Theory Test Safety Margins - Questions and Answers

You have just gone through deep water. To dry off the
brakes you should

A. accelerate and keep to a high speed for a short time
B. go slowly while gently applying the brakes
C. avoid using the brakes at all for a few miles
D. stop for at least an hour to allow them time to dry

Answer - go slowly while gently applying the brakes

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

You are overtaking a motorcyclist in strong winds. What
should you do?

A. Allow extra room
B. Give a thank you wave
C. Move back early
D. Sound your horn

Answer - Allow extra room

It is easy for motorcyclists to be blown off course. Always give them plenty of room if you decide to overtake, especially in strong winds. Decide whether you need to overtake at all. Always check to the left as you pass.

You are travelling at 50mph on a good, dry road. What is
your typical overall stopping distance?

A. 36 metres (118 feet)
B. 53 metres (175 feet)
C. 75 metres (245 feet)
D. 96 metres (315 feet)

Answer - 53 metres (175 feet)

Even in good conditions it will usually take you further than you think to stop. Don’t just learn the figures, make sure you understand how far the distance is.

What is the most common cause of skidding?

A. Worn tyres
B. Driver error
C. Other vehicles
D. Pedestrians

Answer - Driver error

A skid happens when the driver changes the speed or direction of their vehicle so suddenly that the tyres can't keep their grip on the road. Remember that the risk of skidding on wet or icy roads is much greater than in dry conditions.

You are following a vehicle at a safe distance on a wet road.
Another driver overtakes you and pulls into the gap you
have left. What should you do?

A. Flash your headlights as a warning
B. Try to overtake safely as soon as you can
C. Drop back to regain a safe distance
D. Stay close to the other vehicle until it moves on

Answer - Drop back to regain a safe distance

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 left, ease back until you’ve regained your stopping distance.

You are trying to move off on snow. You should use

A. the lowest gear you can
B. the highest gear you can
C. a high engine speed
D. the handbrake and footbrake together

Answer - the highest gear you can

If you attempt to move off in a low gear, such as first, the engine will rev at a higher speed. This could cause the wheels to spin and dig further into the snow.

The main benefit of having four-wheel drive is to improve

A. road holding
B. fuel consumption
C. stopping distances
D. passenger comfort

Answer - road holding

By driving all four wheels there is improved grip, but this does not replace the skills you need to drive safely. The extra grip helps road holding when travelling on slippery or uneven roads.

You are on a long, downhill slope. What should you do to help
control the speed of your vehicle?

A. Select neutral
B. Select a lower gear
C. Grip the handbrake firmly
D. Apply the parking brake gently

Answer - Select a lower gear

Selecting a low gear when travelling downhill will help you to control your speed. The engine will assist the brakes and help prevent your vehicle gathering speed.

Anti-lock brakes may not work as effectively if the road
surface is

A. dry
B. loose
C. wet
D. good
E. firm

Answer - loose, wet

Poor contact with the road surface could cause one or more of the tyres to lose grip on the road. This is more likely to happen when braking in poor weather conditions, when the road surface is uneven or has loose chippings.

You are driving in heavy rain. Your steering suddenly
becomes very light. You should

A. steer towards the side of the road
B. apply gentle acceleration
C. brake firmly to reduce speed
D. ease off the accelerator

Answer - ease off the accelerator

If the steering becomes light in these conditions it is probably due to a film of water that has built up between your tyres and the road surface. Easing off the accelerator should allow your tyres to displace the film of water and they should then regain their grip on the road.

Your overall stopping distance will be much longer when
driving

A. in the rain
B. in fog
C. at night
D. in strong winds

Answer - in the rain

Extra care should be taken in wet weather as, on wet roads, your stopping distance could be double that necessary for dry conditions.

You have driven though a flood. What is the first thing you
should do?

A. Stop and check the tyres
B. Stop and dry the brakes
C. Check your exhaust
D. Test your brakes

Answer - Test your brakes

Before you test your brakes you must check for following traffic. If it is safe, gently apply the brakes to clear any water that may be covering the braking surfaces.

You are on a wet motorway with surface spray. You should
use

A. hazard flashers
B. dipped headlights
C. rear fog lights
D. sidelights

Answer - dipped headlights

When surface spray reduces visibility switch on your dipped headlights. This will help other road users to see you.

How can you tell when you are driving over black ice?

A. It is easier to brake
B. The noise from your tyres sounds louder
C. You will see tyre tracks on the road
D. Your steering feels light

Answer - Your steering feels light

Sometimes you may not be able to see that the road is icy. Black ice makes a road look damp. The signs that you’re travelling on black ice can be that
• the steering feels light
• the noise from your tyres suddenly goes quiet.

Travelling for long distances in neutral (known as coasting)

A. improves the driver's control
B. make steering easier
C. reduces the driver's control
D. uses more fuel

Answer - reduces the driver's control

Coasting, is the term used when the clutch is held down, or the gear lever is in neutral, and the vehicle is allowed to freewheel. This reduces the driver’s control of the vehicle. When you coast, the engine can’t drive the wheels to pull you through a corner. Coasting also removes the assistance of engine braking that helps to slow the car.