Theory Test Practice - Road Conditions & Vehicle Handling

theory test practice, road conditons and vehicle handling, theory test training, theory test. online theory course.

When it comes to your theory test practice, the road conditions and vehicle handling topic will explore the various types of vehicles that you will encounter when out on the road. Learner POD has compiled a unique training article to help you with your theory training studies!

We have an online theory training course that you can access here. The course consists of video tutorials with real-life footage explaining and tutoring you on the many parts of the theory exam. Alongside the course, you will also have access to our member’s area and a safe group to share, discuss and gain motivational support for your studies. For more information on our online course, please visit this link.

Here is a list of all the topics that make up the theory training syllabus:

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Theory Training – Road Conditions & Vehicle Handling

When it comes to your theory test practice, it is really important to make sure you cover all of the aspects of the exam in your training schedule. Missing one section may result in you failing your theory test. It is important to make sure this does NOT happen to you.

Learner POD has compiled a comprehensive training online theory course and an abundance of free training material which will help with your theory studies. Visit our YouTube channel to access lots of free resources and training videos.

In this section, you will learn about road conditions & vehicle handling. This is quite a comprehensive part of your theory studies. In this section you will be looking at the following:

Driving safe in all weather conditions
Vehicle handling and control
Various types of road surfaces
Traffic calming measures
Driving at night time

Driving Safe In All Weather Conditions

You should aim to drive for the road and weather conditions. If the road has lots of potholes, be careful not to travel over them too fast. They could cause a lot of damage to your car and you may lose control.

In bad weather conditions, stopping distances are affected. But this all depends on many factors such as:

Your speed
The road surface: potholes, tarmac
Weather conditions
The condition of your tyres.

Icy and wet conditions can cause your car to skid. Some cars don’t have ABS (anti-lock brakes). If your car starts to skid and you do not have ABS. Be sure to release the footbrake and steer into the skid.

Vehicle Handling & Control

You should have control of your vehicle at all times. Most accidents are caused by human error (driver). So it is important to understand how your car operates and functions.

Keeping your clutch down or in neutral for any period of time is called coasting, or ‘clutch coasting’ and this can be dangerous. Your steering and braking are affected as you have disengaged the engine’s assistance and control of the vehicle.

This is more dangerous when you are travelling downhill as the engine is unable to help slow the vehicle with assisted engine braking. Instead, gravity makes the car travel faster.

Instead, select a lower gear and let the engine help control the speed of the car with engine braking. This is useful as it prevents overheating of the brakes which can cause brake fade.

Various Types of Road Surfaces

When it comes to driving it is important to be aware of the road your driving on. Road conditions can be a major component of your overall safety. It is really important to know and understand how road conditions can affect your vehicle’s handling.

There are lots of conditions which can affect your driving, these can include:

The weather
The time of day
Hills
Different road surfaces
Traffic calming measures

Traffic Calming Measures

Traffic calming measures are intended to reduce a vehicle’s speed in busy and congested areas. There are many types of speed calming measures, these include:

Speed humps
Road narrowings
Chicanes
Rumble strips

Very often, rumble devices (raised markings across the road) are used to warn you of a hazard. These are painted yellow. These are to remind you to reduce your speed. Reduce your speed accordingly. Very often these can be found on the approach to roundabouts and sometimes on the approach to sharp bends.

Driving At Night

When driving at night it is important to be able to see the road clearly & also to be seen clearly by other road users. It is important to not dazzle other road users with your headlights.

You should use your dipped headlights at night time. Sometimes on unlit roads such as country lanes and unlit dual carriageways. You may need to use your main beam to see up the road further, however, it is really important not to dazzle other road users.

You will need to switch your headlights back to dipped when following other vehicles and when there is an approaching vehicle or cyclist. You should slow down if another road user dazzles you. Overtaking at night can be very dangerous. Be sure to watch out for bends in the road ahead and other hazards.

In some cities, you shall find trams. You should be careful around them as they are:

Very quiet
Move quickly
Can’t steer to avoid you

At some traffic lights, you may see some white lights. These are for tram drivers. Trams also have diamond-shaped road signs, and these are for the use of trams only!

Trams can be found in: Blackpool, London, Manchester, Nottingham, Sheffield & Tyne & Wear.