At a ford, the road passes through a stream at a place where the water is normally shallow. When you've gone through the water, you should test your brakes and if necessary dry them out. To do this, first check that you won't cause danger to traffic behind. Then apply a light brake pressure while moving slowly. Make sure your brakes are working properly before resuming normal driving.

When a physically disabled driver passes their driving test in a specially adapted vehicle, the licence issued will include restrictions. These will require the necessary modifications to be fitted to any vehicle they drive.

All driving examiners are trained to assess candidates who have special needs. The physical disability should be declared when the test is applied for. This is to allow extra time for the
- examiner to discuss and understand how the disability affects the candidate's ability to control the vehicle
- subsequent paperwork.

This is a method used by insurance companies to keep annual premiums down. When you agree to an excess, it means that, in the event of a claim, you'll pay the agreed amount before the benefits of the policy will apply. Generally, the higher the excess you choose to pay, the lower the annual premium you'll be charged.

It's advisable to use headlights when visibility is poor, but they must be used when visibility is seriously reduced. This is generally when you can't see more than 100 metres (328 feet). Front and rear fog lights may also be used, but you must switch them off again when visibility improves.

Some vehicles are prohibited from using the motorway. These include motorcycles under 50 cc, cyclists, horse riders, agricultural vehicles and powered wheelchairs/mobility scooters.

Before taking a learner driver out for their first driving lesson, an approved driving instructor (ADI) or accompanying driver should first check the learner's
- eyesight meets the legal requirements
- driving licence is valid.

Photocard licences have to be renewed every 10 years until the age of 70. This is to make sure that the photograph is a good likeness of the licence holder.

It's illegal to use a mobile phone while you're driving (except for genuine emergencies). Driving requires your total attention and concentration at all times. Using a mobile phone will distract you and increase your chances of having a collision. Even using a hands-free system will distract you. Be safe: switch off your phone before you start driving and pick up any messages when you stop for a break.

Drivers mustn't park or drive in a cycle lane that's marked by a solid white line during its periods of operation. At other times, when the lane isn't in operation, you should be aware that there may be cyclists in the area.

The maximum permitted speed for a car on a motorway is 70 mph, but if a car is towing a caravan or trailer, the speed limit is reduced to 60 mph. Also, vehicles towing trailers may not use the right-hand lane of a motorway that has more than two lanes.

Alcohol remains in the body for several hours; this may make you unfit to drive a long time after having an alcoholic drink. If you know you'll be driving, the safest course is to avoid drinking any alcohol.

Where fitted, seat belts must be worn. It's the driver's responsibility to ensure that children under 14 years old wear a seat belt or use a suitable child restraint. Passengers aged 14 or over are responsible for wearing their seat belt. Exceptions to this law are made for people who hold a medical exemption certificate.

Child passengers should be encouraged to fasten their seat belts themselves from an early age, so that it becomes a matter of routine. It's the driver's responsibility to check that the seat belts of any passengers under 14 years old are fastened securely.

It's a requirement of the driving test that if a dual accelerator pedal is fitted to a vehicle, it must be removed before the test.

High-intensity rear fog lights are far brighter than normal rear lights. When visibility is reduced to 100 metres (328 feet) or less, they should be used to help drivers behind to see your vehicle. When visibility improves, these high-intensity lights should be switched off to avoid dazzling drivers behind.

Your safety and that of others may depend on the condition of your tyres. You must check that they're correctly inflated and have sufficient tread depth. The legal minimum tread depth for cars is 1.6 mm. This depth should be across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire circumference.

If your vehicle is stationary, only sound the horn if you think there's a risk of danger. Don't use it to attract attention. This causes unnecessary noise and could be misleading to other road users.

If your pupil's driving is below the required test standard, it's your responsibility as a professional instructor to advise them not to take the test. As soon as you become aware of a possible problem, you should discuss this with your pupil and positively encourage them that, in their interest, and for other road users as well, it would be far better to postpone the appointment. If you can't dissuade them, then you should withhold the use of your vehicle. Ultimately, it's the pupil's test and an instructor can't prevent them from taking it in someone else's vehicle.