Do you still know the rules of the road?
Out-of-practice drivers about being warned about the theory rules they may have overlooked during spells of lockdown.
1. Documents
Drivers should keep their driving license, proof of insurance and MOT certificate to hand when behind the wheel.
They will be required by the police if the vehicle is involved in an accident, if they are not on the driver’s person, they may be asked to take them to a police station within seven days.
It is best practice to keep a copy of each in a safe place in the car, for example, the glove box or boot, so the details are always to hand.
2. Learners
A lot of responsibility has landed on the shoulders of someone supervising a learner since the beginning of the pandemic and they are expected to follow the law as if they were the driver, for example, they must be sober and not using a mobile phone.
To supervise a learner, drivers must have held their full licence for three years or more, be at least 21 years old and be qualified to drive the type of vehicle they are supervising in.
3. Horn
Drivers should only use them while the vehicle is moving because they need to alert or warn other road users of their presence. It is also illegal to use a horn on a moving vehicle on a restricted road between 1:30 p.m. and 07:00 a.m. A restricted road is anywhere with streetlights and a 30-mph speed limit.
4. Road signs
There are hundreds of different road signs, each with its own meaning. Learners hoping to sit their theory will be cramming in content from the Highway Code to understand what they all mean.
Generally, signs set in triangles give warnings, those in circles give orders and information is given on rectangular signs.
5. Stopping distances
Drivers who sat their theory test many moons ago will remember the agony of trying to learn each individual speed’s stopping distance.
The distances have not changed but it is worth a brush-up..
20mph – 12m stopping distance in total. 30 mph –23m stopping distance in total. 40 mph –36m stopping distance in total. 50 mph –53m stopping distance in total. 60 mph –73m stopping distance in total. 70 mph –96m stopping distance in total.
6. Vehicle checks
Regular checks to a vehicle are essential and required in law. These checks can include oil levels, outside light luminosity, and seat belt reliability.
Under-inflated tyres can lead to poor braking, increased fuel consumption and heavy steering.
Worn and damaged tyres make a vehicle unroadworthy, they should have a tread depth of at least 1.6 mm and have no cracks or cuts on the surface.