Safe and responsible driving
Safe and responsible driving
This domain tests hazard awareness, driver behaviour and environmental responsibility. Expect questions on speed choice, wet and icy conditions, alcohol and drugs, mobile phones, fatigue, vulnerable road users and learner/new-driver rules.
Core principles:
- Drive at a speed from which you can stop within the distance you can see to be clear. In rain, leave at least double the normal gap; on ice, slow down and avoid sudden steering or braking.
- The legal alcohol limits are low: 50 mg per 100 ml of blood, 22 µg per 100 ml of breath and 67 mg per 100 ml of urine. For learner, novice (N-plate) and professional drivers the limit is lower: 20 mg/100 ml blood.
- Hand-held mobile phone use is illegal; even hands-free use is a distraction.
- Learner drivers must display L plates and be accompanied by a qualified driver; N plates must be displayed for two years after passing the test. Learner drivers may not drive on motorways.
- Eco-driving - smooth acceleration, early gear changes, correct tyre pressure and avoiding unnecessary idling - cuts fuel use and emissions.
Worked example
You are following a lorry on a wet national road and spray is cutting visibility. The correct response is to ease off, increase the gap to at least four seconds, switch on dipped headlights and avoid overtaking unless you can see far enough ahead. The reasoning is that spray hides hazards and lengthens stopping distance; a bigger gap buys time and space.
Traps
- Thinking a green light or right of way removes the need to slow for hazards.
- Believing hands-free phone calls are risk-free.
- Assuming the standard alcohol limit applies to learner or novice drivers.
- Overtaking on a wet road because the speed limit allows it.