Safety Margins Theory Test
Safety Margins Theory Test
Prepare for the safety margin theory test with updated questions and answers. Learn essential tips to maintain safe distances, handle hazards, and pass with confidence.
This theory test contain 44 Safety Margins Questions and answers that are very similar to the dvsa theory test.
You’re driving along a wet road. How can you tell if your vehicle’s tyres are losing their grip on the surface?
If you drive at speed in very wet conditions, your steering may suddenly feel lighter than usual. This means that the tyres have lifted off the surface of the road and are skating on the surface of the water. This is known as aquaplaning. Reduce speed but don’t brake until your steering returns to normal.
By how much can stopping distances increase in icy conditions?
Tyre grip is greatly reduced in icy conditions. For this reason, you need to allow up to ten times the stopping distance you would allow on dry roads.
On what type of road surface may anti-lock brakes not work effectively?
Poor contact with the road surface could cause one or more of the tyres to lose grip on the road. This is more likely to happen when braking in poor weather conditions and when the road has a loose, slippery or uneven surface.
You’re about to go down a steep hill. What should you do to control the speed of your vehicle?
When driving down a steep hill, gravity will cause your vehicle to speed up. This will make it more difficult for you to stop. To help keep your vehicle’s speed under control, select a lower gear to give you more engine braking and make careful use of the brakes.
You’ve just gone through deep water. What should you do to make sure your brakes are working properly?
Water on the brakes will act as a lubricant, causing them to work less efficiently. Using the brakes lightly as you go along will quickly dry them out.
What would suggest you’re driving on ice?
Drive extremely carefully when the roads are icy. When travelling on ice, tyres make virtually no noise and the steering feels light and unresponsive. In icy conditions, be very gentle when braking, accelerating and steering.
Where are you most likely to be affected by side winds?
In windy conditions, care must be taken on exposed roads. A strong gust of wind can blow you off course. Watch out for other road users who are particularly likely to be affected, such as cyclists, motorcyclists, high-sided lorries and vehicles towing trailers.
How can you use your vehicle’s engine as a brake?
When driving on downhill stretches of road, selecting a lower gear gives increased engine braking. This will prevent excessive use of the brakes, which become less effective if they overheat.
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ArrayYou’re driving in a built-up area that has traffic-calming measures. What should you do when you approach a road hump?
Many towns have road humps as part of traffic-calming measures, designed to slow down traffic. Reduce your speed when driving over them. If you go too fast, you could lose control or damage your car. Look out for pedestrians or cyclists while you’re driving in these areas.
In heavy motorway traffic, the vehicle behind you is following too closely. How can you lower the risk of a collision?
On busy roads, traffic may still travel at high speeds despite being close together. Don’t follow the vehicle in front too closely. If a driver behind seems to be ‘pushing’ you, gradually increase your distance from the vehicle in front by slowing down gently. This will give you more space in front if you have to brake, and will reduce the risk of a collision involving several vehicles.
Overall stopping distance is made up of thinking distance and braking distance. You’re on a good, dry road surface, with good brakes and tyres. What’s the typical braking distance from 50 mph?
Be aware that this is just the braking distance. You need to add the thinking distance to this to give the overall stopping distance. At 50 mph, the typical thinking distance will be 15 metres (50 feet), plus a braking distance of 38 metres (125 feet), giving an overall stopping distance of 53 metres (175 feet). The stopping distance could be greater than this, depending on your attention and response to any hazards. These figures are a general guide.
You’re driving in freezing conditions. What should you do when approaching a sharp bend?
Harsh use of the accelerator, brakes or steering is likely to lead to skidding, especially on slippery surfaces. Avoid steering and braking at the same time. In icy conditions it’s very important that you constantly assess what’s ahead, so that you can take appropriate action in plenty of time.
You’re travelling at 50 mph on a good, dry road. What’s your typical overall stopping distance?
Even in good conditions, it will usually take you further than you think to stop. Don’t just learn the figures; make sure you understand how far the distance is.
When are anti-lock brakes (ABS) most effective?
If you have ABS and need to stop in an emergency, keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal until the vehicle has stopped. When the ABS operates, you may hear a grating sound and feel vibration through the brake pedal. This is normal and you should maintain pressure on the brake pedal until the vehicle stops.
In which conditions are your anti-lock brakes most unlikely to prevent skidding?
Anti-lock brakes may be ineffective on gravel or loose surfaces. They may also be ineffective in very wet weather, when water can build up between the tyre and the road surface; this is known as aquaplaning.
What will help when you’re trying to move off on snow?
If you attempt to move off in a low gear, there will be more torque (turning force) at the driven wheels than if you use a higher gear. More torque makes it easier for the tyres to lose grip and so spin the wheels.
What should you do when driving in fog?
Don’t venture out if your journey isn’t necessary. If you have to travel and someone is expecting you at the other end, let them know that you’ll be taking longer than usual for your journey. This will stop them worrying if you don’t turn up on time and will also take the pressure off you, so you don’t feel you have to rush.
What should you clear of ice and snow before starting a journey in freezing weather?
Driving in bad weather increases your risk of having a collision. If you absolutely have to travel, clear your lights, mirrors, number plates and windows of any snow or ice, so that you can see and be seen.
You’re driving on a wet motorway with surface spray. What lights should you use?
When surface spray reduces visibility, switch on your dipped headlights. This will help other road users to see you.
You’re following a vehicle at a safe distance on a wet road. Another driver overtakes you and pulls into the gap you’ve left. What should you do?
Wet weather will affect the time it takes for you to stop and can affect your control. Your speed should allow you to stop safely and in good time. If another vehicle pulls into the gap you’ve left, ease back until you’ve regained your stopping distance.
What’s the main benefit of driving a four-wheel-drive vehicle?
By driving all four wheels, the vehicle has maximum grip on the road. This grip is especially helpful when travelling on slippery or uneven surfaces. However, having four-wheel drive doesn’t replace the skills you need to drive safely.
What’s the main cause of skidding?
Skidding is usually caused by driver error. You should always adjust your driving to take account of the road and weather conditions.
You’re turning left on a slippery road. What should you do if the back of your vehicle slides to the right?
To correct a skid, you need to steer into it. However, be careful not to over-correct with too much steering, as this may cause a skid in the opposite direction. Skids don’t just happen; they’re caused
What should you do when parking your vehicle facing downhill?
Turning the wheels towards the kerb will allow them to act as a chock, preventing any forward movement of the vehicle. It will also help to leave your car in gear, or select ‘Park’ if you have an automatic.
When are anti-lock brakes of most use to you?
Anti-lock brakes won’t be needed when you’re braking normally. Looking well down the road and anticipating possible hazards could prevent you from having to brake late and harshly. Knowing that you have anti-lock brakes isn’t an excuse to drive in a careless or reckless way.
In very hot weather the road surface can become soft. What will this affect?
If the road surface becomes very hot, it can soften. Tyres are unable to grip a soft surface as well as they can a firm dry one. Take care when cornering and braking.
What can result when you travel for long distances in neutral (known as coasting)?
Coasting is the term used when the clutch is held down, or the gear lever is in neutral, and the vehicle is allowed to freewheel. This reduces the driver’s control of the vehicle. When you coast, the engine can’t drive the wheels to stabilise you through a corner, or give the assistance of engine braking to help slow the car.
You’re driving on an icy road. How can you avoid wheelspin?
If you’re travelling on an icy road, extra caution will be required to avoid loss of control. Keeping your speed down and using the highest gear possible will reduce the risk of the tyres losing their grip on this slippery surface.
What should you do when you’re driving in snowy conditions?
In snowy conditions, be careful with the steering, accelerator and brakes. Braking sharply while you’re driving on snow is likely to make your car skid.
You’re driving a vehicle that has anti-lock brakes. How should you apply the footbrake when you need to stop in an emergency?
You may have to stop in an emergency due to a misjudgement by another driver or a hazard arising suddenly, such as a child running out into the road. If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, you should apply the brakes immediately and keep them firmly applied until you stop.
You’re driving on an open road in dry weather. What should the distance be between you and the vehicle in front?
One way of checking there’s a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front is to use the two-second rule. To check for a two-second time gap, choose a stationary object ahead, such as a bridge or road sign. When the car in front passes the object, say ‘Only a fool breaks the two-second rule’. If you reach the object before you finish saying the phrase, you’re too close and need to increase the gap.
In windy conditions, which activity requires extra care?
Always give cyclists plenty of room when overtaking them. You need to give them even more room when it’s windy. A sudden gust could easily blow them off course and into your path.
You’re following other vehicles in fog. You have your lights on. What else can you do to reduce the chances of being in a collision?
When it’s foggy, use dipped headlights. This will help you see and be seen by other road users. If visibility is seriously reduced, consider using front and rear fog lights if you have them. Keep to a sensible speed and don’t follow the vehicle in front too closely. If the road is wet and slippery, you’ll need to allow twice the normal stopping distance.
What does driving a vehicle with anti-lock brakes allow you to do?
If the wheels of your vehicle lock, they won’t grip the road and you’ll lose steering control. In good conditions, the anti-lock braking system (ABS) will prevent the wheels from locking and you’ll keep control of your steering. In poor weather conditions or on loose surfaces, the ABS may be less effective.
In good conditions, what’s the typical stopping distance at 70 mph?
Note that this is the typical stopping distance. It will take at least this distance to think, brake and stop in good conditions. In poor conditions, it will take much longer.
What’s the shortest overall stopping distance on a dry road at 60 mph?
This distance is the equivalent of 18 car lengths. Try pacing out 73 metres and then look back. It’s probably further than you think.
You’re using a contraflow system. What should you do?
In a contraflow system, you’ll be travelling close to oncoming traffic and sometimes in narrow lanes. You should get into the correct lane in good time, obey any temporary speed-limit signs and keep a safe separation distance from the vehicle ahead.
When will anti-lock brakes take effect?
If your car is fitted with anti-lock brakes, they’ll only activate when they sense that the wheels are about to lock. By preventing the wheels from locking, you’ll be able to steer to avoid the hazard, while maximum braking is also applied.
In which conditions will your overall stopping distance increase?
Extra care should be taken in wet weather. On wet roads, your stopping distance could be double that in dry conditions.
You’re on a good, dry road surface. Your brakes and tyres are good. What’s the typical overall stopping distance at 40 mph?
Stopping distances are affected by a number of variables. These include the type, model and condition of your vehicle, the road and weather conditions, and your reaction time. Look well ahead for hazards and leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front. This should allow you to pull up safely if you have to, without braking sharply.
What should you do when overtaking a motorcyclist in strong winds?
In strong winds, riders of two-wheeled vehicles are particularly vulnerable. When you overtake them, allow plenty of room. Always check to the left as you pass.
When approaching a right-hand bend, you should keep well to the left. Why is this?
Doing this will give you an earlier view around the bend and enable you to see any hazards sooner. It also reduces the risk of collision with an oncoming vehicle that may have drifted over the centre line while taking the bend.
Anti-lock brakes reduce the chances of skidding. When is this particularly important?
The anti-lock braking system (ABS) will operate when the brakes have been applied harshly and the wheels are about to lock, such as during an emergency. ABS will reduce the likelihood of your car skidding, but it isn’t a substitute for safe and responsible driving.
You’re driving along a country road. You see this sign. What should you do after dealing safely with the hazard?
If your brakes have been thoroughly soaked, you should check that they’re working properly before you build up speed again. Before you do this, remember to check your mirrors and consider what’s behind you.
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