Theory Test Syllabus

Alertness

The need to be alert and attentive when driving or riding.  You must consider;

  • Observation look around for other road users and pedestrians

  • Anticipation look ahead and give yourself enough time to react to hazards

  • Concentration be alert at all times when driving orb riding

  • Awareness understand the actions of other road users

  • Distraction do not become distracted whilst driving or riding.

  • Boredom could make you feel sleepy.  Keep your mind on your driving.

 

Attitude

Your attitude will affect your driving.  Attitude consists of;

  • Consideration consider other road users.  Be positive but treat them as you would wish to be treated.

  • Close following do not follow too closely.  As well as being dangerous, it can feel threatening to the diver in front.

  • Courtesy treat other road users as colleagues or team members.  They too are trying to complete their journey safely.

  • Priority be aware that not all rules on priority will always be followed by other road users.  Try to be calm and tolerant if other drivers or riders break the rules.

 

Safety and your vehicle

To prevent your vehicle endangering lives you must ensure that it is in good condition.  You should be aware of;

  • Fault detection be able to detect minor faults on your vehicle.

  • Defects and their effects on safety be aware that an unroadworthy vehicle might endanger your passengers or other road users.

  • Emissions make sue your vehicle complies with correct emission regulations.

  • Noise be aware that vehicles are noisy.  Prevent excessive noise especially at night

 

Safety Margins

You must be aware of the safety margins when driving in all conditions.  You should consider

  • Stopping distances leave enough room to stop in all conditions

  • Road Surface be aware of uneven or slippery surfaces

  • Skidding be aware that preventing a skid is most important, but you should also know how to react should you lose control of your vehicle.

  • Weather conditions be aware that weather conditions have an effect on how your vehicle behaves

 

Hazard awareness

Your judgement and perception of the road ahead will lessen the risk of an accident.  You should keep in mind

  • Anticipation plan ahead to prevent last second reactions

  • Hazard awareness recognise a hazard ahead and prepare you for it.

  • Attention look out for problems ahead when you are driving or riding

  • Speed ands distance be aware of the correct speed for the situation, leaving enough space to react.

  • Reaction Time be aware that you need time to react

  • The effect of alcohol and drugs understand how these will affect your reaction time.

  • Tiredness do not drive or ride if you are tired.  You need to be alert at all times.

 

Vulnerable Road Users

Others on the road may need more time or room. Potential Hazards to be considered are;

  • Pedestrians be aware of their actions as they cross the road.

  • Children be aware that they are particularly unpredictable on and around roads.

  • Elderly drivers be aware that they may be slower to make decisions

  • Cyclists be aware that they may swerve to avoid obstructions and are often affected by weather conditions.

  • Motorcyclists be aware of their presence on the road.

  • Animals be aware that animals can be unpredictable and may move slowly.

  • New Drivers be aware that they may be more hesitant, allow for this and be patient.  They lack experience and are, therefore more vulnerable

 

Other Types of vehicles

Other vehicles might behave differently on the road.  You should consider

  • Motorcycles be aware that they may need as, much room as a car.

  • Lorries are larger and need moor room on the road.

  • Buses are usually large and might make frequent stops.

 

Vehicle Handling

You need to adapt your driving or riding to the different conditions on the road.  You should consider

  • Weather conditions be aware of how wet or icy roads will affect the handling of your vehicle.

  • Road conditions be aware of how the road surface may affect your vehicle

  • Time of day be aware of hazards when driving or riding at night.

  • Speed be aware that it is more difficult to control your vehicles at high sped.

  • Traffic calming beware of measures used to slow down traffic where there are pedestrians.

 

Motorway rules

You must know the rules that apply to you and your vehicle on the motorway.  Factors to consider are

  • Speed limits be aware of the speed restriction on the motorway.

  • Lane discipline keep to the left unless overtaking.

  • Stopping know when and where you can stop on the motorway.

  • Lighting be aware of the importance of being seen.

  • Parking do not park o the motorway unless in an emergency.

 

Rules of the road

You should know the rules of the road.  Aspect include

  • Speed limits be aware of the speed limits for different types of vehicles

  • Lane discipline be sure you select the correct lane for the direction you wish to take.

  • Parking choose a sensible place to park.

  • Lighting do not let your vehicle become a hazard. 

 

Road and traffic signs

  • Traffic signs are a means of giving messages to road users.  You should know what they mean.  You should consider

  • Road signs these tell you about the road ahead.

  • Speed limit   recognises signs showing speed limits.

  • Road Marking be aware that directions might be painted on the road surface.

  • Regulations these can be shown to you by means of a road sign.

 

Documents

  • You and your vehicle must be licences to be on the road.  The documents you will need include

  • License you must know what the law requires

  • Insurance you must have the cover you need to drive or ride

  • MOT test certificate you should be aware of the safety checks your vehicle must under go to gain an MOT certificate.

 

Accidents

  • You should know what to do if you arrive at or are involved in an accident.  You should be aware of

  • First Aid if you have the knowledge, your fast, effective action might save a life.

  • Warning devices know how to warn other road users of an accident.

  • Reporting procedures know where and when to report an accident

  • Safety regulations know what to do f a vehicle carrying hazardous loads is involved in an accident

 

Vehicle loading

  • You should be aware of the importance of secure loads.  You should consider

  • Stability make sure that your load does not affect the stability of your vehicle.

  • Towing regulations be aware of the effects of towing a trailer and the rules that apply.