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If you want to make a U-turn, slow down and ensure that the road is clear in both directions.
Make sure that the road is wide enough to carry out the manoeuvre safely.

Before emerging right onto a dual carriageway make sure that the central reserve is deep enough to protect your vehicle. If it is not, you should treat it as one road and check that it is clear in both directions before pulling out. Neglecting to do this could place part or all of your vehicle in the path of approaching traffic and cause a collision.

Your headlights and tail lights help others on the road to see you. It may be necessary to turn on your lights during the day if visibility is reduced, for example due to heavy rain. In these conditions the light might fade before the street lights are timed to switch on.

You should not allow yourself to be distracted when driving. You need to concentrate fully in order to be safe on the road. Loud music could mask other sounds, such as the audible warning of an emergency vehicle. Any distraction which causes you to take your hands off the steering wheel or your eyes off the road could be dangerous.

Plan your journey to include suitable rest stops. You should take all possible precautions against feeling sleepy while driving.
Any lapse of concentration could have serious consequences.

Before moving off you should use all the mirrors to check if the road is clear. Look round to check the blind spots and give a signal if it is necessary to warn other road users of your intentions.

Windscreen pillars can block your view, particularly at junctions. Those road users most at risk of not being seen are cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians.
Never rely on just a quick glance.

If you want to turn your car around try to find a place where you have good all-round vision. If this is not possible and you are unable to see clearly, then get someone to guide you.

At junctions your view is often restricted by buildings, trees or parked cars. You need to be able to see in order to judge a safe gap. Edge forward slowly and keep looking all the time. Do not cause other road users to change speed or direction as you emerge.

As you begin to think about overtaking, ask yourself if it is really necessary. If you can not see well ahead stay back and wait for a safer place to pull out.

Before moving off you should use all the mirrors to check if the road is clear. Look round to check the blind spots and give a signal if it is necessary to warn other road users of your intentions.

Before emerging right onto a dual carriageway make sure that the central reserve is deep enough to protect your vehicle. If it is not, you should treat it as one road and check that it is clear in both directions before pulling out. Neglecting to do this could place part or all of your vehicle in the path of approaching traffic and cause a collision.

You should not allow yourself to be distracted when driving. You need to concentrate fully in order to be safe on the road. Loud music could mask other sounds, such as the audible warning of an emergency vehicle. Any distraction which causes you to take your hands off the steering wheel or your eyes off the road could be dangerous.

If you want to turn your car around try to find a place where you have good all-round vision. If this is not possible and you are unable to see clearly, then get someone to guide you.

At junctions your view is often restricted by buildings, trees or parked cars. You need to be able to see in order to judge a safe gap. Edge forward slowly and keep looking all the time. Do not cause other road users to change speed or direction as you emerge.

As you begin to think about overtaking, ask yourself if it is really necessary. If you can not see well ahead stay back and wait for a safer place to pull out.

Plan your journey to include suitable rest stops. You should take all possible precautions against feeling sleepy while driving.
Any lapse of concentration could have serious consequences.

Windscreen pillars can block your view, particularly at junctions. Those road users most at risk of not being seen are cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians.
Never rely on just a quick glance.

If you want to make a U-turn, slow down and ensure that the road is clear in both directions.
Make sure that the road is wide enough to carry out the manoeuvre safely.

Your headlights and tail lights help others on the road to see you. It may be necessary to turn on your lights during the day if visibility is reduced, for example due to heavy rain. In these conditions the light might fade before the street lights are timed to switch on.
Be seen to be safe.

Tailgating is the term used when a driver or rider follows the vehicle in front too closely. It is dangerous because it restricts their view of the road ahead and leaves no safety margin if the vehicle in front needs to slow down or stop suddenly. Tailgating is often the underlying cause of rear-end collisions or multiple pile-ups.

A long lorry with a heavy load will need more time to pass you than a car, especially on an uphill stretch of road. Slow down and allow the lorry to pass.

If you are using diesel, or are at a pump which has a diesel facility, be aware that there may be spilt fuel on the ground. Fuel contamination on the soles of your shoes may cause them to slip when using the foot pedals.

Your horn mustn’t be used between 11.30 pm and 7 am in a built-up area or when you are stationary, unless a moving vehicle poses a danger. Its function is to alert other road users to your presence.

If you stop for pedestrians and they do not start to cross do not wave them across or sound your horn. This could be dangerous if another vehicle is approaching which has not seen or heard your signal.

If you wish to turn right into a side road, take up your position in good time. Move to the centre of the road when it is safe to do so. This will allow vehicles to pass you on the left. Early planning will show other traffic what you intend to do.

If you follow another vehicle with your headlights on full beam they could dazzle the driver. Leave a safe distance and ensure that the light from your dipped beam falls short of the vehicle in front.

Water will reduce your tyres grip on the road. The safe separation gap of at least two seconds in dry conditions should be doubled, to at least four seconds, in wet weather.

When you are in a one-way street and want to turn right, you should take up a position in the right-hand lane. This will allow other road users, not wishing to turn, to pass on the left. Indicate your intention and take up the correct position in good time.

A green flashing beacon on a vehicle means the driver or passenger is a doctor on an emergency call. Give way to them if it is safe to do so. Be aware that the vehicle may be travelling quickly or may stop in a hurry.

If you stop for pedestrians and they do not start to cross do not wave them across or sound your horn. This could be dangerous if another vehicle is approaching which has not seen or heard your signal.

The safe separation gap of at least two seconds in dry conditions

If you follow another vehicle with your headlights on full beam they could dazzle the driver. Leave a safe distance and ensure that the light from your dipped beam falls short of the vehicle in front.

When you are in a one-way street and want to turn right, you should take up a position in the right-hand lane. This will allow other road users, not wishing to turn, to pass on the left. Indicate your intention and take up the correct position in good time.

Your horn mustn’t be used between 11.30 pm and 7 am in a built-up area or when you are stationary, unless a moving vehicle poses a danger. Its function is to alert other road users to your presence.

If you are using diesel, or are at a pump which has a diesel facility, be aware that there may be spilt fuel on the ground. Fuel contamination on the soles of your shoes may cause them to slip when using the foot pedals.

If you wish to turn right into a side road, take up your position in good time. Move to the centre of the road when it is safe to do so. This will allow vehicles to pass you on the left. Early planning will show other traffic what you intend to do.

A long lorry with a heavy load will need more time to pass you than a car, especially on an uphill stretch of road. Slow down and allow the lorry to pass.

A green flashing beacon on a vehicle means the driver or passenger is a doctor on an emergency call. Give way to them if it is safe to do so. Be aware that the vehicle may be travelling quickly or may stop in a hurry.

Pelican crossings are signal-controlled crossings operated by pedestrians. Push-button controls change the signals. Pelican crossings have no red-and-amber stage before green; instead, they have a flashing amber light. This means you must give way to pedestrians who are already on the crossing. If the crossing is clear, however, you can continue.

By law you must not sound your horn in a built-up area between 11.30 pm and 7.00 am.
The exception to this is when another road user poses a danger.

Some modern batteries are maintenance free. Check your vehicle handbook and, if necessary, make sure that the plates in each battery cell are covered.

Traffic calming measures help keep vehicle speeds low in congested areas where there are pedestrians and children.
A pedestrian is much more likely to survive a collision with a vehicle travelling at 20 mph than at 40 mph.

Do not ignore this warning light.
A fault in your braking system could have dangerous consequences.

If you have adult passengers, it is their responsibility to wear a seat belt, but you should still remind them to use one as they get in the car. It is your responsibility to make sure that all children in your car are secured with an appropriate restraint. Exemptions are allowed for those with a medical exemption certificate.

Tyre grip is greatly reduced in icy conditions. For this reason, you need to allow up to ten times the stopping distance you would allow on dry roads.

Harmful gases in the exhaust system pollute the atmosphere. These gases are reduced by up to 90% if a catalytic converter is fitted.
Cleaner air benefits everyone, especially people who live or work near congested roads.

Traffic calming measures help keep vehicle speeds low in congested areas where there are pedestrians and children.
A pedestrian is much more likely to survive a collision with a vehicle travelling at 20 mph than at 40 mph. 

By law you must not sound your horn in a built-up area between 11.30 pm and 7.00 am.
The exception to this is when another road user poses a danger.

If you have adult passengers, it is their responsibility to wear a seat belt, but you should still remind them to use one as they get in the car. It is your responsibility to make sure that all children in your car are secured with an appropriate restraint. Exemptions are allowed for those with a medical exemption certificate.

Some modern batteries are maintenance free. Check your vehicle handbook and, if necessary, make sure that the plates in each battery cell are covered.

If you have adult passengers, it is their responsibility to wear a seat belt, but you should still remind them to use one as they get in the car. It is your responsibility to make sure that all children in your car are secured with an appropriate restraint. Exemptions are allowed for those with a medical exemption certificate.

If you are involved in a collision, head restraints will reduce the risk of neck injury. They must be properly adjusted. Make sure they are not positioned too low, in a crash this could cause damage to the neck.

Harmful gases in the exhaust system pollute the atmosphere. These gases are reduced by up to 90% if a catalytic converter is fitted.
Cleaner air benefits everyone, especially people who live or work near congested roads.

Traffic-calming measures help to keep vehicle speeds low in congested areas where there are pedestrians and children. A pedestrian is much more likely to survive a collision with a vehicle travelling at 20 mph than they are with a vehicle travelling at 40 mph.

Tyre grip is greatly reduced in icy conditions. For this reason, you need to allow up to ten times the stopping distance you would allow on dry roads.

When you check the tyre pressures do so when the tyres are cold. This will give you a more accurate reading.
The heat generated from a long journey will raise the pressure inside the tyre. 

Your tyres are your only contact with the road so it is very important to ensure that they are free from defects, have sufficient tread depth and are correctly inflated.
Correct tyre pressures help reduce the risk of skidding and provide a safer and more comfortable drive or ride. 

Transport is an essential part of modern life but it does have environmental effects. In heavily populated areas traffic is the biggest source of air pollution.
Eco-safe driving and riding will reduce emissions and can make a surprising difference to local air quality.

Traffic calming measures help keep vehicle speeds low in congested areas where there are pedestrians and children.
A pedestrian is much more likely to survive a collision with a vehicle travelling at 20 mph than at 40 mph. 

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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 do not brake until your steering returns to a normal feel.

Always give cyclists plenty of room when overtaking them. You need to give them even more room when it’s windy. A sudden gust could easily blow them off course and into your path.

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 is very important that you constantly assess what is ahead, so that you can take appropriate action in plenty of time.

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.

Do not 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 will be taking longer than usual for your journey. This will stop them worrying if you do not turn up on time and will also take the pressure off you, so you do not feel you have to rush.

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.

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.

Always give cyclists plenty of room when overtaking them. You need to give them even more room when it’s windy. A sudden gust could easily blow them off course and into your path.

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 is very important that you constantly assess what is ahead, so that you can take appropriate action in plenty of time.

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.

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.

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 do not brake until your steering returns to a normal feel.

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

Do not 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 will be taking longer than usual for your journey. This will stop them worrying if you do not turn up on time and will also take the pressure off you, so you do not feel you have to rush.

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

Although a convex mirror gives a wide view of the scene behind, you should be aware that it will not show you everything behind or to the side of the vehicle.
Before you move off you will need to check over your shoulder to look for anything not visible in the mirrors.

You have shown that you are a risk to yourself and others on the road.
For this reason insurance companies may charge you a higher premium.

Hazard warning lights may be used to warn other road users when you have broken down and are causing an obstruction, or are on a motorway and want to warn following traffic of a hazard ahead. Do not use them when being towed or when parking illegally.

The licensing authority will not automatically take away your licence without investigation. For advice, contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (or DVA in Northern Ireland).

Be tolerant of older drivers. They may take longer to react to a hazard and they may be hesitant in some situations, for example, at a junction.

The only time you are permitted to use your hazard warning lights while moving is if you are on a motorway or dual carriageway and you need to warn other road users, particularly those behind, of a hazard or obstruction ahead.
Only use them long enough to ensure your warning has been seen.

Alcohol will stay in the body for several hours and may make you unfit to drive later in the day.
Drinking during the day will also affect your performance at work or study.

Never reverse or turn your vehicle around in a one-way street. This is highly dangerous.
Carry on and find another route, checking the direction signs as you drive.
If you need to check a map, first stop in a safe place.

The driver may be unsure of the location of a junction and turn suddenly. Be cautious and do not attempt to overtake.

Be tolerant if a vehicle emerges and you have to brake quickly. Anyone can make a mistake, so do not react aggressively. Be alert where there are side roads and be especially careful where there are parked vehicles, because these can make it difficult for emerging drivers to see you.

Be tolerant of older drivers. They may take longer to react to a hazard and they may be hesitant in some situations, for example, at a junction.

The licensing authority will not automatically take away your licence without investigation. For advice, contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (or DVA in Northern Ireland).

Although a convex mirror gives a wide view of the scene behind, you should be aware that it will not show you everything behind or to the side of the vehicle.
Before you move off you will need to check over your shoulder to look for anything not visible in the mirrors.

Hazard warning lights may be used to warn other road users when you have broken down and are causing an obstruction, or are on a motorway and want to warn following traffic of a hazard ahead. Do not use them when being towed or when parking illegally.

Be tolerant if a vehicle emerges and you have to brake quickly. Anyone can make a mistake, so do not react aggressively. Be alert where there are side roads and be especially careful where there are parked vehicles, because these can make it difficult for emerging drivers to see you.

The only time you are permitted to use your hazard warning lights while moving is if you are on a motorway or dual carriageway and you need to warn other road users, particularly those behind, of a hazard or obstruction ahead.
Only use them long enough to ensure your warning has been seen.

You have shown that you are a risk to yourself and others on the road.
For this reason insurance companies may charge you a higher premium.

Alcohol will stay in the body for several hours and may make you unfit to drive later in the day.
Drinking during the day will also affect your performance at work or study.

The driver may be unsure of the location of a junction and turn suddenly. Be cautious and do not attempt to overtake.

Never reverse or turn your vehicle around in a one-way street. This is highly dangerous.
Carry on and find another route, checking the direction signs as you drive.
If you need to check a map, first stop in a safe place.

Powered vehicles used by disabled people are small, low, hard to see and travel very slowly.
On a dual carriageway a flashing amber light will warn other road users.

If you need to reverse into a side road try to find a place that is free from traffic and pedestrians. Look all around before and during the manoeuvre. Stop and give way to any pedestrians who want to cross behind you. Avoid waving them across, sounding the horn, flashing your lights or giving any misleading signals that could lead them into a dangerous situation.

Vehicles that are used to carry children to and from school will be travelling at busy times of the day. If you are following a vehicle with this sign, be prepared for it to make frequent stops. It might pick up or set down passengers in places other than normal bus stops.

If you see a bus ahead watch out for pedestrians. They may not be able to see you if they are crossing from behind the bus.

Never attempt to change direction to the right without first checking your right-hand mirror.
A motorcyclist might not have seen your signal and could be hidden by the car behind you.
This action should become a matter of routine.

The interior mirror of most vehicles can be set to the anti dazzle position. You will still be able to see the lights of the traffic behind you, but the dazzle will be greatly reduced.

This sign shows a shared route for pedestrians and cyclists: when it ends, the cyclists will be rejoining the main road.

Cyclists approaching a roundabout in the left-hand lane may be turning right but may not have been able to get into the correct lane due to the heavy traffic.
They may also feel safer keeping to the left all the way round the roundabout. Be aware of them and give them plenty of room.

Always look into the road into which you are turning. If there are pedestrians crossing, give way to them, but do not wave or signal to them to cross. Signal your intention to turn as you approach.

Make sure that you have reduced your speed and are in the correct gear for the turn.
Look into the road before you turn and always give way to any pedestrians who are crossing.

Powered vehicles used by disabled people are small, low, hard to see and travel very slowly.
On a dual carriageway a flashing amber light will warn other road users.

Cyclists approaching a roundabout in the left-hand lane may be turning right but may not have been able to get into the correct lane due to the heavy traffic.
They may also feel safer keeping to the left all the way round the roundabout. Be aware of them and give them plenty of room.

Never attempt to change direction to the right without first checking your right-hand mirror.
A motorcyclist might not have seen your signal and could be hidden by the car behind you.
This action should become a matter of routine.

Vehicles that are used to carry children to and from school will be travelling at busy times of the day. If you are following a vehicle with this sign, be prepared for it to make frequent stops. It might pick up or set down passengers in places other than normal bus stops.

This sign shows a shared route for pedestrians and cyclists: when it ends, the cyclists will be rejoining the main road.

Always look into the road into which you are turning. If there are pedestrians crossing, give way to them, but do not wave or signal to them to cross. Signal your intention to turn as you approach.

If you need to reverse into a side road try to find a place that is free from traffic and pedestrians. Look all around before and during the manoeuvre. Stop and give way to any pedestrians who want to cross behind you. Avoid waving them across, sounding the horn, flashing your lights or giving any misleading signals that could lead them into a dangerous situation.

The interior mirror of most vehicles can be set to the anti dazzle position. You will still be able to see the lights of the traffic behind you, but the dazzle will be greatly reduced.

If you see a bus ahead watch out for pedestrians. They may not be able to see you if they are crossing from behind the bus.

Make sure that you have reduced your speed and are in the correct gear for the turn.
Look into the road before you turn and always give way to any pedestrians who are crossing.

You must ensure that you can be seen by others on the road. Use your dipped headlights during the day if the visibility is bad. If you use your rear fog lights, do not forget to turn them off when the visibility improves.

Although cars are the least likely to be affected, crosswinds can take anyone by surprise. This is most likely to happen, after overtaking a large vehicle, when passing gaps between hedges or buildings, and on exposed sections of road.

Cyclists, and motorcyclists, are very vulnerable in crosswinds. They can easily be blown well off course and veer into your path.
Always allow plenty of room when overtaking them. Passing too close could cause a draught and unbalance the rider.

It is very frustrating when your separation distance is shortened by another vehicle. React positively, stay calm and drop further back.

Depending on relevant speed, it will usually take you longer to pass a lorry than other vehicles. Some hazards to watch for include oncoming traffic, junctions ahead, bends or dips which could restrict your view, and signs or road markings that prohibit overtaking. Make sure you can see that it is safe to complete the manoeuvre before you start to overtake.

These are small battery powered vehicles and include wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Some are designed for use on the pavement only and have an upper speed limit of 4 mph (6 km/h). Others can go on the road as well and have a speed limit of 8 mph (12 km/h). They are now very common and are generally used by the elderly, disabled or infirm. Take great care as they are extremely vulnerable because of their low speed and small size.

When a long vehicle is going to turn right it may need to keep close to the left-hand kerb. This is to prevent the rear end of the trailer cutting the corner. You need to be aware of how long vehicles behave in such situations. Do not overtake the lorry because it could turn as you are alongside. Stay behind and wait for it to turn.

A lorry may swing out to the right as it approaches a left turn. This is to allow the rear wheels to clear the kerb as it turns. Do not try to filter through if you see a gap on the nearside.

There might be pedestrians crossing from in front of the bus. Look out for them if you intend to pass. Consider staying back and waiting.
How many people are waiting to get on the bus? Check the queue if you can. The bus might move off straight away if there is no one waiting to get on.
If a bus is signalling to pull out, give it priority as long as it is safe to do so.

Try to give way to buses if you can do so safely, especially when the driver signals to pull away from a bus stop. Look out for people getting off the bus or running to catch it, because they may cross the road without looking. Do not accelerate to get past the bus, and do not flash your lights, as this could mislead other road users.

When a long vehicle is going to turn right it may need to keep close to the left-hand kerb. This is to prevent the rear end of the trailer cutting the corner. You need to be aware of how long vehicles behave in such situations. Do not overtake the lorry because it could turn as you are alongside. Stay behind and wait for it to turn.

You must ensure that you can be seen by others on the road. Use your dipped headlights during the day if the visibility is bad. If you use your rear fog lights, do not forget to turn them off when the visibility improves.

Cyclists, and motorcyclists, are very vulnerable in crosswinds. They can easily be blown well off course and veer into your path.
Always allow plenty of room when overtaking them. Passing too close could cause a draught and unbalance the rider.

A lorry may swing out to the right as it approaches a left turn. This is to allow the rear wheels to clear the kerb as it turns. Do not try to filter through if you see a gap on the nearside.

There might be pedestrians crossing from in front of the bus. Look out for them if you intend to pass. Consider staying back and waiting.
How many people are waiting to get on the bus? Check the queue if you can. The bus might move off straight away if there is no one waiting to get on.
If a bus is signalling to pull out, give it priority as long as it is safe to do so.

You should take extra care when you first encounter trams. You will have to get used to dealing with a different traffic system.
Be aware that they can accelerate and travel very quickly and that they cannot change direction to avoid obstructions.

Try to give way to buses if you can do so safely, especially when the driver signals to pull away from a bus stop. Look out for people getting off the bus or running to catch it, because they may cross the road without looking. Do not accelerate to get past the bus, and do not flash your lights, as this could mislead other road users.

It is very frustrating when your separation distance is shortened by another vehicle. React positively, stay calm and drop further back.