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Principles of Defensive Driving
- 1/45A condition you MUST meet before setting off in your vehicle.
You MUST have a valid licence and insurance to drive the vehicle.: Before setting off, it is a legal requirement to ensure you have a valid driving licence and insurance for the vehicle youre operating. This helps to ensure that you are covered in case of accidents or legal issues.
If you feel sleepy while driving.
Stop in a safe place and take a break.: Driving when tired increases the risk of a collision. If you feel sleepy, the safest option is to stop in a safe place and rest. Continuing to drive while tired can impair your reaction time and judgment.
The minimum distance at which you must be able to read a vehicle number plate in good daylight.
20 meters.: You must be able to read a vehicle number plate from 20 meters in good daylight, or 20.5 meters if it is an old style number plate.
If you need corrective lenses to meet the vision requirement for driving.
Wear them at all times while driving.: If you need glasses or contact lenses to meet the vision requirement, you must wear them at all times while driving. The police have the authority to require a driver to undertake an eyesight test to ensure compliance.
What to ensure before starting a journey.
Your vehicle has enough fuel and you know where all the controls are.: Before starting a journey, its important to ensure you have sufficient fuel or charge, especially for long drives, and that you know where all the controls are and how to use them to ensure safe and comfortable driving.
How to drive safely in strong winds, especially when driving a high-sided vehicle.
Be prepared for sudden gusts and keep a firm grip on the steering wheel.: High-sided vehicles are more affected by strong winds. Drivers should reduce speed and maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel to keep the vehicle under control.
Why you should check tyre pressure before a long journey.
To ensure tyres are properly inflated for safe handling and braking.: Under-inflated tyres can cause poor handling, increased stopping distances, and a higher risk of a blowout. Always check tyre pressures when the tyres are cold.
What to do if your anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning light stays on.
Have the system checked by a qualified mechanic.: If the ABS warning light stays on, it indicates a potential problem. ABS helps maintain steering control under heavy braking, so its crucial to have it repaired.
What to do before carrying out any maintenance on your vehicle.
Make sure the engine is off and the handbrake is on.: Always ensure the engine is switched off and the handbrake is fully engaged before performing maintenance to avoid accidental movement or injury.
How to improve fuel economy.
Drive smoothly and avoid rapid acceleration or heavy braking.: Driving habits significantly affect fuel consumption. Gentle acceleration, maintaining a steady speed, and anticipating traffic reduce unnecessary fuel use.
How to avoid dazzling other road users when driving at night.
Use dipped headlights when there’s oncoming traffic.: Dipped headlights help you see the road while preventing glare for other road users. Switch to full beam only when there’s no one ahead or approaching.
What to do when driving on icy roads.
Drive slowly, use high gear, and brake gently.: Ice drastically reduces traction. Use high gears to reduce wheel spin, and brake gently to avoid skidding. Leave plenty of space to the vehicle in front.
When to use rear fog lights.
When visibility is seriously reduced (typically less than 100 meters).: Rear fog lights make your vehicle more visible in thick fog, but using them unnecessarily can dazzle drivers behind you.
What to do if you’re dazzled by headlights from behind at night.
Adjust your interior mirror to the anti-dazzle position.: Most interior mirrors have an anti-dazzle setting. Use it to prevent glare from headlights behind, which helps you maintain focus on the road.
Where to find the recommended tyre pressures for your vehicle.
In the vehicle handbook or inside the fuel filler flap.: Tyre pressure information is specific to your car model and can often be found in the handbook or on a label near the driver’s door or fuel cap.
The benefit of planning your route before you travel.
You’re less likely to get lost or distracted while driving.: Planning ahead helps avoid last-minute decisions and allows you to focus fully on driving, reducing the risk of errors or dangerous maneuvers.
How to check that your brake lights are working properly.
Ask someone to stand behind your car while you press the brake pedal.: Brake lights are essential for warning following drivers. If no one is available to help, use reflections in windows or doors to check.
Why continuous high-speed driving increases the risk of tyre failure.
Tyres become hot and may burst.: Sustained high speeds generate heat, which can weaken tyres and lead to blowouts, especially if they are damaged or under-inflated.
The most important reason for ensuring that your vehicle is roadworthy.
To ensure the safety of yourself and others.: A roadworthy vehicle is less likely to break down or cause an accident, protecting both you and others on the road.
What to do if your vehicle pulls to one side when braking.
Check the brakes immediately.: Uneven braking can signal a fault with your brake system and should be checked right away for safety.
Where to find the information for servicing your vehicle.
In the vehicle’s handbook.: The manufacturer’s handbook provides essential maintenance schedules and service intervals tailored to your car.
When your vehicle must have a valid MOT certificate.
If it’s over three years old (in most cases).: An MOT ensures your vehicle meets environmental and safety standards. Driving without one is illegal unless you’re driving to a pre-booked test.
What the legal minimum tread depth for car tyres is.
1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre.: This depth helps maintain traction and disperses water. Driving with worn tyres is dangerous and can result in fines or penalty points.
You should check the engine oil level.
When the engine is cold and the vehicle is on level ground.: Checking oil when cold ensures an accurate reading and prevents burns. Low oil can damage the engine, so regular checks are vital.
How to avoid excessive wear of your brakes.
Use engine braking when possible.: Rather than relying heavily on your brakes, shifting to a lower gear helps reduce speed gradually, conserving brake life and reducing overheating.
What to do when parking your car facing uphill.
Turn the wheels away from the kerb.: This way, if the brakes fail, the wheels will roll into the kerb and prevent the vehicle from moving downhill dangerously.
What causes uneven tyre wear.
Incorrect wheel alignment.: Misaligned wheels can cause tyres to wear faster on one edge. Regular servicing helps ensure your wheels stay properly aligned.
Why its important to avoid coasting.
You have less control over steering and braking.: Coasting reduces your ability to respond quickly to hazards. Keeping the car in gear gives you better control over your vehicle.
What to do if your vehicle starts to skid.
Steer gently in the direction of the skid.: Do not brake harshly. Steer into the skid and ease off the accelerator to regain control.
Why modern vehicles are fitted with catalytic converters.
To reduce harmful emissions.: Catalytic converters help reduce pollutants like carbon monoxide, making vehicles more environmentally friendly.
Why you should avoid driving with your clutch pressed down or staying in neutral for too long.
You have less control over the vehicle.: Keeping the clutch pressed or being in neutral for long periods (coasting) reduces your control and increases stopping distance.
How to reduce your vehicle’s impact on the environment.
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking.: Smooth driving improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions. Planning your drive also helps avoid congested routes.
The blind spot of a vehicle is
The area not visible in your mirrors.: Always check over your shoulder before changing lanes or pulling out, as other vehicles or cyclists may be in your blind spot.
What a convex mirror does.
Gives a wider field of vision.: Convex mirrors allow you to see more, especially helpful in blind spots, but they make objects appear smaller and farther away than they are.
How to avoid wheelspin when driving on ice.
Drive slowly in as high a gear as possible.: High gears reduce torque at the wheels, lowering the risk of spinning. Gentle acceleration and braking are key in icy conditions.
What you should use rear fog lights for.
To improve visibility in thick fog.: Only use them when visibility is below 100 meters. Turn them off when visibility improves to avoid dazzling others.
When you must not use your horn.
Between 11:30 pm and 7:00 am in a built-up area (unless theres danger).: This rule prevents unnecessary noise disturbance at night. The horn should only be used to alert others to danger.
What to do before making a U-turn in the road.
Make sure the road is wide enough and it is safe to do so.: Check for oncoming traffic and ensure you’re not near bends or dips in the road. Signal clearly to other road users.
What you should check before driving in snowy conditions.
That your lights are clean and your tyres have sufficient tread.: Good visibility and traction are essential in snow. Clear lights help you be seen, and proper tyre grip improves safety.
How to avoid dazzling others when overtaking at night.
Use dipped headlights until you’re level with the other vehicle.: Switch to full beam only once you’ve passed safely. This prevents blinding the driver in front or oncoming vehicles.
Why its dangerous to reverse from a side road into a main road.
It’s difficult to see approaching traffic.: Always reverse into a side road from the main road where possible. This gives you better visibility when rejoining traffic.
What to check when topping up engine coolant.
That the engine is cool.: Opening the coolant cap when the engine is hot can cause scalding. Wait until the engine has cooled down completely.
What a properly adjusted head restraint does.
Reduces the risk of neck injury in a collision.: Set it level with the top of your head and close to the back of your head to prevent whiplash in a rear-end collision.
What you should do when checking your engine oil.
Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it, then check the level.: Check the oil with the engine cold and on level ground. Maintaining the correct oil level is essential for engine performance.
Why its important to check washer fluid regularly.
To ensure you can clean your windscreen while driving.: A clear windscreen is vital for safe driving, especially in dirty or wet conditions. Keep your washer bottle topped up with appropriate fluid.