Cheat sheet

Incidents & First Aid

Breakdowns, accidents, first aid at the scene, documents and what to do when things go wrong on the road.

The facts to remember, in one place. Drill them with mock exams and spaced repetition in Car Theory Test.

Breakdowns and motorway emergencies

◆ On a motorway, move onto the hard shoulder and stop as far left as possible.
◆ Leave the vehicle by the left-hand door and wait behind the barrier, away from traffic.
◆ Use the orange emergency telephone, which tells the operator your location.
◆ Switch on your hazard warning lights, and side lights in poor visibility.
◆ On a smart motorway with no hard shoulder, reach an emergency refuge area if you can.

◆ Make the area safe first, then call the emergency services and give a clear location.
◆ Follow DR ABC: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation.
◆ Keep a casualty’s airway open and check they are breathing.
◆ Stop heavy bleeding by applying firm pressure to the wound.
◆ Treat for shock: reassure the casualty, keep them warm and do not give them anything to eat or drink.

◆ You must hold a valid driving licence for the category of vehicle you are driving.
◆ The vehicle must have at least third-party motor insurance.
◆ Most cars need a valid MOT certificate once they are three years old.
◆ Vehicle tax (and a valid MOT) must be in place to keep a car on the road.
◆ If stopped, you may be asked to produce documents at a police station within seven days.

◆ You must stop if your vehicle is involved in an accident that causes injury or damage.
◆ Give your name, address and vehicle details to anyone with reasonable grounds to ask.
◆ If anyone is injured, show your insurance certificate or report the accident to the police within 24 hours.
◆ If you do not exchange details at the scene, you must report the accident to the police within 24 hours.
◆ Make the scene safe, warn other traffic and call the emergency services if anyone is hurt.