What this topic covers
Big and unusual vehicles behave differently. Learn about blind spots, long vehicles swinging out to turn, and giving trams and buses appropriate priority.
Practice questions
Q1A long lorry is turning left ahead and moves out to the right first. This is because:
Long vehicles often swing out in the opposite direction to make a tight turn. Never try to pass on the side they're turning towards.
Q2Where are large vehicles' blind spots?
Lorries and buses have large blind spots around them. If you can't see the driver's mirrors, they probably can't see you.
Q3You're waiting at a junction and a bus is signalling to pull out. You should:
Where safe, give way to buses signalling to move off from a stop. It keeps traffic moving and is courteous and safe.
Q4Trams are different from other vehicles because they:
Trams run on fixed rails and can't swerve, and they need a long distance to stop. Take extra care around tram tracks and crossings.
Q5Motorcyclists are harder to see, so you should look for them especially:
Motorcyclists are easily missed at junctions and in blind spots. Take a second look — 'Think Once, Think Twice, Think Bike'.
Q6Before overtaking a long vehicle, you should:
Hanging back gives a better view of the road ahead and keeps you out of the driver's blind spot until it's clearly safe to pass.
Q7You're following a large lorry closely and can't see its mirrors. This means:
If you can't see a large vehicle's mirrors, its driver can't see you. Drop back into view, especially before they turn or change lanes.
Q8Electric cars and trams can be a particular danger to pedestrians because they:
Quiet vehicles can approach almost silently, so pedestrians may step out without hearing them. Watch carefully, especially near crossings.
Q9In strong, gusty wind, take extra care near motorcyclists and high-sided vehicles because they may:
Gusts can push two-wheelers and high-sided vehicles sideways. Give them more room, especially when passing or on exposed roads.
Q10You're behind a slow tractor on a country road. You should:
Farm vehicles are slow and may turn into fields. Wait for a long, clear stretch before overtaking with plenty of room.
Q11A long vehicle ahead is taking a wide line to get around a roundabout. You should:
Long vehicles need extra space to turn. Stay back and don't try to pass on the side it's turning towards.
Q12You may drive in a bus lane:
Check the bus-lane sign for its hours. Outside those times, or as the sign allows, you may use it, but not while it's operating.
Q13Passengers are getting off a tram where there's no raised platform. You should:
Give way to tram passengers crossing to and from the kerb — never drive between them and the footway.
Q14A vehicle showing a flashing green beacon is:
A flashing green beacon means a registered doctor on an emergency call. Give way when you can safely do so.
Q15Tram rails set into the road surface are:
Smooth metal rails offer little grip, particularly in the wet. Brake and steer gently and cross only at proper points.
Ready for the real thing?
Mix this topic with all the others in a full, timed mock test.