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Drving Test Success - Driving test info Category: Travel and Transportation > Driving Tests Date & country: 24/11/2013, USA Words: 212

Smoking
You MUST NOT smoke whilst driving or on public transport vehicles or in vehicles used for work purposes in certain prescribed circumstances. Separate regulations apply for England, Wales and Scotland.

Soft tarmac
Be aware that the road surface may become soft or if it rains after a dry spell it may become slippery. These conditions could affect your steering and braking.

Slip roads
Some junctions have a slip road that allows you to slow down to turn left without holding up other traffic. On a motorway slip road, adjust your speed so that it matches the traffic already on the motorway before joining it.

Skidding
Skidding is usually caused by the driver braking, accelerating or steering too harshly or driving too fast for the road conditions. If skidding occurs, remove the cause by releasing the brake pedal fully or easing off the accelerator. Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid. For example, if the rear of the vehicle skids to the right, steer immediately to the right to recover.

Single track roads
These are only wide enough for one vehicle. They may have special passing places. If you see a vehicle coming towards you, or the driver behind wants to overtake, pull into a passing place on your left, or wait opposite a passing place on your right. Give way to vehicles coming uphill whenever you can. If necessary, reverse until you reach a passing place to let the other vehicle pass. Slow down when passing pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.

Single broken lines
Watch out for single broken lines in the middle of the road that gradually get longer, these indicate a hazard ahead.

Single carriageway
Where a single carriageway has three lanes, and the road markings or signs do not give priority to traffic in either direction. Use the middle lane only for overtaking or turning right. Remember, you have no more right to use the middle lane than a driver coming from the opposite direction. Do not use the right-hand lane. Where a single carriageway has four or more lanes, use only the lanes that signs or markings indicate.

Signals/signalling
Signals warn and inform other road users, including pedestrians of your intended actions. You should always give clear signals in plenty of time, having checked it is not misleading to signal at that time. Use them to advise other road users before changing course or direction, stopping or moving off. Make sure your signals will not confuse others and always remember to cancel them after use.

Separation distance
It is essential that you are able to judge a safe separation distance in all road, traffic and weather conditions. It is recommended that in good dry conditions you leave a gap of one metre for each mph of your speed. In bad conditions it

Security of vehicles
When you leave your vehicle you should remove the ignition key and engage the steering lock and lock the car. Ensure that all the windows are closed completely and never leave children or pets in an unventilated car. Take all contents with you, or lock them in the boot and never leave vehicle documents in the car.

Seat belts
You MUST wear a seat belt in cars, vans and other goods vehicles if one is fitted. Adults, and children aged 14 years and over, MUST use a seat belt or child restraint, where fitted, when seated in minibuses, buses and coaches. Exemptions are allowed for the holders of medical exemption certificates and those making deliveries or collections in goods vehicles when traveling less than 50 metres (approx 162 feet). The driver MUST ensure that all children under 14 years of age wear seat belts or sit in an approved child restraint where required. If a child is under 1.35 metres (approx 4 feet 5 inches) tall, a baby seat, child seat, booster seat or booster cushion MUST be used suitable for the child

School crossing patrols
Drive slowly and be particularly aware of young cyclists and pedestrians. In some places, there may be a flashing amber signal below the

Road works
Observe all signs

Safety helmets
All cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists MUST wear a safety helmet.

Road studs
May be used alongside white lines. White studs mark the lanes or the middle of the road. Red studs mark the left edge of the road. Amber studs mark the central reservation of a dual carriageway or motorway. Green studs mark the edge of the main carriageway at lay-bys and slip roads. Green/yellow studs indicate temporary adjustments to lane layouts, e.g. where road works are taking place.

Road signs
You MUST obey all traffic signs giving orders, including temporary signals and signs. There are eight categories of road signs, Danger warning signs, Priority Signs, Prohibitory or restrictive signs, Mandatory Signs, Special Regulation Signs, Information, Facilities or Service Signs, Direction, Position or Indication Signs and Additional Panels.

Road markings
These are used to give information, orders or warnings. They can be beneficial when other signs are hidden by traffic or roadside objects and they are able to give continuous messages as you drive along the road. Remember

Road camber
The camber of the road is the angle at which the road normally slopes away from the centre to help drainage.

Reverse parking / Parallel parking
Parallel parking involves parking behind other vehicles (that are parked directly alongside the kerb) that you have to negotiate in order to park safely. Good all-round observation is essential with this manoeuvre as you

Reversing
Choose an appropriate place to complete the manoeuvre. Do not reverse from a side road into a main road. Before you start to reverse you should use all your mirrors and check the

Rev counter
Used to show you the engine speed in revolutions per minute (rpm).

Reflectors
At night all cycles MUST have white front and red rear lights lit. It MUST also be fitted with a red rear reflector (and amber pedal reflectors, if manufactured after 1/10/85). These will help you to be seen by other road users.

Registration certificate
These are issued for all motor vehicles used on the road, describing them and giving details of the registered keeper. You MUST notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) as soon as possible when you buy or sell a motor vehicle.

Rear view mirrors
Before you start driving you must ensure that you can clearly see through your rear view mirror. If necessary, adjust your mirror or demist until clear It is essential that you make regular checks whilst driving as part of your MSM routine.

Reflective studs/road studs
May be used alongside white lines. White studs mark the lanes or the middle of the road. Red studs mark the left edge of the road. Amber studs mark the central reservation of a dual carriageway or motorway. Green studs mark the edge of the main carriageway at lay-bys and slip roads. Green/yellow studs indicate temporary adjustments to lane layouts, e.g. where road works are taking place.

Rear fog lights
Only use your front or rear fog lights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet). You MUST switch them off when visibility improves to avoid dazzling other road users.

Railway level crossing
Where a road crosses a railway or tramway line. Approach and cross with great care. Never drive onto a crossing until the road is clear on the other side and do not get too close to the car in front. Never stop or park on, or near a crossing.

Rain
When driving in the rain use dipped headlights especially when the visibility is poor. Rain can dramatically reduce your view so it

Rear facing baby seats
A rear facing baby seat MUST NOT be fitted into a seat protected by an active frontal airbag, as in a crash it can cause serious injury or death to the child.

Quad bikes
These are only suitable for off-road use and do not meet legal standards for use on roads. Vehicles that do not meet these standards MUST NOT be used on roads. They MUST NOT be used on pavements, footpaths, cycle paths or bridleways either. If you intend to drive your quad bike on the roads, you MUST make sure that it meets legal standards and is properly registered, taxed and insured before using it on the roads. Even when registered, taxed and insured for the road, vehicles MUST NOT be used on pavements.

Queues
Do not hold up a long queue of traffic, especially if you are driving a large or slow moving vehicle. Check your mirrors regularly and if necessary pull in where it is safe and let traffic pass.

PSL routine
Position Speed Look routine

Puffin crossing
These are similar to pelican crossings, but there is no flashing amber phase; the light sequence for traffic at a puffin crossing is the same as at traffic lights. If the signal-controlled crossing is not working, proceed with extreme care.

Punctures
If your car suddenly becomes unstable or you begin to feel steering problems you may have a puncture. Take your foot off the accelerator, don

Protective clothing
Whether you

Provisional Licence
Before you can learn to drive a car, moped or motorcycle you must apply for a provisional driving licence. If you already hold a valid full driving licence and want to learn to drive larger vehicles, minibuses or buses you will need to apply for provisional entitlement for these vehicles.

Positioning on a right-hand bend
Keep well to the left on a right-hand bend. This will improve your view of the road and help avoid the risk of colliding with traffic approaching from the opposite direction.

Positioning
Once moving you should keep to the left, unless road signs or markings indicate otherwise. The exceptions are when you want to overtake, turn right or pass parked vehicles or pedestrians in the road.

POM routine
Prepare Observe Move routine. This routine is probably used almost every time you pull away from a stopped position.

Pillion passengers
You MUST NOT carry more than one pillion passenger who MUST sit astride the machine on a proper seat. They should face forwards with both feet on the footrests. You MUST NOT carry a pillion passenger unless your motor cycle is designed to do so. Provisional licence holders MUST NOT carry a pillion passenger.

PCV
Passenger Carrying Vehicles

Pedestrian crossings
You MUST NOT park on a crossing or in the area covered by the zigzag lines. You MUST NOT overtake the moving vehicle nearest the crossing or the vehicle nearest the crossing which has stopped to give way to pedestrians. Allow pedestrians plenty of time to cross and do not harass them by revving your engine or edging forwards.

Penalties
A driver or motorcyclist who accumulates 12 or more penalty points within a three-year period MUST be disqualified. This will be for a minimum of six months, or longer if the driver or motorcyclist has previously been disqualified. However, for new drivers, if you accumulate six or more penalty points before the end of the two year period from passing your driving test, the licence will be revoked automatically. To re-gain your licence you must then reapply for a provisional licence and may drive but only as a learner until you pass your driving test again.

Passing places
Single track roads are only wide enough for one vehicle and may have special passing places. If you see a vehicle coming towards you, or the driver behind wants to overtake, pull into a passing place on your left, or wait opposite a passing place on your right. Give way to vehicles coming uphill whenever you can. If necessary, reverse until you reach a passing place to let the other vehicle pass. Slow down when passing pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. Do not park in a passing place.

Parking brake
Also referred to as the handbrake.

PAS
Power-assisted steering

Pass Plus scheme
New drivers can take a further training course after they have passed their driving test. The Pass Plus scheme has been created by the DSA for new drivers who would like to improve their basic driving skills. Drivers who have taken this course may be entitled to a reduced insurance premium.

Parking at night
You must NOT park on a road at night facing against the direction of the traffic flow unless in a recognised parking space. All vehicles MUST display parking lights when parked on a road or a lay-by on a road with a speed limit greater than 30mph (48 km/h). Cars, goods vehicles not exceeding 1525 kg unladen weight, invalid carriages, motorcycles and pedal cycles may be parked without lights on a road (or lay-by) with a speed limit of 30 mph (48 km/h) or less if they are at least 10 metres (32 feet) away from any junction, close to the kerb and facing in the direction of the traffic flow or in a recognised parking place or lay-by. Other vehicles and trailers, and all vehicles with projecting loads, MUST NOT be left on a road at night without lights.

Oversteer
Every vehicle drives slightly differently, so it

Parking
Use off-street parking areas, or bays marked out with white lines on the road as parking places, wherever possible. If you have to stop beside the roadside do not park facing against the flow of the traffic and make sure you stop as close as you can to the side, but not too close to a vehicle displaying a Blue Badge. You must switch off the engine, headlights and fog lights and apply the handbrake. Make sure that you hide all valuables out of sight and lock your vehicle.

Orange Badge
This is now known as the Blue Badge Scheme which provides a range of parking concessions for people with severe mobility problems who have difficulty using public transport. The scheme operates throughout the UK.

Older driver
Always be patient with older drivers as their reactions may be slower than other drivers, so ensure that you make an allowance for this.

One-way streets
Traffic MUST travel in the direction indicated by signs. Buses and/or cycles may have a contraflow lane. Choose the correct lane for your exit as soon as you can. Do not change lanes suddenly. Unless road signs or markings indicate otherwise, you should use the left-hand lane when going left, the right-hand lane when going right and the most appropriate lane when going straight ahead. But remember, traffic could be passing on both sides.

Obstructions
If anything falls from your vehicle (or any other vehicle) on to the road, stop and retrieve it only if it is safe to do so. On a motorway do not try to remove the obstruction yourself. Stop at the next emergency telephone and call the Highways Agency or the police.

Night driving
At night or in poor visibility, do not use tinted glasses, lenses or visors if they restrict your vision.

Observation
It is important that you read the road and look out for particular signs/markings/objects that will help you to act safely and sensibly in advance. These may include other vehicles and pedestrians, signals by other drivers, road signs and markings, the condition of the road surface and any changes to the road ahead.

Navigation systems
There is a danger of driver distraction being caused by in-vehicle systems such as satellite navigation systems, congestion warning systems, PCs, multi-media, etc. You MUST exercise proper control of your vehicle at all times. Do not rely on driver assistance systems such as cruise control or lane departure warnings. They are available to assist but you should not reduce your concentration levels. Do not be distracted by maps or screen-based information (such as navigation or vehicle management systems) while driving or riding. If necessary find a safe place to stop.

New driver
Once you have passed your driving test you will be able to drive on your own. As a new driver you will continue to develop your skills, especially anticipating other road users

MSPSL
Mirrors, Signal, Position, Speed, Look

Narrow/winding roads
Take extra care on winding country roads and reduce your speed when approaching bends, which can be sharper than they appear, and at junctions and turnings, which may be partially hidden. Be prepared for pedestrians, horse risers, cyclists, slow-moving farm vehicles or mud on the road.

MSM routine
Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre routine

Moving off
Before moving off you should use all your mirrors to check the road is clear. Look round to check the blind spots and signal if necessary before moving out. Look around for a final check and move off only when it is safe to do so.

MOT
Cars and motorcycles MUST normally pass an MOT test three years from the date of the first registration and every year thereafter. You MUST NOT drive a motor vehicle without an MOT certificate when it should have one. Exceptionally, you may drive to a pre-arranged test appointment or to a garage for repairs required for the test. Driving an unroadworthy motor vehicle may invalidate your insurance.

Motorcycle licence
If you have a provisional motorcycle licence, you MUST satisfactorily complete a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course. You can then ride on the public road, with L plates (in Wales either D plates, L plates or both can use used), for up to two years. To obtain your full motorcycle licence you MUST pass a motorcycle theory test and then a practical test.

Manoeuvres
There are different manoeuvres that you will need to perform throughout your day-to-day driving. These will include reversing, turning around and parking.

Mirrors
All mirrors should be used effectively throughout your journey. You should use your mirrors frequently so that you always know what is behind and to each side of you. You should use them in good time before you signal or change direction or speed but always remember that mirrors do not cover all areas and there will be blind spots, so you will need to look round and check. Remember: Mirrors

Loose chippings
When a road has been resurfaced, always ensure that you observe the special warning speed limit signs and keep well back from other vehicles. Flying stone chips can cause damage to vehicles and serious injury to pedestrians and other road users.

LRTs
Light Rapid Transit Systems

Maintenance
It is important that you maintain your vehicle on a regular basis to ensure that everything is in full working order. Such things include lights, brakes, steering, exhaust system, seat belts, demisters, wipers and washers, indicators, reflectors, number plates, tyres, windscreens and windows.

Loading and unloading
Do not load or unload where there are yellow markings on the kerb and upright signs advise restrictions are in place. This may be permitted where parking is otherwise restricted. On red routes, specially marked and signed bays indicate where and when loading and unloading is permitted.

Level crossings
The road crosses a railway line at a level crossing. You must always approach with great care and NEVER drive onto the crossing unless the road is clear on the other side. Most crossings have full or half barriers, but open crossing has no gates or barriers. You may also see a steady amber light followed by twin flashing red lights with an audible alarm to warn pedestrians. You must ALWAYS obey the signal at a level crossing.

LGV
Large Goods Vehicle

Lane dividers
On wide carriageways you will find short broken white lines that divide the lanes. You should keep between these lines unless you are overtaking or turning right.

Learner drivers
ALL learner drivers must hold a valid provisional licence. They must be supervised by someone at least 21 years old who has a full EC/EEA licence for that type of car (automatic or manual) and has held one for at least three years. You must pass the Theory Test, Hazard Perception Test and then a practical Driving Test for the category of vehicle you wish to drive before driving unaccompanied.

Insurance
To use a motor vehicle on the road, you MUST have a valid insurance policy. This MUST at least cover you for injury or damage to a third party while using that motor vehicle. Before driving any vehicle, make sure that you are insured to drive it. Under no circumstances should you drive a motor vehicle without insurance.

Icy roads
When driving on ice always reduce your speed and treat all the controls (brakes, steering, accelerator etc) with great care. Remember that your stopping distance is greatly increased on icy roads, so always leave a larger gap in between the vehicle in front.

Ignition warning lights
If the ignition warning light comes on when the engine is running, it shows that you have a problem with the electrical charging system.

Indicators
Are used to show other road users which direction you intend to take. Correct use of the indicators is essential for safe driving. Always check that the indicators have cancelled after you have turned.

HOVs
High-Occupancy Vehicle Lanes

Horn
Your horn should only be used while your vehicle is moving and you need to warn other road users of your presence. You MUST NOT sound your horn out of aggression, whilst stationary or when driving in a built-up area between the hours of 11.30pm and 7.00am.

Hill parking
When parking on a hill you must stop your vehicle as close to the nearside kerb as possible and leave your steering wheel turned to the right. If for any reason the car does roll, the front wheels will be stopped by the kerb. If however there is no kerb, leave your steering wheel turned to the right, so if it does roll backwards, it won

Home zones
These are places where people could be using the whole of the road for a range of activities such as children playing or for a community event. You should drive slowly and carefully and be prepared to stop to allow people extra time to make space for you to pass them safely.

Head restraints
These should be adjusted properly to ensure that it fully protects the neck and spine against injuries such as whiplash.

HGV
Heavy Goods Vehicles

Highway Code, The
An official road safety manual for drivers in Great Britain. Certain rules in the Highway Code represent various road traffic laws and must be obeyed, but others are not compulsory, but advisable as they can be used in court to support prosecutions.

Hatch markings
These are dangerous areas where it is essential to separate the traffic completely. These may be used on a sharp bend where traffic turning right needs protection. You can identify these areas with painted white chevrons or diagonal stripes.

HATO
Highways Agency Traffic Officers

Hazard Perception Test
This test forms the second part of the Theory Test. You must take this test at the same time as the multiple-choice Theory Test, and pass both sections to receive your Theory Test pass certificate. During the test, you must click the mouse button as soon as you see a developing hazard that would require you to take action, such as, changing speed, road position or direction. The earlier you spot the developing hazard and respond, the higher your score, up to a maximum of five points.

HA
Highways Agency

Hard shoulder
You may only stop on the hard shoulder, in a breakdown, in an emergency or if told to stop by the police. You MUST NOT use the hard shoulder for overtaking. In areas where an Active Traffic Management (ATM) Scheme is in force, the hard shoulder may be used as a running lane. You will know when you can use this because a speed limit sign will be shown above all open lanes, including the hard shoulder. A red cross or blank sign above the hard shoulder means that you MUST NOT drive on the hard shoulder except in an emergency or breakdown. Emergency refuge areas have also been built into these areas for use in cases of emergency or breakdown.

Give way junctions
The approach to a junction may have a

Glare
In some weather conditions, such as wet roads or low-sun your visibility can be seriously reduced due to the glare on the roads. If this is the case, reduce your speed and take extra care. In sunny conditions, wear sun-glasses and/or use your visor to reduce as much glare as possible.

Green Cross Code
First find a safe place to cross, stopping just before you get to the kerb. Look all around for traffic and listen. When it is safe, go straight across the road, but do not run.

Fluid levels
Check fluid levels in your vehicle at least weekly. Low brake fluid may result in brake failure and a crash. Make sure you recognise the low fluid warning lights in your vehicle has them fitted.

Footbrake
The footbrake is the middle of the two pedals and is used to slow down or stop the vehicle.

Fords
The depth of fords will vary depending on the weather. If the water is not too deep you may cross the ford but remember to test your brakes after you cross.

Gas pedal
The right foot operates the gas pedal which is situated on the right of the three pedals. When pressed, the vehicles speed will increase.

Fire
If you vehicle catches fire get everyone out as quickly as possible and to a safe place. Do not attempt to distinguish a fire in the engine compartment, as opening the bonnet will make the fire flare. Call the fire brigade.

Flashing amber beacons
Powered vehicles used by disabled people MUST have a flashing amber beacon on a dual carriageway where the speed limit exceeds 50 mph (80 km/h). Slow moving vehicles such as a salt spreader, snow plough, recovery vehicle or abnormal loads will also have a flashing amber beacon so you must approach with caution.

Exhaust emissions limits
As part of the MOT test your exhaust emissions will also be tested to ensure that they are correctly tuned and adjusted. There are prescribed limits for petrol-engine vehicles registered after 1975 and the MOT test will check that these limits are not exceeded.