Contents

01The driver

A message from the chief driving examiner

Attitude

Good habits

Health

Learner drivers

New drivers

Older drivers

Disabled drivers

02The driver and the law

Your driving licence

Insurance

Vehicle registration certificate (V5C)

Vehicle excise duty

Vehicle test certificate

Roadworthiness

The Highway Code

Seat belts

Loading your vehicle

03The controls

Driving position

The hand controls

The foot controls

Switches

Other controls

04Mirrors

Mirrors

Adjusting mirrors

Using mirrors

Blind spots

The mirrors and hazards

MSM routine

05Starting to drive

Getting started

Vehicle checks

Starting the engine

Moving off

Braking

Stopping in an emergency

Skidding

The parking brake

Steering

Changing gear

Signalling

Moving off at an angle

Moving off on hills

06Traffic signs

The purpose of traffic signs

Signs giving warning

Signs giving orders

Signs giving directions and other information

Waiting restrictions

Road markings

Traffic lights

Traffic calming

Level crossings

07On the road

Awareness and anticipation

Road positioning

Bends

Stopping distance

Separation distance

Overtaking

Obstructions

Pedestrian crossings

Driving on hills

Tunnels

Trams or LRT systems

08Junctions

Approaching a junction

The junction routine

Turning

Emerging

Lanes at junctions

Types of junction

Junctions on hills

Junctions on dual carriageways

Roundabouts

09Manoeuvring

Before manoeuvring

Reversing

Turning around

Parking

10Defensive driving

Defensive driving

Observation

Signalling

Hazards

Lighting and weather conditions

Other road users

11Driving on motorways

Driving on motorways

Motorway signs and signals

Joining a motorway

On the motorway

Lane discipline

Overtaking

Leaving a motorway

Weather conditions

Stopping on motorways

Motorways at night

Roadworks

The novice driver

12All-weather driving

Your vehicle

Ensuring a clear view

Wet roads

Crosswinds

Fog

Snow and ice

Bright sunshine and hot weather

13Driving at night

Your vehicle lights

Driving in the dark

Built-up areas

Overtaking or following at night

Parking at night

Meeting other vehicles

14Basic maintenance

Fuel

Oils and coolant

Steering and suspension

Brakes

Tyres

Electrical systems

Basic fault-finding

15Breakdowns

Breakdowns

Breakdowns on motorways

On dual carriageways

Punctures and blow-outs

16Incidents, accidents and emergencies

The scene of an incident

First aid on the road

Fire and electric shock

Tunnels

17Ecosafe driving and the environment

What you can do

Ecosafe driving

Choosing a vehicle

Vehicle maintenance

Alternatives to driving

18Avoiding and dealing with congestion

Journey planning

While driving

Active traffic management

Highways Agency traffic officers

Urban congestion

19Towing a trailer

Towing regulations

Safety

Driving techniques

20Vehicle security

Security measures

Parking

21European driving

Travelling to Europe

Planning your journey

Driving in Europe

22Automatics and four-wheel drive

Automatics

Four-wheel drive

23Driving taxis

First steps to becoming a taxi driver

Passenger care

Professional driving

Driving taxis

Passengers with special needs

24Further information

Reviewing your driving

Organisations providing advanced driving tests

Mobility centres

Recognising basic faults

Index