Safe Driving Techniques Flashcards

What is 'aquaplaning' and how should a driver respond to it?

Answer: When a vehicle's tyres lose contact with the road surface due to a layer of water, the driver should ease off the accelerator gently and steer straight until tyres regain grip

Aquaplaning (or hydroplaning) occurs when a vehicle's tyres ride on a film of water rather than gripping the road surface, causing a loss of steering and braking control. The driver should ease off the accelerator gently (not brake sharply), keep steering straight, and wait for the tyres to regain contact with the road.

What does a 'No Entry' sign with a red circle and horizontal white bar mean for a PHC driver?

Answer: No vehicles may enter — the driver must find an alternative route

A No Entry sign (red circle with white horizontal bar) means no vehicles may proceed in that direction. This restriction applies to ALL vehicles including PHC drivers. Entering against this sign is a traffic offence.

What is the correct lane for PHC drivers to use on a 3-lane expressway during normal driving conditions?

Answer: The leftmost (first) lane, using the centre or right lanes only for overtaking

The Highway Code requires drivers to keep to the left lane on expressways during normal driving. The centre and right lanes are for overtaking only. After overtaking, drivers should return to the left lane. Lane hogging in the right lane is an offence.

What should a PHC driver do if they feel drowsy during a long trip?

Answer: Pull over safely to a rest area and take a short rest before continuing

Drowsy driving is a major cause of serious accidents. If a PHC driver feels drowsy, they must pull over safely at a rest area or car park (not on the road shoulder), take a rest or short nap, before resuming driving. Passenger safety must never be compromised.

What is the recommended procedure when a PHC driver encounters a breakdown on an expressway?

Answer: Move the vehicle to the emergency lane, turn on hazard lights, place a warning triangle at least 45 metres behind the vehicle, and call for assistance

If a breakdown occurs on an expressway, the driver should move the vehicle to the emergency lane (left hard shoulder) immediately, activate hazard lights, place warning triangles at least 45 metres behind the vehicle to warn approaching traffic, and call for roadside assistance. Never remain in a live traffic lane.

What precaution should a PHC driver take when driving near large vehicles like trucks and buses?

Answer: Maintain a greater following distance and avoid lingering in the blind spots of large vehicles

Large vehicles have significantly larger blind spots than passenger cars. PHC drivers should maintain a larger following distance from large vehicles and avoid staying in their blind spot zones (alongside or just behind). If you can't see the truck driver's mirrors, they can't see you.