions.

You are on a long, downhill slope. What should you do to help control the speed of your vehicle?*

Select neutral

Select a lower gear

Grip the handbrake firmly

Apply the parking brake gently

Selecting a low gear when travelling downhill will help you to control your speed. The engine will assist the brakes and help prevent your vehicle gathering speed.

You are driving along a wet road. How can you tell if your vehicle’s tyres are losing their grip on the surface?*

The engine will stall

The steering will feel very heavy

The engine noise will increase

The steering will feel very light

If you drive at speed in very wet conditions your steering may suddenly feel lighter than usual. This means that the tyres have lifted off the surface of the road and are skating on the surface of the water. This is known as aquaplaning. Reduce speed but don’t brake until your steering returns to a normal feel.

You are overtaking a motorcyclist in strong winds? What should you do?*

Allow extra room

Give a thank you wave

Move back early

Sound your horn

It is easy for motorcyclists to be blown off course. Always give them plenty of room if you decide to overtake, especially in strong winds. Decide whether you need to overtake at all. Always check to the left as you pass.

You have just gone through deep water. To dry off the brakes you should*

accelerate and keep to a high speed for a short time

go slowly while gently applying the brakes

avoid using the brakes at all for a few miles

stop for at least an hour to allow them time to dry

Water on the brakes will act as a lubricant, causing them to work less efficiently. Using the brakes lightly as you go along will dry them out.

You have driven through a flood. What is the first thing you should do?*

Stop and check the tyres

Stop and dry the brakes

Check your exhaust

Test your brakes

Before you test your brakes you must check for following traffic. If it is safe, gently apply the brakes to clear any water that may be covering the braking surfaces.

What would suggest you're driving on ice?*

There's less wind noise

There's less tyre noise

There's less transmission noise

There's less engine noise

Drive extremely carefully when the roads are icy. When travelling on ice, tyres make virtually no noise and the steering feels light and unresponsive. In icy conditions be very gentle when braking, accelerating and steering.

When approaching a right-hand bend you should keep well to the left. Why is this?*

To improve your view of the road

To overcome the effect of the road’s slope

To let faster traffic from behind overtake

To be positioned safely if you skid

Doing this will give you an earlier view around the bend and enable you to see any hazards sooner. Doing this will give you an earlier view around the bend and enable you to see any hazards sooner. It also reduces the risk of collision with an oncoming vehicle that may have drifted over the centre line while taking the bend.

You are following other vehicles in fog. You have your lights on. What else can you do to reduce the chances of being in a collision?*

Keep close to the vehicle in front

Use your main beam instead of dipped headlights

Keep up with the faster vehicles

Reduce your speed and increase the gap in front

When it’s foggy use dipped headlights. This will help you see and be seen by other road users. If visibility is seriously reduced consider using front and rear fog lights if you have them. Keep a sensible speed and don’t follow the vehicle in front too closely. If the road is wet and slippery you’ll need to allow twice the normal stopping distance.

You are driving in a built-up area. You approach a speed hump. You should*

move across to the left-hand side of the road

wait for any pedestrians to cross

slow your vehicle right down

stop and check both pavements

Many towns have speed humps to slow down traffic. Slow down when driving over them. If you go too fast they may affect your steering and suspension, causing you to lose control or even damaging it. Be aware of pedestrians in these areas.

What should you do when driving in fog?*

Use side lights only

Position close to the centre line

Allow more time for your journey

Keep close to the car in front

Don’t venture out if your journey is not necessary. If you have to travel and someone is expecting you at the other end, let them know that you’ll be taking longer than usual for your journey. This will stop them worrying if you don’t turn up on time and will also take the pressure off you, so you don’t feel you have to rush.

You are driving along a country road. You see this sign. AFTER dealing safely with the hazard you should always*

check your tyre pressures

switch on your hazard warning lights

accelerate briskly

test your brakes

Deep water can affect your brakes, so you should check that they’re working properly before you build up speed again. Before you do this, remember to check your mirrors and consider what’s behind you.

In good conditions, what is the typical stopping distance at 70 mph?*

53 metres (175 feet)

60 metres (197 feet)

73 metres (240 feet)

96 metres (315 feet)

Note that this is the typical stopping distance. It will take at least this distance to think, brake and stop in good conditions. In poor conditions it will take much longer.

Driving a vehicle fitted with anti-lock brakes allows you to*

brake harder because it is impossible to skid

drive at higher speeds

steer and brake at the same time

pay less attention to the road ahead

When stopping in an emergency anti-lock brakes will help you continue to steer when braking. In poor weather conditions this may be less effective. You need to depress the clutch pedal to prevent the car stalling as most power steering systems use an engine-driven pump and will only operate when the engine is running. Look in your vehicle handbook for the correct method when stopping in an emergency.

You are turning left on a slippery road. The back of your vehicle slides to the right. You should*

brake firmly and not turn the steering wheel

steer carefully to the left

steer carefully to the right

brake firmly and steer to the left

Steer into the skid but be careful not to overcorrect with too much steering. Too much movement may lead to a skid in the opposite direction. Skids don’t just happen, they are caused. The three important factors in order are, the driver, the vehicle and the road conditions.

You are trying to move off on snow. You should use*

the lowest gear you can

the highest gear you can

a high engine speed

the handbrake and footbrake together

If you attempt to move off in a low gear, such as first, the engine will rev at a higher speed. This could cause the wheels to spin and dig further into the snow.

Your overall stopping distance will be much longer when driving*

in the rain

in fog

at night

in strong winds

Extra care should be taken in wet weather as, on wet roads, your stopping distance could be double that necessary for dry conditions.

In windy conditions you need to take extra care when*

using the brakes

making a hill start

turning into a narrow road

passing pedal cyclists

You should always give cyclists plenty of room when overtaking. When it’s windy, a sudden gust could blow them off course.

You are on a fast, open road in good conditions. For safety, the distance between you and the vehicle in front should be*

a two-second time gap

one car length

2 metres (6 feet 6 inches)

two car lengths

One useful method of checking that you’ve allowed enough room between you and the vehicle in front is the two-second rule. To check for a two-second time gap, choose a stationary object ahead, such as a bridge or road sign. When the car in front passes the object say 'Only a fool breaks the two-second rule'. If you reach the object before you finish saying it you're too close.

Anti-lock brakes are most effective when you*

keep pumping the foot brake to prevent skidding

brake normally, but grip the steering wheel tightly

brake promptly and firmly until you have slowed down

apply the handbrake to reduce the stopping distance

Releasing the brake before you have slowed right down will disable the system. If you have to brake in an emergency ensure that you keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal until the vehicle has stopped.

Before starting a journey in freezing weather you should clear ice and snow from your vehicle’s*

aerial

windows

bumper

boot

Only travel if you have to. Making unnecessary journeys in bad weather can increase the risk of having a collision. It’s important that you can see and be seen. Make sure any snow or ice is cleared from lights, mirrors, number plates and windows.

You are driving in heavy rain. Your steering suddenly becomes very light. You should*

steer towards the side of the road

apply gentle acceleration

brake firmly to reduce speed

ease off the accelerator

If the steering becomes light in these conditions it is probably due to a film of water that has built up between your tyres and the road surface. Easing off the accelerator should allow your tyres to displace the film of water and they should then regain their grip on the road.

Anti-lock brakes may not work as effectively if the road surface is*

dry

loose

firm

smooth

Poor contact with the road surface could cause one or more of the tyres to lose grip on the road. This is more likely to happen when braking in poor weather conditions and when the road has a loose or uneven surface.

Skidding is mainly caused by*

the weather

the driver

the vehicle

the road

You should always consider the conditions and drive accordingly.

Anti-lock brakes will take effect when*

you do not brake quickly enough

maximum brake pressure has been applied

you have not seen a hazard ahead

speeding on slippery road surfaces

If your car is fitted with anti-lock brakes they will take effect when you use them very firmly in an emergency. The system will only activate when it senses the wheels are about to lock.

Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, but they may not always prevent skidding. This is most likely to happen when driving*

in foggy conditions

at night on unlit roads

on loose road surfaces

on dry tarmac

On gravel or loose surfaces anti-lock brakes (ABS) may be ineffective. ABS may also be ineffective in very wet weather when water can build up between the tyre and the road surface. This is known as aquaplaning.

What is the shortest overall stopping distance on a dry road at 60 mph?*

53 metres (175 feet)

58 metres (190 feet)

73 metres (240 feet)

96 metres (315 feet)

This distance is the equivalent of 18 car lengths. Try pacing out 73 metres and then look back. It’s probably further than you think.

You are driving a vehicle fitted with anti-lock brakes. You need to stop in an emergency. You should apply the footbrake*

slowly and gently

slowly but firmly

rapidly and gently

rapidly and firmly

Look well ahead down the road as you drive and give yourself time and space to react safely to any hazards. You may have to stop in an emergency due to a misjudgement by another driver or a hazard arising suddenly such as a child running out into the road. In this case, if your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, you should apply the brakes immediately and keep them firmly applied until you stop.

Your vehicle is fitted with anti-lock brakes. To stop quickly in an emergency you should*

brake firmly and pump the brake pedal on and off

brake rapidly and firmly without releasing the brake pedal

brake gently and pump the brake pedal on and off

brake rapidly once, and immediately release the brake pedal

Once you have applied the brake keep your foot firmly on the pedal. Releasing the brake and reapplying it will disable the anti- lock brake system.

You are travelling at 50 mph on a good, dry road. What is your typical overall stopping distance?*

36 metres (118 feet)

53 metres (175 feet)

75 metres (245 feet)

96 metres (315 feet)

Even in good conditions it will usually take you further than you think to stop. Don’t just learn the figures, make sure you understand how far the distance is.

Freezing conditions will affect the distance it takes you to come to a stop. You should expect stopping distances to increase by up to*

two times

three times

five times

ten times

Your tyre grip is greatly reduced on icy roads and you need to allow up to ten times the normal stopping distance.

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