Basics Markings & Lights Speed Safety Licence & Test Links
Basics ————————————————————————————————————————-
A car has 3 foot pedals: accelerator; brake; clutch.
The accelerator is the pedal on the right-hand side and is operated using the right foot; it's used to increase speed.
The brake is the middle pedal and is operated by the right foot; it's used to reduce speed.
The clutch is the pedal on the left-hand side and is operated using the left foot; it's used in conjunction with the gear stick when changing gear.
The gear stick is used to change what gear the car is in; there typically being 7 gears to choose from (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, Reverse , Neutral).
To change gear: release the accelerator pedal; press down the clutch pedal; use your left hand to move the position of the gear stick; release the clutch pedal; press down the accelerator pedal.
The lower the selected gear is, the higher the power available but the lower the speed attainable.
As a general rule, you should not use 4th or 5th gear when: driving below 30mph; approaching junctions or roundabouts; driving uphill or downhill.
Your mirrors show you the speed and position of surrounding traffic.
Your car door mirrors should be set so that the back of your car is just out of sight.
You should check your mirrors at least every 8 seconds.
The ‘Mirrors, Signal, Manoeuvre' (MSM) rule requires you to always check your mirrors and signal before attempting any manoeuvre.
Signalling / indicating is necessary to let other road users know of your intentions.
The blind spot is the area over your right shoulder that isn’t visible in your vehicle’s mirrors.
Always check your blind spot before moving off, turning right or overtaking.
Before moving off you should: use all mirrors to check that the road is clear; look around to check the blind spots; signal if necessary before moving out; look around again.
When making a right turn: use your mirrors to assess the position and movement of traffic; give a right-turn signal; leave room for other vehicles to pass on the left (if possible); check your mirrors and blind spot again; make the turn.
When making a left turn: use your mirrors to assess the position and movement of traffic; give a left-turn signal; watch out for traffic coming up on your left; give way to any vehicles using a bus lane or cycle lane; check your mirrors and blind spot again; make the turn.
When reversing: use all of your mirrors; check the blind spot; look mainly through the rear window; be aware that the front of your vehicle will swing out as you turn.
Only reverse as a last resort; if possible, turn the car around so that you can drive forwards.
You must not stop or park: near a school entrance; in front of an entrance to a property; on a bend; near a bus stop; opposite or within 10 metres of a junction; opposite another parked vehicle; partially or wholly on the pavement.
When parking facing downhill, select reverse gear and turn the steering wheel towards the kerb; if you’re facing uphill, select a forward gear and turn the steering wheel away from the kerb.
Parallel parking is where cars are parked in a line next to the kerb; it's considered to be one of the hardest driving skills to learn.
On reaching a roundabout you should: give priority to traffic approaching from your right (unless directed otherwise); check whether road markings allow you to enter the roundabout without giving way; look forward before moving off to make sure that any traffic in front has moved off.
If you want to leave a roundabout by the first exit to the left, you should: approach in the left-hand lane; signal left; keep to the left on the roundabout; continue signalling left to leave.
If you want to leave a roundabout by any middle exit, you should: select the appropriate lane when approaching the roundabout (this varies but won't be the left-hand lane); not signal on approach; stay in that lane whilst circling the roundabout; signal left after you’ve passed the exit before the one you want.
If you want to leave a roundabout by an exit to the right, or you’re going full circle, you should: approach in the right-hand lane; signal right; keep to the right on the roundabout; signal left after you’ve passed the exit before the one you want.
If you need to change lane: use your mirrors to assess the position of the other road users; take a quick sideways glance to check the blind spot; signal to indicate your intentions to other road users.
When overtaking: look to see if the road ahead is sufficiently clear; make sure that the vehicle behind is not beginning to overtake you; take a quick sideways glance into the blind spot area before moving out.
Only overtake on the left if the vehicle in front is signaling to turn right or if the traffic is moving slowly in queues.
Don't overtake when approaching a corner, bend, or the brow of a hill.
If a driver is trying to overtake you, maintain a steady course and speed, slowing down if necessary to let the vehicle pass.
On a two-lane dual carriageway, you should stay in the left-hand lane, using the right-hand lane only for overtaking or turning right.
On a three-lane dual carriageway, you may use the middle lane or the right-hand lane to overtake.
Traffic on motorways travels faster than on other roads; it's important to use your mirrors earlier and look further ahead than you normally would.
Markings & Lights —————————————————————————————————–
The meaning of reflective road studs is dependent on their colouring: Red - Left edge of the road; White - Lane divider or the middle of the road; Amber - Central reservation of a dual carriageway or motorway; Green - Edge of a lay-by, side road or slip road.
Broken white lines are used to mark the centre of the road; when the line lengthens and the gaps shorten it means that there's a hazard ahead.
A double white line, where the line nearest to you is solid, means that you may only cross it to enter onto premises or to pass a cyclist or stationary vehicle.
A double white line, where the line nearest to you is broken, means that you may cross it to overtake provided that the manoeuvre is completed by the time the line becomes solid again.
If an area of diagonal stripes or chevrons is bordered by a broken white line then it shouldn’t be entered unless it is necessary and safe to do so; if the area is bordered by solid white lines then it shouldn’t be entered except in an emergency.
Box junctions are areas of criss-crossed yellow lines that shouldn't be entered until the exit road or lane is clear.
You can wait or park on single yellow lines outside of their times of operation (shown on nearby signs).
Double yellow lines mean that waiting or parking isn’t allowed at any time.
Bus or cycle lanes are shown by road markings and signs; they should not be driven or parked during their times of operation.
If a traffic light shows green, continue driving if the crossing is clear.
If a traffic light shows amber, only continue driving if you’ve already crossed the white line (or are so close to it that to stop might cause a collision).
If a traffic light shows red: stop behind the white line; wait until the traffic light changes to green; only continue driving when the crossing is clear.
A zebra crossing is a type of street crossing where pedestrians have right of way; you must stop if a pedestrian is on the crossing or at the kerb waiting to cross.
When approaching a zebra crossing: be ready to slow down and stop; give way to pedestrians; look out for pedestrians approaching from the opposite side of the crossing; don’t wave or use your horn to encourage pedestrians across.
Pelican and Puffin crossings are signalled controlled crossings which are activated by pedestrians pushing a button.
Toucan crossings, sited where cycle routes cross roads, are for both pedestrians and cyclists and are activated by pushing a button.
On reaching a Pelican, Puffin or Toucan crossing you must stop if a red light is showing.
If an amber light is flashing at a Pelican, Puffin or Toucan crossing, give way to any pedestrians on the crossing; if no pedestrians are on the crossing, you can continue driving.
Speed ————————————————————————————————————————-
Speed Limits:
Built-Up 1C 2C MW
Car & Motorcycle 30 60 70 70
Towing 30 50 60 60
Small Goods Vehicle 30 50 60 70
Large Goods Vehicle 30 40 50 70
*Note: 1C / 2C = 1 / 2 Carriageway, MW = Motorway
The presence of street lights generally means that the speed limit is 30 mph.
The speed limit is the maximum speed that you’re legally allowed to drive at and should not represent a target speed.
You should reduce your speed when: weather conditions are poor; the road layout / condition presents hazards (such as road-works or bends); you’re driving at night; you’re sharing the road with pedestrians or cyclists.
Driving too fast for the conditions causes, or contributes to, one third of road crashes.
Effect of speed in pedestrian accidents: hit by a car at 20 mph, 97% of pedestrians will survive; hit by a car at 30 mph, 80% of pedestrians will survive; hit by a car at 35 mph, 50% of pedestrians will survive; hit by a car at 40 mph, 10% of pedestrians will survive.
Stopping distances:
Speed Stopping Distance
20mph 12m
30mph 23m
40mph 36m
50mph 53m
60mph 73m
70mph 96m
*Note: these are the stopping distances for a car driving in normal conditions.
Large vehicles and motorcycles require a greater distance to stop than cars.
Stopping distances are doubled on wet roads and increased further on icy roads.
In general, you should allow a two-second gap between you and the vehicle in front and not get closer to it than the overall stopping distance.
If you drive in to the back of another vehicle, you'll be held liable for the accident, even if the car in front has braked sharply or unexpectedly.
In slow moving / congested traffic you should reduce the distance between you and the vehicle ahead.
The safest way to brake is to do so early and lightly; braking more firmly as you begin to stop and easing the pressure off just before your car comes to a stop.
Skidding is caused by braking, accelerating or steering too harshly, or by driving too fast for the road conditions.
If you find your vehicle is skidding, ease off the brake or accelerator and smoothly turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid e.g. if the rear of the vehicle skids to the left, steering to the left will enable you to regain control.
Safety ————————————————————————————————————————-
Pay particular attention and drive slowly when: in crowded shopping streets; in residential areas; driving near schools; driving past bus stops; passing parked vehicles; reversing into side roads.
Things to look out for on narrow residential streets include: pedestrians; children running out from between parked cars; cyclists and motorcyclists; car doors opening; cars moving off; cars emerging from junctions.
Cyclists and motorcyclists are vulnerable road users; take extra care when passing them.
Hazard warning lights should only be used to warn other drivers of a hazard or obstruction ahead.
Headlights should always be used at night; they should be used during the day when you can’t see more than 100 metres ahead.
Full beam headlights can dazzle other drivers; don't use them in built up areas or when driving closely behind someone (use dipped headlights instead).
Other road users may not have eyesight as good as yours so consider turning on your lights even if you feel that you can still see well enough.
One in three new drivers is involved in an accident in their first two years of driving.
If you’re involved in a traffic accident: ask other drivers to switch off their engines; use your hazard warning lights; arrange for the emergency services to be called; move uninjured people to safety; don’t move injured people (unless they’re in immediate danger).
If you’re involved in a collision: stop; give your name, address, and registration number; note down the other vehicle owner’s name, address, and registration number; contact the police within 24 hours.
If you breakdown: get your car off the road (if possible); use your hazard warning lights (if causing an obstruction); put out a warning triangle at least 45 metres behind your car; keep your sidelights on; don’t stand between your car and oncoming traffic.
Not wearing a seatbelt results in a minimum fine of £30; the maximum fine being £500.
Legally, you can drive with a breath alcohol level lower than 35ug / 100ml or a blood alcohol level of less than 80mg / 100ml; find more information on drink driving.
There isn’t a specific limit on the number of alcoholic drinks that you can have before driving because the alcohol content of drinks varies and alcohol affects each person differently.
Don't use a mobile phone when driving; if caught doing so, you’ll be fined £60 and will have three penalty points endorsed on your licence.
Under the 'totting-up' system, you’ll be disqualified from driving if you build up 6 or more penalty points within two years of passing your driving test, or 12 or more penalty points within a period of three years.
Licence & Test ———————————————————————————————————–
Provisional driving licence holders: must have a driver with them who has held a full licence for at least 3 years; must display L-plates on the front and rear of their vehicle; are restricted to a maximum speed limit of 45 mph; must not drive on motorways.
The current cost of a provisional licence is approximately £40.00, and you must not take any driving lessons until you receive it (and are at least 17 years old).
To get your provisional licence you must complete a ‘D1’ driving licence application form, which is available from most post offices.
The driving theory test consists of multiple choice questions on: driver attitudes; traffic signs and regulations; effects of alcohol, drugs and fatigue on driver behaviour; safety and environmental aspects of vehicles.
The theory test can be taken whilst you’re learning to drive; it must be passed, along with the practical test, before you can be granted a full driving licence.
In the theory test, you have 40 minutes to answer 35 questions (at least 30 of which you must answer correctly in order to pass); take a free online practice test now.
In addition to the standard question and answer section of the theory test, there's also a hazard perception section.
The hazard perception part of the theory test requires you to watch 14 video clips of driving related situations and to click the mouse button as soon as you see a hazard developing.
The practical driving test lasts approximately 40 minutes and is conducted from your local driving test centre by a Driving Standards Agency (DSA) examiner.
The practical driving test involves driving around a specified route (incorporating a range of typical road and traffic conditions) whilst the examiner sits next to you to assess your ability to drive competently and safely.
You’ll fail your practical driving test if you commit a serious or dangerous fault, or if you commit more than 15 ‘minor’ driving faults.
Common reasons for failing the practical driving test: ineffective use of the mirrors; incorrect use of signals; taking up incorrect road positions; poor steering control; indecisiveness / hesitation.
More people fail the practical test each year than pass it.
People who pass their practical driving test have, on average, about 45 hours of professional training and 22 hours of private practice.
To book either a theory test or a practical driving test, contact the 'Driving Standards Agency'.
Passing your driving test doesn’t mean that you can legally drive any vehicle; some vehicle types require additional accreditation or training.
‘Pass Plus’ is a course designed by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) for newly qualified drivers; taking the course will improve your driving skills and may result in a discount on your insurance premiums.
Basics Markings & Lights Speed Safety Licence & Test Links
www.direct.gov.uk : General learner driver information and advice.
www.rac.co.uk : Learning to drive FAQs. Driving lessons advice.
www.dft.gov.uk : The Highway Code. Rules for all road users. In-depth information on traffic signs and road markings.
www.drivertrainingtoday.co.uk : Learner driver internet forum. Ask for tips and advice from other learner drivers.
www.driving-test-success.com : Find UK driving schools and driving test centres.