Alertness & Attitude flashcards

Front

You're about to move off from the side of the road. What should you do?

Back

Check your mirrors and blind spots, then signal if needed — Before moving off, use your mirrors, check your blind spots, and signal if it would help others (Highway Code, rule 159).

Front

Why should you take regular breaks on a long journey?

Back

Tiredness affects your concentration and reactions — Tiredness reduces concentration and slows reactions. Take a break of at least 15 minutes every two hours (rule 91).

Front

You feel drowsy while driving on a motorway. What's the safest action?

Back

Leave at the next services or exit and rest — If you feel sleepy, stop in a safe place to rest. On a motorway, leave at the next exit or services — never stop on the hard shoulder to sleep (rule 91).

Front

When are you allowed to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving?

Back

Never, except a genuine 999 emergency when it's unsafe to stop — It's illegal to hold and use a phone while driving. The only exception is calling 999 or 112 in a genuine emergency when it's unsafe to stop (rule 149).

Front

What should you do before changing lanes on a dual carriageway?

Back

Use mirrors, check the blind spot, then signal — Use the mirror–signal–manoeuvre routine and check the blind spot before moving, so you don't cut across a vehicle you hadn't seen (rule 133).

Front

A vehicle is following too closely behind you. What should you do?

Back

Ease off the accelerator to increase the gap in front of you — Slow down gently to build a bigger gap ahead, giving yourself room to brake smoothly without the tailgater hitting you (rule 151).

Front

You want to turn right at a junction but your view is blocked by parked cars. What should you do?

Back

Edge forward slowly until you can see clearly — Move forward slowly and carefully until you have a clear view, then turn only when it's safe (rule 170).

Front

Using a hands-free phone while driving is allowed, but why is it still risky?

Back

It distracts you from the road and slows your reactions — Even hands-free conversations distract you and slow your reactions. It's safest not to use any phone while driving (rule 149).

Front

What does 'tailgating' mean?

Back

Following the vehicle in front too closely — Tailgating means leaving too little space behind another vehicle, removing your room to stop safely (rule 151).

Front

You're driving and a passenger keeps distracting you. What should you do?

Back

Ask them to stop, and pull over if needed — You must stay in full control. Ask passengers not to distract you, and stop safely if the distraction continues.

Front

When should you use your horn?

Back

To warn other road users of your presence when needed — Use the horn only to warn others of your presence, never to rebuke. Don't sound it in a built-up area between 11.30 pm and 7 am (rule 112).

Front

You must not sound your horn when stationary unless...

Back

A moving vehicle poses a danger — Don't sound the horn while stationary except when another moving vehicle poses a danger (rule 112).

Front

What's the main danger of driving when you're angry or upset?

Back

Your judgement and concentration are impaired — Strong emotions impair concentration and judgement. Calm down before driving so you can respond safely.

Front

How can you tell you're driving too close to the vehicle in front?

Back

You can't keep a two-second gap in dry conditions — In good conditions keep at least a two-second gap. If you can't, you're too close (rule 126).

Front

Before reversing, what should you do?

Back

Check all around, including blind spots, for pedestrians and obstacles — Reversing has many blind spots. Check all around, look mainly through the rear window, and don't reverse further than necessary (rule 202).

Front

You want to listen to music while driving. What's the safest approach?

Back

Keep the volume low enough to hear what's happening outside — Loud music or headphones can mask sirens and other warnings. Keep the volume moderate and stay aware of the road.

Front

What should you do if you realise you're lost while driving?

Back

Stop in a safe, legal place to check directions — Don't read directions while moving. Pull over somewhere safe and legal to work out your route (rule 150).

Front

Why is it dangerous to drive after taking some prescription medicines?

Back

Some cause drowsiness or slow reactions — Some medicines cause drowsiness or impair driving. Check the label or ask your doctor or pharmacist before driving (rule 96).

Front

An ambulance with flashing blue lights is approaching from behind. What should you do?

Back

Stay calm, watch its course and pull over safely when you can — Look ahead, keep calm and make room for emergency vehicles when safe — don't brake harshly or mount the kerb (rule 219).

Front

You're approaching a zebra crossing where someone is waiting. What should you do?

Back

Slow down and be ready to stop to let them cross — Be ready to slow down and stop to let pedestrians cross. Don't wave them across, as another vehicle may not stop (rule 195).

Front

What's the safest way to deal with a satnav while driving?

Back

Programme it before you set off — Set your route before you start, and follow road signs and conditions over the device. Don't handle it while moving (rule 150).

Front

Bright sunlight is dazzling you as you drive. What should you do?

Back

Slow down and use your sun visor — Dazzle reduces what you can see, so slow down and use the visor. Stop if you genuinely can't see (rule 237).

Front

When is it acceptable to use the hard shoulder of a motorway to make a phone call?

Back

Only in an emergency or breakdown — The hard shoulder is for emergencies and breakdowns only. Leave the carriageway at services or an exit for any other reason (rule 275).

Front

You're tired but nearly home. What's the safest choice?

Back

Stop somewhere safe and rest before continuing — Tiredness is a major cause of crashes. If you're sleepy, stop and rest rather than risk it, even close to home (rule 91).