Alertness

• Before you move off:

  • Use your mirrors to check how your actions will affect traffic behind you
  • look around for a final check, including checking the blind spots around your car
  • signal, if necessary
• Getting a clear view

  If you can't see behind when reversing, ask someone to guide you to make sure that you reverse safely.
• Overtaking

  Observation is particularly important when your overtaking another vehicle. Make sure you can see the road ahead clearly, looking out for

  • vehicles coming towards you
  • whether your near a junction - vehicles could come out of the junction while your overtaking
  • whether the road gets narrower - there may not be enough space for you to overtake
  • bends or dips in the road, which will make it difficult for you to see traffic coming towards you
  • road signs that mean you must not overtake
• Before you overtake, check that

  • its safe, legal and necessary
  • you have enough time to complete the overtaking manoeuvre
• Being seen by others

  Its important for other road users to know your there

  • switch on your lights when it starts to get dark, even if the street lights aren't on
  • where you can't be seen, such as at a hump bridge, you may need to use your horn
• Circles - Gives order
• Triangles - Gives Warnings
• Rectangles - Gives information
• When turning right onto a dual carriageway, check that the central reservation is wide enough for your vehicle to stop in, especially for your vehicle to stop in
• Road conditions will affect how easy it is to anticipate what might happen. Its more difficult when:

  • the weather is very wet or windy
  • the light is poor
  • the traffic volume is heavy
  • the route your driving is new to you
  • In these conditions, you need to particularly aware of what's happening around you
• Be aware of more vulnerable road users. Watch out for:

  • Pedestrians approaching a crossing, especially young, older or disabled people who may need more time to cross the road
  • cyclists - always pass slowly and leave plenty of room, especially if the cyclist is young and may have little experience of dealing with traffic
  • motorcyclists, who may be difficult to see
  • Horses, which may be startled by the noise of you vehicle - pass them slowly and leave plenty of room
• Always be ready to stop

  However well prepared you are, you may still have to stop quickly in an emergency

  Keep both hands on the wheel as you brake to help you to keep control of your vehicle
• Always plan your journey:

  • Know which route you need to take
  • Have regular rest stops
• Staying focused

  You won't be able to concentrate properly if your tired. Its particularly easy to feel sleepy when driving on a motorway, especially at night

  • don't drive continuously for more than two hours
  • keep fresh air circulating in the car
  • if you start to feel drowsy, leave at the next exit
  • Find a safe and legal place to stop and take a break
• 1 second at 60mph = 27 metres/29.5 yards
• Be safe: Switch your phone off or put it on voicemail. Wait until your parked legally in a safe place before you can use your mobile phone to

  • retrieve any messages
  • make any calls
  • send or receive texts
  • go online
• If your driving on a motorway, you should leave the motorway and stop in a safe place before using your phone