Fatigue, alcohol, distraction and driver fitness
This section covers fitness to drive: fatigue, alcohol, drugs, medicines, distraction and eyesight. The exam tests whether you can recognise impairment and take the safe decision before driving.
Core rules
Fatigue slows reaction and judgement; it cannot be overcome by coffee, open windows or loud music. Plan rest before a long shift and stop for a break when drowsy. Alcohol and impairing drugs are not permitted while driving; even a small amount increases risk. Prescription medicines can cause drowsiness, so check the label and ask a pharmacist or doctor. Hand-held phone use is prohibited; set navigation and communications before moving. Eyesight must meet the licence standard; wear prescribed glasses or lenses. Illness, stress and some medical conditions also affect fitness.
Worked example
A driver has slept four hours and has a six-hour loaded run. After two hours, the driver is yawning, drifting and missing signs. The safe action is to stop at a safe place and rest, not to drink more coffee and continue. A short nap may help, but the journey must be replanned around a real rest break.
Traps
Believing fresh air or music cures fatigue; using a phone “hands-free” while still visually distracted; ignoring a medicine’s drowsiness warning; and driving with uncorrected poor eyesight.