Mixed Deck — All ADI Topics Flashcards

When using the MSM (Mirror-Signal-Manoeuvre) routine, the signal should be given:

Answer: After checking mirrors and in good time to give adequate warning

In the MSM routine, mirrors are checked first to assess the situation; the signal is then given in time for other road users to react before the manoeuvre begins.

What is the minimum legal tread depth for car tyres in the UK?

Answer: 1.6 mm across the central 75% of the width around the full circumference

The legal minimum tread depth for cars in the UK is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread width around the entire circumference of the tyre.

An ADI must inform the DVSA within what period of a change of name or address?

Answer: 28 days

ADIs must notify DVSA of any change to their personal details, including name or address, within 7 days to maintain the accuracy of the ADI Register.

What specific risk do electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids pose to pedestrians and cyclists?

Answer: They are very quiet at low speeds, making it harder for pedestrians to hear them approaching

EVs and hybrids produce little sound at low speeds; pedestrians (especially those with visual impairments) may step out without hearing the vehicle approaching, creating a collision risk.

Which situation at a junction requires an ADI to teach the concept of 'effective observation'?

Answer: Emerging onto a major road with restricted sight lines — look, assess, look again and move only when safe

Effective observation at restricted junctions involves looking right, left and right again (and for one-way roads, left-right-left), reassessing continuously before committing to the manoeuvre.

What is the primary risk when opening a car door in traffic?

Answer: Striking a passing cyclist or motorcyclist — the 'Dutch reach' technique reduces this risk

Opening a door without checking can strike a passing cyclist or motorcyclist (known as 'dooring'); the Dutch reach method (using the far hand) forces the driver to turn and check before opening.

What is the correct lane discipline on a three-lane motorway in normal driving conditions?

Answer: Keep to the left lane unless overtaking

Rule 264 of the Highway Code requires drivers to keep left unless overtaking; middle- or right-lane hogging is a traffic offence under the Highway Code rules.

A load is protruding from the rear of a vehicle by more than 1 metre. What must the driver ensure?

Answer: The overhanging load must be made clearly visible, and if it extends more than 2 metres, it must be marked with a red flag or other prescribed marker and may require notification to the police

Loads projecting more than 1 metre to the rear must be made clearly visible. If the projection exceeds 2 metres, the end must be marked with a red and white striped marker board or red flag. Projections over 3.05 metres require police notification, and over 3.66 metres require an attendant.

A learner asks about a sign showing a red circle with a red cross inside. What does this mean?

Answer: Clearway — no stopping at any time including for setting down or picking up passengers

A clearway sign (red circle with red X) means no stopping is permitted at any time — not even briefly for setting down or picking up passengers. Vehicles must not stop on the carriageway where this sign applies.

During the driving test, a pupil stalls the engine at a junction. How will this likely be assessed?

Answer: It depends on the context — a stall alone may be a minor fault, but if it causes danger or the pupil panics and makes the situation worse, it could become a serious or dangerous fault

Stalling is not automatically a serious fault. A single stall that is recovered smoothly may be a minor fault or not marked at all. However, if the stall causes danger (e.g., at a busy junction), if the candidate panics, or if repeated stalls indicate a lack of control, it could be assessed as serious or dangerous.

When emerging from a side road onto a main road with limited visibility, what should a driver do?

Answer: Edge forward slowly until a clear view is obtained, then proceed when safe

Edging forward slowly at junctions with limited visibility allows the driver to extend their sightline gradually without committing to the manoeuvre until it is safe.

Which action should a driver take when a front-right tyre blows out at speed on a motorway?

Answer: Hold the steering wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator gradually and steer to the left to stop on the hard shoulder

A tyre blowout causes the vehicle to pull towards the blown tyre; firm steering, gentle deceleration (not hard braking) and controlled movement to a safe stop are essential.

An older pedestrian is crossing slowly on a green light for traffic. What should a driver do?

Answer: Wait patiently and give them time to complete the crossing safely

Older pedestrians may move slowly due to mobility limitations; drivers must be patient and not intimidate or rush them, prioritising their safety over traffic flow.

When should you give extra care to motorcyclists in traffic?

Answer: When changing lanes, at junctions and in poor visibility when bikes are harder to see

Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than cars; they are at greatest risk when vehicles change lanes, emerge from junctions or when weather reduces conspicuity.

A triangular road sign with a red border indicates:

Answer: A warning of a hazard ahead

Triangular red-bordered signs are warning signs (The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions) alerting drivers to hazards ahead such as bends, junctions or pedestrian crossings.

According to the Highway Code, what is the correct procedure for a learner driver approaching a green traffic light that has been green for some time?

Answer: Be prepared to stop as the light may change, check mirrors, and be ready to respond safely to a change to amber

A green light that has been showing for some time is likely to change soon. The driver should be prepared to stop by checking mirrors and being ready to brake smoothly if it changes to amber, rather than accelerating to 'beat' the light.

When performing CPR on an adult, what is the correct ratio of chest compressions to rescue breaths?

Answer: 30:2

The current UK resuscitation guidelines recommend 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths for adult CPR.

What does a rectangular amber sign with the word 'DIVERSION' mean?

Answer: Follow this route because the normal route is closed

Orange (amber) 'DIVERSION' signs are used to guide drivers along an alternative route when the regular road is closed due to roadworks, emergencies or events.

What is 'scaling' as an instructional technique used by ADIs?

Answer: A coaching technique where the learner rates their confidence or ability on a scale (e.g., 1-10), helping them self-assess and identify areas for development

Scaling is a coaching technique where the ADI asks the learner to rate themselves on a scale (typically 1-10) regarding their confidence, understanding, or ability in a specific area. This promotes self-reflection and helps both the ADI and learner identify priorities for the lesson.

A person using a white cane with a red band is:

Answer: Deafblind — requiring extra patience as they may not hear or see your vehicle

A white cane with a red band indicates the user is deafblind (both visually impaired and deaf); they cannot hear approaching vehicles or see signals, requiring exceptional patience and care.