Drivers shouldn't try to retrieve anything from a motorway. The danger from, and to, passing traffic caused by someone on the carriageway shouldn't be underestimated. The recommended course of action is to go to the next emergency telephone and report the incident to the control centre.

Give way to traffic already on the motorway. If you've matched the speed of traffic in the left-hand lane, you should be able to join where there's a suitable gap in the traffic. Try to avoid stopping at the end of the slip road - but you might have to do so if the motorway is very busy and there isn't a safe gap in the traffi

In a one-way street, all the traffic will be travelling in the same direction. When going ahead, you should choose the most appropriate lane for your destination and move into it in good time. Remember that traffic may be passing you on either side.

Even if you've had no first-aid training, you can help at a crash. Deal with any danger, make sure that the emergency services are called, and help those involved. If a casualty isn't in danger, then don't move them, as they may have injuries you can't see. Reassure them and wait for the emergency services to arrive.

Always use your headlights, even on motorways that are lit. Use dipped beam where necessary, to avoid dazzling other drivers.

Drivers are responsible for ensuring the security of any load they carry. However, if something does fall from your vehicle onto the motorway, you must inform the authorities as soon as possible by using an emergency telephone. Never try to retrieve the item yourself.

At the scene of a crash, don't move a casualty from their vehicle unless they're in danger; for example, from fire.

If someone is suffering from severe burns, you should douse the burns with a clean, cool, non-toxic liquid. If any clothing is stuck to the wound, don't try to remove it.

To go straight ahead at a roundabout, you should approach it in the appropriate lane. Where there are road markings, use the lane indicated. To help traffic on the roundabout and traffic waiting to join, you should give a left signal just after you pass the exit before the one you want. If you have to change lanes to reach your exit, do so with care and consideration.

In heavy rain, the road will be wet and there may be pooling surface water. This will reduce the grip the tyres have on the road and will at least double the distance it takes to stop. Take this increased stopping distance into account while driving. Double the separation distance you'd leave in dry conditions.

Large vehicles can throw up a lot of spray when the roads are wet. This will make it difficult for you to see ahead. Dropping back will move you out of the spray and let you see more of the road ahead.

By keeping well back from the large vehicle, you'll increase your view past it. This will allow you to see further down the road and be prepared for any hazards.

Compulsory reduced speed limits are often in force throughout roadworks on the motorway. This safety measure is to protect drivers and workers in the road. Be aware of reduced speed limits and slow down in good time.

Although there will be times when it's necessary to check blind spots on the move, turning right around is unnecessary and could be dangerous. Regular and sensible use of the mirrors, with a quick sideways glance as necessary, will keep a driver up to date with what's happening all round.

On main beam, your headlights are liable to dazzle a driver who's overtaken you. For this reason, you should dip your headlights as soon as the overtaking vehicle passes you. When following another vehicle at night, make sure that your headlights are on dipped beam and the light beam falls short of the vehicle in front.

It's not easy to see cyclists and motorcyclists, due to their small size when compared with other vehicles. At junctions, it's important that you look for these small vehicles; they're easy to overlook and riders are very vulnerable to injury in a collision.

Always drive defensively. If a vehicle cuts in after overtaking, it's important to re-establish a safe separation gap. Check the mirrors and drop back to maintain your safe gap.

If you can't restart your engine before the warning bells ring, stay calm, especially if you have passengers on board. Leave the vehicle and get yourself and any passengers well clear of the crossing without delay.

If you're on the motorway and have to call the emergency services, the operator will need to know your exact location. Look for a number on the nearest marker post beside the hard shoulder. Give this number to the operator and be ready to describe where you are. For example, tell the operator the last junction or service area you passed. This will help the emergency services to reach you as quickly as possible.

If you have to stop on the hard shoulder of a motorway, you should park as far to the left as you can and leave the vehicle by the nearside door. If you're on a smart motorway you should stop in an emergency refuge area. Don't attempt even simple repairs. Use the emergency telephone and phone for assistance. While waiting for assistance to arrive, wait near your car, keeping well away from the carriageway and hard shoulder.

Motorways are open and exposed to prevailing weather conditions. In windy conditions, a high-sided vehicle may shelter you from the wind as you pass. As you emerge past it, you may suddenly be buffeted by the wind.

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

When parking on a hill, there's a risk of the car rolling if the parking brake fails. To reduce this risk, turn the front wheels towards the kerb. This will allow the kerb to act as a chock, preventing any forward movement of the vehicle.

When driving on snow or frozen surfaces, your tyres will have very little grip. To avoid losing that grip, you'll need to accelerate, steer and brake very gently.

A skid happens when the driver changes the speed or direction of their vehicle so suddenly that the tyres can't keep their grip on the road. The risk of skidding is much greater on wet or icy roads than in dry conditions. It's the driver's responsibility to recognise the conditions and drive in a manner that takes the conditions into account.

A pupil should be advised to seek assistance if they can't see clearly behind when they're reversing. During the driving test, however, the examiner will select a corner where this won't be necessary.

Animals can be unpredictable, and horses can be startled by passing traffic. Reducing your speed and leaving as much space as possible will help to minimise the risk.

There are times when other drivers make incorrect or ill-judged decisions. Stay calm and don't retaliate or react aggressively. Always consider the safety of other road users, your passengers and yourself.

Driving at speed for long distances can give you a false impression of how fast you're going. Check your speedometer: it will give you the accurate speed. This is particularly important after leaving a motorway and returning to roads with lower speed limits.

Use the hard shoulder like an acceleration lane. Build up your speed and wait for a suitable gap before merging into the left-hand lane of the motorway.

Large goods vehicles are fitted with speed limiters. This means it can take them a long time to overtake if the vehicle they're passing is travelling close to their limited speed. If a lorry is struggling to overtake you, slow down to let it pass. This helps the lorry driver and also other drivers following behind who want to travel faster.

When turning right from a side road across a dual carriageway, make sure that the central reservation is wide enough to contain your vehicle. If it isn't, you'll have to treat the dual carriageway as one road and only emerge when it's clear in both directions. Drivers of longer vehicles and vehicles towing trailers or caravans will need to assess this carefully. If any part of an emerging vehicle obstructs the right-hand lane of the dual carriageway, it could have serious consequences.

Reverse or parallel parking on the side of the road is a skill you need to learn as you prepare for your practical driving test. It will also help you to park safely and conveniently throughout your driving career. Once mastered, you should be able to park between two vehicles in a gap that would normally be about one-and-a-half times the length of your own vehicle.

It's more difficult to judge speed and distance in conditions of poor visibility, when shapes or outlines can become less distinct and potentially more confusing. You must always be able to stop in the distance that you can see to be clear.

Speed humps are a traffic-calming measure designed to reduce the speed of traffic. You'll often find reduced speed limits in these areas. Reducing the speed of traffic helps to improve the safety of more vulnerable road users. If you feel the vehicle ahead is travelling too slowly, wait until you're clear of the calmed area before looking for an opportunity to overtake safely.

All motor vehicles are fitted with a horn; its purpose is to warn other road users of the vehicle's presence. You mustn't sound the horn between 11.30 pm and 7.00 am in a built-up area or when you're stationary, except when another road user poses a danger.

On a quiet country road, always be aware that there may be a hazard just around the next bend, such as a slow-moving vehicle or pedestrians. Pedestrians are advised to walk on the right-hand side of the road if there's no pavement, so they may be walking towards you on your side of the road.

Serious incidents have occurred when vehicles or people on the hard shoulder have been struck by vehicles using the left-hand lane of the motorway. While using the emergency telephone, be alert and watch for approaching traffic.

In fog, you won't be able to see as far ahead as you can on a clear day. You'll need to reduce your speed so that, if a hazard develops, you have the time and space to take avoiding action. If you can, try to delay your journey until the fog has cleared.

Learners might not have confidence when they first start to drive. Allow them plenty of room and make allowances for their hesitation. We all learn from experience, but new drivers will have had less practice in dealing with all the situations that they meet.

Once a pedestrian has stepped onto the crossing, you must stop and let them cross. Don't forget to check your mirrors before slowing down. Wait until the pedestrian has finished crossing before you drive on.

Sometimes road markings can be obscured by queuing traffic, or you may be unsure which lane you need to be in. If you realise too late that you're in the wrong lane, don't cut across lanes or bully other drivers to let you in. Follow the lane you're in and find somewhere safe to turn around if you need to.

You should normally use the left-hand lane on any dual carriageway, unless you're overtaking or turning right. When overtaking on a dual carriageway, look for vehicles ahead that are turning right. They're likely to be slowing or stopped. You need to see them in good time so that you can take appropriate action.

If you're making a long journey, plan a rest stop of 15 minutes for every two hours of driving. Motorway driving can be very tiring, especially for new drivers, and if you feel tired you'll need to find somewhere safe to stop. However, you mustn't stop on a motorway, hard shoulder or slip road except in an emergency or traffic queue. To find a safe place to stop, you'll need to leave the motorway at the next exit or stop at the next motorway service area.

You normally join a motorway from a slip road on the left. Join where there's a suitable gap in the traffic travelling in the left-hand lane. You should adjust your speed to fit in with the traffic flow in the left-hand lane, but you must give way to the traffic already on the motorway. Don't try to force your way into the traffic stream.

A long vehicle, such as a lorry, a coach or a vehicle towing a trailer, may swing out to the right as it approaches a left turn. This allows the rear wheels to clear the kerb. Don't try to filter through if you see a gap on the nearside.

If you see a motorcyclist take a quick glance over their shoulder, this could mean they're about to change direction. Recognising a clue like this helps you to be prepared and take appropriate action, making you safer on the road.

In windy conditions, care must be taken on open, exposed roads. A strong gust of wind can blow you off course. Watch out for other road users who may be worse affected. These include cyclists, motorcyclists, and drivers of high-sided lorries or vehicles towing trailers.

It can be worrying if the driver behind hasn't left enough room to stop if you have to brake hard - for example, in an emergency. Driving defensively, you should give yourself a greater safety margin by easing back from the vehicle in front. If an emergency arises, you'll be able to slow down more gradually, giving the driver behind more time to respond.

The lights that control the crossing show to both directions of traffic. If a pedestrian from either side is still crossing when the amber light is flashing, you must wait.

The flashing amber lights are switched on to warn you that children may be crossing near a school. Slow down and take extra care, as you may have to stop.

Slow-moving vehicles, such as a salt spreader or breakdown vehicle, may use a flashing amber beacon. On unrestricted dual carriageways, vehicles with a maximum speed of 25 mph (40 km/h) or less must use a flashing amber beacon.

The people involved in an organised walk should be keeping to the left. The walker at the back of the group should be showing a red light, while the one at the front should show a white light. Pass slowly and safely, and be aware that the pedestrians have their backs to you and might not know that you're there.

Buses that carry children to and from school may stop at places other than scheduled bus stops. Be aware that they might pull over at any time to allow children to get on or off. This will often be when traffic is heavy during the daily commute.

Many modern cars have cruise control fitted; it automatically maintains a steady speed set by the driver. Setting the cruise control when you can see the road well ahead is clear can help keep fuel consumption down and reduce vehicle emissions.

This blue circular sign indicates a route available only to the class of vehicle shown. Plan ahead so that when you see the sign, you have time to take another route; this may be indicated by other traffic signs.

Yellow lines are painted across the road on the approach to some roundabouts. The lines are usually found on dual carriageways, where traffic speeds are higher, or at the end of motorway exit slip roads. They provide a visual warning to remind drivers to check their speed.

You must always obey red flashing stop lights. If a train passes but the lights continue to flash, another train will be passing soon. Cross only when the lights go off and the barriers open.

As you would with an able-bodied person, you should prepare to slow down and stop. Don't wave them across, as other traffic may not stop.

Catalytic converters are exhaust-treatment systems that remove most of the harmful compounds from the exhaust gases. These include carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons. The converter only deals with toxic, polluting gases; carbon dioxide is still produced.

Hazard warning lights mustn't be switched on in normal driving. The exception is when driving on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway and there's a need to warn drivers behind of a hazard or obstruction ahead.

Strict controls on exhaust emissions require a catalytic converter to be fitted to the exhaust system of all new vehicles. Catalytic converters remove most of the carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen and unburned hydrocarbons from the exhaust gases.

Lane closures are normally found near roadworks. Use your mirrors and move into the correct lane for your vehicle in good time. Look out for additional signs and comply with them.

A heavy load on your roof rack will reduce the stability of the vehicle because it moves the centre of gravity away from that intended by the manufacturer. Be aware of this when you drive around bends and corners. If you change direction at speed, your vehicle and/or load could become unstable and you could lose control.

Check the vehicle handbook: this should give you guidance on the correct tyre pressures for your vehicle. There may be recommendations to increase the tyre pressure when carrying heavy loads or when travelling continuously at higher speeds, such as when using a motorway.

When you've driven through a ford or flood, your brakes may be soaking wet. Water can reduce your brakes' efficiency, so check that they're working properly before you build up speed again. Lightly applying the brakes while driving slowly will help them to dry. Before you do this, remember to check your mirrors and consider what's behind you.

In very wet weather, water can build up between the tyre and the road surface. As a result, your vehicle rides on a thin film of water and your tyres won't grip the road. Gravel or shingle surfaces also offer less grip and can cause problems when braking. An anti-lock braking system may be ineffective in these conditions.

A continuous white line is used on many roads to indicate the edge of the carriageway. This can be useful when visibility is restricted. The line is discontinued at junctions, lay-bys, and entrances and exits from private drives.

If any warning light shows while you're driving, it indicates a fault that needs prompt attention. If the warning light for the anti-lock brake system shows, have the braking system checked before driving further.

A mirror with convex glass gives a wide field of vision. This makes everything appear smaller and further away than it would look in a flat mirror.

Over-inflated tyres will cause excessive wear along the centre of the tread. Check your tyre pressures on a regular basis, and when the tyres are cold.

If your tyre pressures are lower than those recommended by the manufacturer, there will be increased rolling resistance. To overcome this, the engine will have to work harder, resulting in increased fuel consumption. Check your tyre pressures at least once a week.

You must stop and wait behind the white stop line when the red traffic light is showing. The white line is generally positioned so that pedestrians have room to cross in front of waiting traffic. Don't move off while pedestrians are crossing, even if the lights change to green.

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.

If a bus is signalling to move off, give it priority as long as it's safe to do so. Look for pedestrians who have left the bus and may be trying to cross the road.

The flashing amber lights are switched on to warn you that children may be crossing near a school. Slow down and take extra care, as you may have to stop.

When traffic lights are out of order, you should treat the junction as an unmarked crossroads. Be cautious, as you may need to give way or stop. Keep a lookout for traffic attempting to cross the junction at speed.

As you approach traffic lights that have been on green for some time, anticipate that they'll soon change. Check your mirror so that you know what traffic is behind you and how far away it is. If the lights change to steady amber, you should stop behind the stop line. If you're so close to the stop line when the lights change that to stop may cause a collision, you should continue. You'll only know the risk from traffic behind if you use your mirrors as you approach the lights.

All warning signs are triangular, but the 'give way' sign is the only triangular sign that points downwards; this is to give it greater prominence as you approach a junction. When you see this sign, you must give way to traffic on the road that you're about to join.

Reflective studs are placed along the edges and between the lanes on motorways. The colour of the stud can help you identify your position on the road when visibility is reduced; for example, when it's foggy. Between the lanes, the studs are white. Red studs are used between the left-hand edge of the carriageway and the hard shoulder. Amber studs are used along the right-hand edge of the carriageway, and green studs are used where slip roads enter or leave the motorway.

Traffic signs and continuous red lines painted along the edge of the road identify a Red Route. Parking is banned along these routes and enforcement officers have powers to remove any vehicle that's illegally parked. These powers are in place to ensure the route remains unobstructed and so help the free flow of traffic.

At junctions controlled by traffic lights, you must stop and wait behind the white line until the lights change to green. You may then proceed unless your exit road is blocked or it's not safe to do so, such as when pedestrians are crossing in front of you. After the green light, the amber light will show on its own for a short period, followed by the red light. When the amber light shows on its own, you should stop, providing it's safe to do so.

The lights that control the crossing show to both directions of traffic. If a pedestrian from either side is still crossing when the amber light is flashing, you must wait.

When renewing your vehicle tax, you must have valid insurance cover for the vehicle. It's illegal to drive or keep a vehicle on public roads without insurance cover.

To park at night without lights, you must comply with certain conditions. The road must be subject to a 30 mph speed limit, or less. Parking too close to a junction or facing the flow of traffic could confuse and cause danger for other road users.

An amber flashing light on a vehicle indicates that it's slow-moving. Mobility scooters used by disabled people are limited to no more than 8 mph. On dual carriageways, they must display an amber flashing light.

If a driver accumulates 12 or more penalty points within a three-year period, they must be disqualified. This will be for a minimum period of six months and may be longer if the driver has previously been disqualified.

If an ADI is charging for a driving lesson, they must display their ADI certificate and appropriate L or D plates on the tuition car.

The lowest level of insurance cover you must have to drive on public roads is third-party liability. The third party is anyone you might injure or whose property you might damage. With this minimum level of insurance cover, you're not covered for any damage to your vehicle or injury to yourself.

Bright fog lights can dazzle other drivers, so you must remember to turn them off when the fog lifts and visibility improves. Be prepared for patchy fog: you may need to turn the fog lights on again.

If you don't switch off rear fog lights when the fog has lifted, drivers behind may find it difficult to see your brake lights. This can be a particular problem on wet roads and on motorways. If you leave your rear fog lights on at night, drivers behind are likely to be dazzled and this could put you both at risk.

A driver who's been drinking alcohol should go home by public transport or taxi. Alcohol takes time to leave the body and someone might remain unfit to drive even the day after drinking it.

You must inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), or the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) in Northern Ireland, about any health condition likely to affect your driving. They'll investigate your condition and how it affects your ability to drive; they may not take away your licence.

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.

When a candidate passes a practical driving test, their full licence is normally issued directly by the licensing authority. However, if this doesn't happen, successful candidates should apply for a full licence as soon as possible. The driving-test pass certificate is valid for two years; if a full licence isn't applied for within that time, the driver will need to retake their test.

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 you want to turn left and there's a cyclist in front of you, hold back. Wait until the cyclist has passed the junction and then turn left behind them.

Drivers and riders should proceed with caution at a junction where the traffic lights have failed. They should treat the situation as if it were an unmarked junction. As no-one has priority, everyone should be prepared to stop.

It's important that driving faults and errors are dealt with promptly. Learning will also be more effective if the pupil can spot their own errors and come up with their own strategies for ensuring the errors don't happen again. If the pupil doesn't recognise the fault, you'll need to tell them. Even then, the pupil can still work on developing strategies themselves.

When teaching your pupil the turn-in-the-road exercise, you should explain that having the car under control is only part of the procedure. They also need to be aware of other road users and know how to deal with them safely.

At the correct stage in a pupil's development, it's beneficial to practise steering the vehicle with one hand. They should then find it easier to change gear, operate another control or give arm signals as and when appropriate. Any tendency to drive with one hand without good reason should be strongly discouraged.

If you're driving at night or in poor visibility, tinted lenses will make everything appear darker. This will make it more difficult for you to see in what are already difficult conditions.

It's important that instructors explain that safety checks aren't just a test requirement but are a vital part of keeping safe on the road. Explaining the reasons behind safety checks should help pupils to think for themselves and become safe drivers.

Some people find learning to drive easy, while others struggle with the challenge. It's important that lessons are matched to the pupil's ability. Mismatching lessons and ability can lead to loss of confidence, disinterest and dissatisfaction.

Once identified, driving faults should be addressed at the earliest opportunity. A fault should be looked upon as a chance to teach the point and to encourage a change for the better in the pupil's driving.

Detailed instruction should decrease as the pupil's ability increases. An instructor shouldn't be controlling the pupil all of the time. This takes the initiative away from the pupil and could be considered over-instruction.

All-round observation is essential throughout any manoeuvre. Drivers should use their mirrors and pay particular attention to the direction in which they're moving, to vulnerable road users, and to what might be happening in any blind spots.