Safety margins questions Car theory test

This topic has 34 practice questions. Here are 10 of them with the right answer and why.

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  1. How much can stopping distances increase in icy conditions?

    • Two times
    • Three times
    • Five times
    • Ten timesRight answer

    Tyre grip is greatly reduced in icy conditions. For this reason, you need to allow up to ten times the stopping distance you would allow on dry roads.

  2. What requires extra care when you're driving or riding in windy conditions?

    • Using the brakes
    • Moving off on a hill
    • Turning into a narrow road
    • Passing pedal cyclistsRight answer

    Always give cyclists plenty of room when overtaking them. You need to give them even more room when it’s windy. A sudden gust could easily blow them off course and into your path.

  3. Why should you keep well to the left as you approach a right-hand bend?

    • To improve your view of the roadRight answer
    • To overcome the effect of the road’s slope
    • To let faster traffic from behind overtake
    • To be positioned safely if you skid

    Keeping to the left as you approach right-hand bends will give you an earlier view around the bend and enable you to see any hazards sooner. It also reduces the risk of collision with any oncoming vehicle that may have drifted over the centre line while taking the bend.

  4. You’ve just gone through flood water. What should you do to make sure your brakes are working properly?

    • Accelerate and keep to a high speed for a short time
    • Go slowly while gently applying the brakesRight answer
    • Avoid using the brakes at all for a few miles
    • Stop for at least an hour to allow them time to dry

    Water on the brakes will act as a lubricant, causing them to work less efficiently. Using the brakes lightly as you go along will quickly dry them out.

  5. What will be affected if the road surface becomes soft in very hot weather?

    • The suspension
    • The exhaust emissions
    • The fuel consumption
    • The tyre gripRight answer

    If the road surface becomes very hot, it can soften. Tyres are unable to grip a soft surface as well as they can a firm dry one. Take care when cornering and braking.

  6. Where is your vehicle most likely to be affected by side winds?

    • On a narrow country lane
    • On an open stretch of roadRight answer
    • On a busy stretch of road
    • On a long, straight road

    In windy conditions, care must be taken on exposed roads. A strong gust of wind can blow you off course. Watch out for other road users who are particularly likely to be affected, such as cyclists, motorcyclists, high-sided lorries and vehicles towing trailers.

  7. You're following a vehicle on a wet road. You stay a safe distance behind it. What should you do if a driver overtakes you and pulls into the gap you've left?

    • Flash your headlights as a warning
    • Try to overtake safely as soon as you can
    • Drop back to regain a safe distanceRight answer
    • Stay close to the other vehicle until it moves on

    Wet weather will affect the time it takes for you to stop and can affect your control. Your speed should allow you to stop safely and in good time. If another vehicle pulls into the gap you’ve allowed, ease back until you’ve regained your stopping distance.

  8. You're travelling on the motorway. How can you lower the risk of a collision when the vehicle behind is following too closely?

    • Increase your distance from the vehicle in frontRight answer
    • Brake sharply
    • Switch on your hazard warning lights
    • Move onto the hard shoulder and stop

    On busy roads, traffic may still travel at high speeds. Do not follow the vehicle in front too closely. If a driver behind seems to be ‘pushing’ you, gradually increase your distance from the vehicle in front by slowing down gently. This will give you more space in front if you have to brake, and will reduce the risk of a collision involving several vehicles.

  9. You're following other vehicles in fog. You have your headlights on dipped beam. What else can you do to reduce the chances of being in a collision?

    • Keep close to the vehicle in front
    • Use main beam instead of dipped headlights
    • Keep up with the faster vehicles
    • Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in frontRight answer

    When it’s foggy, use your headlights on dipped beam. This will help you see and be seen by other road users. If visibility is seriously reduced, consider using front and rear fog lights if you have them. Keep to a sensible speed and do not follow the vehicle in front too closely. If the road is wet and slippery, you’ll need to allow twice the normal stopping distance.

  10. What should you do when you're using a contraflow system?

    • Choose an appropriate lane in good timeRight answer
    • Switch lanes to make better progress
    • Increase speed to get through the contraflow more quickly
    • Follow other motorists closely to avoid long queues

    In a contraflow system, you'll be travelling close to oncoming traffic and sometimes in narrow lanes. You should get into the correct lane in good time, obey any temporary speed-limit signs and keep a safe separation distance from the vehicle ahead.

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