Exam 2: Theory test before commencing on-road training at speed

What is the system of car control?

• A way of approaching and negotiating hazards that is methodical, safe and leaves nothing to chance

• Involves careful observation, early anticipation and planning, and systematic use of controls to maintain vehicle stability in all situations.

• Consists of:

  • Information

  • (mirror check) Position

  • (mirror check) Speed

  • Gear

  • (mirror check) Acceleration

According to the Highway Code, what is the legal definition of a road?

Any highway and any other road to which the public has access and includes bridges over which a road passes

Do you always have to do every element of the system of car control?

• No, but you have to consider every aspect

• E.g. if position is already good, don’t need to change position. Or if speed is already good, don’t need to change speed

When should you NOT use cruise control?

• Downhill

• Slippery services

• Poor visibility

• Where speed may change suddenly such as urban areas

What is the TUG system of information processing?

• Take

• Use

• Give

What are the 5 C’s of cornering?

• Correct position

• Correct speed

• Correct gear engaged

• Correct amount of acceleration (pull vehicle through bend)

• Be able to stop on your own side of the road in the distance you can see to be Clear

What position should we be in for a bend to the right and why?

Nearside P1 position towards left side of lane, to afford

• Safety

• View

• Stability

What position should we be in for a bend to the left and why?

Crown P3 position towards right side of the lane, to afford

• View

• Stability

Safety may become compromised in P3 at times, in which case manoeuvre to P2.

What are the stages of driver planning?

OAPDA

• Observe

• Anticipate

• Prioritise

• Decide what to do

• Act

What are the 5 W’s of a driving plan?

• What you can see

• What you can’t see

• What you may reasonably expect to happen

• Which hazards present the greatest danger

• What to do if things turn out differently than expected

What is a hazard and what are the three types?

A hazard is anything that poses an actual or potential danger

• Physical features (junctions, bends, road surface)

• Position and movement of other road users (drivers, cyclists, pedestrians)

• Weather conditions (icy road, poor visibility)

What is aquaplaning and how do we manage it?

Build up of a wedge of water between the front tyres and the road surface

Managed by removing pressure from the accelerator and not turning the steering wheel.

What is acceleration sense and what are the benefits of good acceleration sense?

Ability to vary vehicle speed in response to changing road or traffic conditions by accurate use of the accelerator, so that you use the brakes less or not at all. Results in:

• Using less fuel

• Causing less wear on the tyres

• Reducing emissions

What are the goals for driver education, from highest to lowest on the pyramid?

• Human factors

• Purpose of journey

• Hazard perception

• Technical mastery and knowledge

What are the signs we need to look for before overtaking on blue lights?

• Position, brake lights, indicator

• Need to see at least two before committing to overtaking, and all three if going downhill

What is the minimum legal tyre tread depth for a car, truck, and LAS ambulance?

• 1.6mm of centre ¾

• 1mm of centre ¾

• 2mm of centre ¾
  
  

Can you overtake when approaching the brow of a hill?

No

Can you overtake on the left of a vehicle if it is turning right?

Yes

What are the maximum speeds for an A&E ambulance weighing more than 3500kg on a single carriageway, double carriageway and motorway?

• 50MPH

• 60MPH

• 70MPH

What is the total stopping distance for a vehicle travelling 20,30,40,50,60 or 70MPH?

• 20 mph: 12 metres (40 feet) total

• 30 mph: 23 metres (75 feet) total

• 40 mph: 36 metres (118 feet) total

• 50 mph: 53 metres (175 feet) total

• 60 mph: 73 metres (240 feet) total

• 70 mph: 96 metres (315 feet) total

What is the maximum breath, blood and urine alcohol level in England and Wales?

• 35Mcg alcohol per 100ml breath

• 80mg alcohol per 100ml blood

• 107mg alcohol per 100ml urine

At what distance must you be able to read a vehicle number plate in good daylight conditions?

20 meters

According to rule 129 of the Highway Code, you must NOT cross a solid white line except in which circumstances?

Think 10MPH BAP:

• Turning Right into a side road, land or premises

• Pass a StatiOnary Vehicle

• Overtaking a Maintenance vehicle (travelling less than 10MPH)

• Overtaking a Pedal cycle (travelling less than 10MPH)

• Overtaking a Horse (travelling less than 10MPH)

• Beyond a drivers control

• Avoid an incident

• Police officer in uniform or traffic warden

According to rule 165 of the Highway Code, in which situations must you NOT overtake?

Remember PLSBCC

• To overtake vehicle nearest the Pedestrian crossing

• Solid white Line - rule 129 in effect

• If there is a NO overtaking Sign (unless cancelled or distance stated)

• To enter a Bus or Cycle lane during the hours of operation

• Solid white line around Chevrons - rule 130 in effect

According to Rule 130 of the Highway Code, when may you enter an area of chevrons/diagonal lines surrounded by solid or broken white line?

• If solid line, must not enter except for an emergency

• If broken, can only enter if safe and necessary

What are the different stress coping mechanisms and which are the best and worst? (TRACE)

• ✅ Task focussed - actively changing behaviour, e.g. slowing down when driving conditions dangerous

• ✅ Reappraisal - re-appraising own emotional and cognitive reactions

• ❌ Avoidance - ignoring stressor

• ❌ Confrontive - self-assertion and conflict

• ❌ Emotion - self criticism

What are our legal exemptions for any category of patient (attached to a cad)?

Remember Parking DOUBLE DOUBLE ZIG ZAGS KOBE

Parking:

• Double white lines area

• Double parking

• Zig-zag area of pedestrian crossing

• Zig-zag area at schools, entrances

• Kerb (Dropped)

• Offside during hours of darkness

• Bus stop

• Engine running while vehicle unattended

What are our legal exemptions driving emergency response (blue lights)?

Remember TETUS McC

• Travelling on the incorrect side of a 'keep left' or 'keep right' sign

• Exceeding statutory speed limits

• Treat a red traffic light as a 'give way, including light controlled crossing and temporary lights

• Use of audible warning instruments at night on a restricted road between 23:30 - 07:00 hours

• Stop within a yellow box junction

• Motorway regulations

• Driving in mandatory with-flow Cycle lanes

• Parking or driving on a Cycle track

What are some legal exceptions under traffic regulation orders (TROs) (attached to a cad)?

Remember Parking CCDRY LEZPED BT

• Parking on a Clearway

• Parking on a Central reservation

• Parking in areas controlled by Double Red or Yellow lines

• Low Emissions Zones

• PEDestrian precinct

• Bus lanes

• Tram routes



What three things must you consider before claiming an exemption?

• Is it safe?

• Is it legal?

• Is it justifiable?

  
  

Describe red mist

When a driver’s attention becomes fixed on a particular goal, such as getting to an incident, and leads to blindness to other potential hazards. The driver is less able and at worst no longer capable of realistically assessing driving risks.

What should you do if your limit point is:

• Stationary

• Matched to your speed

• Moving away from you

• Reduce speed

• Maintain speed

• Increase speed

At what point would a driver be disqualified in regards to penalty points?

• For standard drivers, 12 or more penalty points within a 3 year period (6 month ban)

• For probationary drivers, 6 or more points within 2 years of passing driving test (Need to re-obtain license)

What is IAMSAFE?

A mnemonic to evaluate if you are safe to drive:

• Illness

• Attitude

• Medication

• Sleep

• Alcohol

• Food

• Emotion

What are 5 powerful negative thoughts? (IIIAP)

• Impatience

• Intolerance

• Impulsiveness

• Anger or frustration

• Personalisation

What are reportable animals?

Remember CHAMPSDG

• Cattle

• Horse

• Ass (donkey)

• Mule

• Pig

• Sheep

• Dog

• Goat

According to rule 163 of the Highway Code, what specific distancing should you keep for overtaking?

• 1.5m for cyclists at 30mph, more at higher speeds

• 2m for horses under 10mph

• 2m and at a low speed for pedestrians

What is the difference between active and passive safety systems?

• Active work to prevent crashes before they happen

• Passive work to protect occupants after crash happens

Describe how ABS works and what it does

• Anti-lock braking stops the wheels from locking up during hard braking so you can still steer

• Applies and releases pressure in a rapid pulsing motion to stop them from locking up

Describe how traction control works, what it is otherwise known as and what it does

• Prevents wheels from spinning out of control when lose grip.

• Otherwise known as ASC (acceleration skid control) or ASR (anti-slip regulator)

Describe how electronic stability systems (ESP/ESC) works and what it does

• Active safety system

• Sensors on each wheel and the steering wheel detect drivers intended path. If system detects vehicle isn’t following intended path, system intervenes

• System interacts with engine management or transmission system to reduce or increase power to driven wheels

Describe how airbags work and what they do

• Passive safety system

• Bags that rapidly inflate in the event of a crash to prevent head and chest from hitting hard metal or glass

Describe how seatbelts work and what they do

• Passive safety system

• Safely restrain passenger in event of a crash

Describe how crumple zones work and what they do

• Passive safety system

• Structural area on a car designed to safely collapse, bend and crush during a crash

• Absorbs and spreads impact to reduce forces applied on driver and passengers

Describe how retarders work and what they do

• Fitted on heavy vehicles

• Can help reduce overall stopping distances

• Produced additional engine braking to help slow the vehicle

• Reduced wear on the brakes and help maintain a steady speed when continuous braking is required

• When accelerator is fully released the retarder applies braking power to the drive wheels

• Careful of the accelerator, controls the retarder

What are the elements of the Pre-Drivers Check?

1. Check the handbrake is applied and check the gear lever. One Handbrake & Gear

2. Adjust the position of the drivers seat and steering wheel. Two Seats

3. Adjust all the drivers mirrors. Three Mirrors

4. Perform the starting procedure. Four let it roar

5. Carry out the static brake tests. Five stay alive

6. Check the auxiliary controls. Six all the bits

7. Check the seatbelts and doors. Seven don’t want to go to heaven

8. Carry out the moving brake test. Eight brake out the gate

What are the four causes of skidding?

• Driving too fast for the circumstances

• Harsh acceleration

• Excessive/sudden braking

• Coarse steering

What factors contribute the greatest risk to tiredness-related collisions?

• Driving between hours of 2300/0000 and 0600

• Drivers over 45 (more and risk of tiredness and recover less quickly)

How often should you take breaks and for how long?

Every 2 hours for at least 15 minues

What is the limit point when night driving and how can you extend this?

• Limit point is the end of your headlights

• Use the main beam to extend your limit point

What should you do if dazzled by other drivers’ headlights?

• Look to the near side

• Slow down

• Be prepared to stop

What dangers should you consider particularly when driving at night?

• Harder to judge speed and distance

Which two groups of driver are most likely to be involved in a collision?

• 16-24 year olds

• Those who drive for work

What are the most common causes of collisions?

• ¾ driver error

• 1/6 action based on poor judgement

• 1/6 being careless, reckless or in a hurry

What is Lockdown?

A feature to retain the selected gear. Good for manoeuvring bends or descending steep gradients.

What is Creep?

Tendency for automatic vehicle to creep forwards or backwards when in gear and brakes not applied.

What is Run-on?

Tendency of an automatic vehicle not to reduce speed when pressure no longer on accelerator. Vehicle may even gain speed when going downhill.

What is Kickdown?

Feature in automatic vehicles that allows you to accelerate suddenly, overriding the automatic gear selection.

Describe the hierarchy of road users

Concept that places those road users most at risk in event of collision at the top of the hierarchy

• Pedestrians

• Pedal cycles

• Horses

• Motorcycles

• Cars

• Vans and LGVs

• HGVs/Buses

At what age can a person refuse to put on a seatbelt?

14

The Highway Annex 4 states the definition of a road in England and Wales is….?

Any highway and any other road to which the public has access and includes bridges over which a road passes.

Using a vehicle in a dangerous condition can result in…?

3 penalty points for each defect found

If involved in a collision at work, must the driver must inform their insurance company?

Yes

Who does the Highway Code state has the greatest responsibility to reduce danger to others?

Those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm in the event of a collision. 

The Highway Code Rule 89 says the condition of your vehicle MUST comply with the full requirements of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations and what else? 

Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations

If a person drives a mechanically propelled vehicle on a road or other public place without due care and attention, or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road or place, are they guilty of an offence?

Yes

Why do we perform a vehicle daily inspection and what must be checked?

• Purpose: ensure safe for intended use, roadworthy, comply road traffic law, satisfy health safety legislation, set a good example to other road users

• Checks

  • Examination of exterior

  • Wheels and tyres

  • Under bonnet checks

  • Lights and reflectors

  • All glass, wipers and washers

  • All audible warning equipment and exhaust

  • Ambulance-specific equipment/supplies

Will those found guilty of death by dangerous driving normally be given a custodial sentence no matter what the mitigating circumstances?

Yes

Who is responsible for setting penalties for road traffic offences?

Parliament

What are the benefits of cruise control?

• Improve fuel economy

• Reduce driver fatigue

• Help drivers maintain legal speed limits

What is the purpose of tyre tread?

Displace water

When may a driver use a mobile phone while driving?

Only to make a genuine emergency call where it is not safe to stop

How does a driver know when ESC (Electronic Stability Control) has been activated?

A warning light may flash on the dashboard

What does EBA (Emergency Brake Assist) do automatically when the driver depresses the brake quickly?

It increases the brake pressure, reducing the stopping distance.

How many fatal accidents, is it estimated, are caused by drivers who have fallen asleep at the wheel and how many accidents are caused by tiredness on major roads?

Fatal accidents 1 in 4 

Tiredness on major roads 1 in 5 

When feeling sleepy when driving on a motorway, a driver should do what?

Stop in a services area

What should a driver do when driving through water?

• Grip the steering wheel more tightly

• Drive through the water at a slow even speed

When should and should you not leave a warning cone behind your vehicle when broken down, and how far back?

• Should leave it 45m back when broken down on an A-class road

• Should not do this on a motorway

What are the three reasons we perform a moving brake test?

• To check the vehicle pulls up in a straight line under progressive braking 

• To identify any unexpected problems 

• To learn how much to press the brake pedal in that particular vehicle 

When should you change gear in a petrol and diesel engine to improve fuel efficiency?

• Petrol 2500rpm

• Diesel 2000rpm

How often are marker posts placed on a motorway and what information do they provide?

• Positioned every 100m

• Provide information as to the location of the nearest emergency telephone

When should you conduct a VDI?

• At the start of every shift

• When switching vehicle during a shift

What are three things you must ask before you overtake?

• Is it necessary?

• Is it appropriate?

• Is the vehicle capable?

What are the four types of road marking arrows?

• Deflection arrows indicate to stay or move back into lane for a solid white line or island

• Bifurcation arrows guide vehicles into correct lanes

• Vertical arrows/triangles indicate speed bumps, humps, thermoplastic humps, speed cushions

• Horizontal arrows/triangles indicate hazard ahead to slow traffic. Can also include pinch points, chicanes and build outs