What this topic covers
Good driving starts before you move. This topic is about concentration, scanning the road early, using your mirrors, and removing distractions like phones so you can react in good time.
Practice questions
Q1When may you use a hand-held mobile phone while driving?
It's illegal to hold and use a phone while driving, including when stopped in traffic. Pull over and switch off the engine, or use a fully hands-free system.
Q2Before moving off, what should you always do that mirrors alone cannot do?
Mirrors leave blind spots. A glance over your shoulder checks the areas your mirrors can't show before you pull away or change direction.
Q3You're feeling drowsy on a long drive. What's the best action?
Fresh air and loud music only mask tiredness briefly. The only real cure is to stop in a safe place and rest, ideally with a short nap and a caffeinated drink.
Q4What does using your mirrors well give you?
Mirrors are about information. Checking them early and often tells you what's around you so you can plan and act in good time — Mirrors, Signal, Manoeuvre.
Q5You want to turn right at a junction. When should you check your right mirror and blind spot?
Check mirrors and the relevant blind spot before signalling and committing to the turn, so you know what's beside and behind you, especially cyclists and motorcyclists.
Q6Why is it best not to eat or drink while you're driving?
Anything that takes your attention or a hand off the wheel reduces control. If you need food or drink, stop somewhere safe first.
Q7When should you set or adjust a satnav?
Programming a satnav on the move is a serious distraction. Set your route before leaving, or pull over somewhere safe to change it.
Q8Playing music very loudly while driving can be dangerous because it may:
High volume can hide emergency sirens and other warnings. Keep it low enough that you can still hear what's happening around you.
Q9Good observation means you should mainly look:
Scanning far ahead and all around, with regular mirror checks, lets you spot hazards early and plan your actions in good time.
Q10You need to adjust the heater or change the radio station. The safest thing is to:
Keep your attention on the road. Make only quick, planned adjustments, or wait until you have stopped somewhere safe.
Q11Wearing tinted glasses or using heavily tinted windows when driving at night can:
Tints cut the light reaching your eyes, so at night they make it harder to see. Don't wear tinted lenses or use dark window tints after dark.
Q12Even a hands-free phone call while driving can:
Hands-free still takes your mind off driving. For anything important, find a safe place to stop first.
Q13Something rolls off the seat onto the floor while you're driving. You should:
Never reach down for objects while moving — it takes your eyes and attention off the road. Stop somewhere safe to retrieve them.
Q14On a long, monotonous motorway journey you should:
Tiredness builds on long, dull drives. Plan regular breaks — at least every two hours — and rest properly if you feel drowsy.
Q15To stay properly alert at the wheel you should:
Active driving means continually checking ahead, around and behind. Don't slip into 'autopilot' or let your concentration drift.
Ready for the real thing?
Mix this topic with all the others in a full, timed mock test.