When it comes to your theory test practice, it is important to plan your practice sessions and training to become more equipped with learning everything there is to know for your theory test exam. The big day will warrant your hard work and will be evident when you walk out of the theory test centre with a pass certificate.
Learner POD has compiled a unique training programme to help 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 road footage explaining 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 motivational support for your studies.
Here is a list of all the topics on the theory test exam:
- Alertness
- Attitude
- Safety Margins
- Safety & Your Vehicle
- Hazard awareness
- Vulnerable road users
- Other types of vehicle
- Road conditions and vehicle handling
- Motorway driving
- Rules of the road
- Road and traffic signs
- Essential documents
- Incidents, accidents and emergencies
- Vehicle loading
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. Hop over to our YouTube channel to access lots of free resources and training videos.
Page Contents
Theory Test Practice – Safety Margins
When it comes to training for your theory test, the ‘Saftey Margins’ topic is a lengthy topic and does require a lot of general knowledge on safety margins, stopping distances, contraflow systems and much more. You should plan your studies and prepare for your training using our guide. For a thorough in-depth plan, you can visit our online theory course here.
The topic of ‘Safety Margins’ includes the following areas of training:
- Keeping within safety margins
- Thinking and braking distances
- Road & weather conditions
- Contraflow systems
Safety Margins – Keeping Within Safety Margins
It is important to understand about keeping yourself, others and passengers safe whilst driving. You can help yourself and reduce risk of accidents if you have a good understanding of the following:
- Safety margins
- Adequate distances
- Following distances
- Braking distances
- Overall stopping distances
Safety Margins – Thinking & Braking Distances
Stopping distances are the ‘overall distances’ given in metric or imperial units (measurements) to quantify the amount of space you will need to stop your car. ‘Overall stopping distances’ is the term given to account for both the ‘thinking’ and the ‘braking’ part of your ‘overall stopping distance’.
Nobody is able to react without thinking, so a period of time is needed to see and then respond by braking.
*The ‘thinking’ bit before the ‘braking’ process actually means you travel quite a distance without actually responding by braking.*
For example: at 30 mph, a car ahead of you applies their brake lights. You actually travel (approximately) 9 metres, before you actually start to press the foot brake. It will then take you a further 14 metres to come to a stop! So, the thinking distance and the braking distances are added together – to give you an overall stopping distance. As the overall stopping distance at 30 mph is 23 metres (75 feet).
To put this into context: the average car is 4 metres in length, so you would fit 6 car lengths into 23 metres. Therefore, you should always aim to be 6 car lengths behind other vehicles when travelling at 30 mph.
The 2-Second Rule
The ‘2 second rule’ is the time frame needed for ‘all distances’ regardless of the speed limit you are travelling at. This of course, is based on driving in ‘dry weather conditions’.
In dry conditions – the overall stopping distance is 2-seconds. Which means you will need a 2-second gap to be able to stop safely.
In wet conditions – the overall stopping distance is doubled! Which means you will need a 4-second gap to be able to stop safely.
In icy conditions – the overall stopping distance is 10 x the distance! You will need a 20-second gap to be able to stop safely.
Safety Margins – Road & Weather Conditions
When it comes to weather conditions – these can have a major effect on your driving and your safety margins. As a learner or new driver – it is highly unlikely that you would have experienced driving in adverse weather conditions.
Unfortunately, this kind of road experience can’t be planned! Various weather conditions you may encounter are:
- Heavy rainfall
- Hot and bright sunny days
- Foggy conditions
- Ice and snow conditions
- Windy conditions
Heavy Rain
During heavy rainfall, water collects on the road surface and when you drive through it, your tyres glide above the water. Your steering will feel light. This is called aquaplaning. If this happens:
- Ease of the accelerator
- Don’t break until your steering feels ok again.
If you drive through a Ford or a flood, you should test your brakes. This will also help dry your brakes. Press lightly after you have travelled through the water.
Foggy Driving Conditions
Fog can be very dangerous. Be sure to follow this advice:
- Use dipped headlights, even in daylight
- Slow down, and increase your gap with the car in front
- Allow more time for your journey. Only travel if you really must.
If visibility drops below 100 metres (25 car lengths) you should use your fog lights. But, when visibility improves – you should turn them off!
Windy Driving Conditions
High winds can be troublesome. Especially on open roads. Be extra careful when dealing with:
- High sided vehicles
- Cyclists
- Cars towing trailers and caravans
- Motorbikes
If you pass these vehicles, you should be extra careful in case they are blown off course. Be observant and always check your left when you pass them.
Snowy/Icy Driving Conditions
In freezing conditions, you must be very careful. Before setting off, you should clear your car completely. Including your roof, windscreen, back window, lights, number plate and door mirrors. You should also:
- Drive slow
- Brake gently and a lot sooner than you would normally
- Keep a 20-second gap
- Stop if your windscreen wipers aren’t clearing your window. Clear it by hand if you need to.
Safety Margins – Contra-flow Systems
“Where one or more lanes have a direction against that of the rest of the dual carriageway!” (HC)
You should:
- Reduce your speed in good time
- Choose your lane early. Look at road signs in case you need a particular lane to exit
- Keep a safe distance.
*Contraflow systems are often found at roadworks on motorways, also in town centres where a bus or cycle contraflow system is in place.*
Theory Test Practice – Mock Test 2
Theory Test Practice – Mock Test 3
Please visit the next section Hazard Awareness
Useful Links
Coasting
ABS
Contraflow systems
Stopping Distances
