General road code and safe driving habits
What the exam tests
This domain applies the general road code to heavy vehicles: give-way rules, signalling, following distance and safe habits around other road users.
Core rules
- At an uncontrolled intersection, give way to vehicles coming from your right.
- Give way to pedestrians at crossings, to emergency vehicles using sirens or lights, and when turning across another lane.
- Signal for at least three seconds before turning or changing lanes.
- Keep left, pass only when safe and permitted, and never cross solid yellow no-passing lines.
- Use headlights at night and in poor visibility; do not use fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced.
- No mobile phone use while driving; seatbelts must be worn where fitted.
- Observe temporary and permanent speed limits, and adjust for the vehicle's size and load.
Worked example
A truck approaches a give-way sign at a T-intersection. A car is coming from the right on the through road. The truck must stop or give way and let the car pass, even if the truck arrives first. The sign controls the truck's obligation; the car's direction and the road layout determine who has priority.
Traps
- Applying the old give-way rules.
- Assuming a heavy vehicle always has priority because it is bigger.
- Indicating after starting the turn.
- Forgetting blind spots and vulnerable road users when turning a large vehicle.