Alertness

what do you need to be aware of when you are driving

other road users, pedestrians, signs/ road markings, whether conditions and the area you are driving through

what should you do before moving off

get into gear, check mirrors and blind spots and put on a signal if necessary

how do you get a clear view

if you cant see while reversing get someone to guide you and and if your view is blocked by parked cars when you are coming out of a junction move forward slowly and carefully until you have a clear view

how do you overtake safely

check if vehicles are coming towards you, make sure you have time, don’t overtake at narrow parts of roads, junctions or bends/dips in the road and also check if there are signs instructing you to not overtake

how can you be sen by others

switch on lights when it starts to get dark and if you cannot be seen like at a hump bridge sound your horn, if you are following a large vehicle stay well back so the driver can see you in their mirrors

why is anticipation important

it can prevent accidents, make sure to pay attention to road signs and markings

what do the different shapes of road signs mean

circles give orders, triangles give warnings and rectangles give information

how do you turn right onto a dual carriageway

check that the central reservation is wide enough for you to stop in incase you have to wait before joining traffic, if there isnt enough space only emerge when its clear to both your left and right

how should you approach traffic lights

if they have been green for some time approach with caution as they are likely to change, also pay attention to the road and whether conditions as they might change your approach to the light

how can you be more aware of vulnerable road users

be aware of pedestrians especially younger/older/disabled people when crossing the road, leave cyclists 1.5m at least when overtaking up to 30mph, motorcyclists can be difficult to see so always check for them in mirrors and slow down and give 2m of space when seeing a horse as they are easily startled

how can you ensure your own health while driving

always know your route and if a long drive take regular rest breaks and to avoid tiredness don’t drive for more than 2 hours, keep fresh circulating sir in the car and if you start to feel tired come off at the next exit and find a safe and legal place to pull over

how can you stay focused while driving

avoid using devices that are distracting like a phone or radio and also always focus on the road more than passenger conversation, also never programme a sat-nav device while in motion