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Hazard awareness: what you need to know Reading the road to spot developing hazards early, and knowing what reduces your ability to do so. Read the key points below, then take the short quiz to check it has stuck. Every point is grounded in the Highway Code .
Key points: hazard awareness A hazard is anything that may make you change speed or direction. Scan the road, pavements and junctions constantly (rule 146). Alcohol slows reactions and impairs judgement. The safest limit before driving is none (rule 95). Many medicines, and all illegal drugs, affect driving. Check labels, and never drive impaired (rule 96). Strong emotions and tiredness reduce concentration just like alcohol. Do not drive angry or exhausted (rule 148). Read the clues: a ball in the road may mean a child will follow, and a bus at a stop may hide pedestrians (rule 206). Switch on dipped headlights as the light fades at dusk, to be seen as well as to see (rule 115). Now test yourself on hazard awareness 8 questions on this topic, with the answer and the cited rule shown the moment you choose. If you miss any, the points above are where to look.
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Each question shows the correct answer and the Highway Code rule the moment you choose.
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Learn another topic Alertness Alertness Observation, anticipation, concentration and avoiding distractions at the wheel. Learn this topic Attitude Attitude Following distances, courtesy, priority and how to behave around other road users. Learn this topic Safety and your vehicle Safety and your vehicle Vehicle condition, tyres, lights, fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. Learn this topic Safety margins Safety margins Stopping distances, the two-second rule and driving in rain, ice and fog. Learn this topic Vulnerable road users Vulnerable road users Pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and the 2022 hierarchy of road users. Learn this topic Other types of vehicle Other types of vehicle Lorries, buses, motorcycles, trams and how to share the road with them safely. Learn this topic Vehicle handling Vehicle handling Control in different weather, road surfaces, gradients and at night. Learn this topic Motorway rules M Motorway rules Lane discipline, speed limits, the hard shoulder and smart-motorway signals. Learn this topic Rules of the road Rules of the road Speed limits, parking, junctions, roundabouts and right of way. Learn this topic Road and traffic signs Road and traffic signs Sign shapes and colours, road markings and what each one tells you to do. Learn this topic Documents Essential documents Licence, insurance, MOT, vehicle tax and what the law requires you to hold. Learn this topic Incidents, accidents and emergencies Incidents and emergencies What to do at the scene, first aid basics and breakdown procedure. Learn this topic Vehicle loading Vehicle loading Loads, roof racks, towing and keeping the vehicle stable and legal. Learn this topic Original revision notes and practice questions covering the same topics as the official DVSA theory test. Not the real exam questions, and not affiliated with or endorsed by the DVSA. Based on The Highway Code and Know Your Traffic Signs under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Always check the current Highway Code on gov.uk.