Annex 1. You and your bicycle
Information and rules about you and your bicycle.
You and your bicycle
Make sure that you feel confident of your ability to ride safely on the road. Be sure that:
- You have the right size and type of cycle for your comfort and safety
- The lights and reflectors are kept clean and in good working order
- The tyres are in good condition and inflated to the pressure shown on the tyre
- The wheels spin freely
- The gears are working correctly
- The chain is properly adjusted and oiled
- The saddle and handlebars are adjusted to the correct height.
You should fit a bell into your cycle.
You MUST:
- Ensure your brakes are efficient
- Have white front and red rear lights lit when cycling at night.
Cycle training: If you are an inexperienced cyclist or have not ridden for a while, consider taking a cycle training course. Some councils offer national standard cycle training such as Bikeability and in certain areas, this is free of charge. It can help build up your skills and confidence.
There are three levels to Bikeability, starting with the basics of balancing, stopping, and starting safely, and going through to handling complex and busy junctions. You will also learn about traffic signs and the rules of the road, planning routes, safe road positioning and signalling (particularly at junctions), and basic cycle maintenance.
Annex 2. Motorcycle licence requirements
Information and rules about motorcycle licence requirements.
Motorcycle licence requirements
If you have a provisional motorcycle licence, you MUST satisfactorily complete a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course.
You can then ride unaccompanied on the public road a motorcycle up to 125 cc, with a power output not exceeding 11 kW, with L plates (in Wales either D plates or L plates, or both, can be used), for up to two years.
To ride a moped, learners MUST:
- Be 16 or over
- Have a provisional moped licence
- Complete CBT training.
You can then ride unaccompanied on the public road in a two-wheeled vehicle with a maximum design speed of 45 km/h (28 mph), with L plates (in Wales either D plates or L plates, or both, can be used), for up to two years.
You MUST first pass the theory test for motorcycles and then the moped practical test to obtain your full moped licence.
Note. If you passed your car driving test before 1 February 2001 you are qualified to ride a moped without L plates (and/or D plates in Wales), although it is recommended that you complete CBT before riding on the road. If you passed your car driving test after this date you MUST complete CBT before riding a moped on the road.
Licence categories for mopeds and motorcycles
Category AM (moped) – minimum age 16
- Two-wheeled vehicle with a maximum design speed of 45 km/h (28 mph)
- Three- or four-wheeled vehicle with a maximum design speed over 25 km/h (15.5 mph), up to 50 cc and with a power output not exceeding 4 kW.
Category A1 – minimum age 17
- Motorcycles up to 125 cc, with a power output not exceeding 11 kW
- Tricycles with a power output not exceeding 15 kW.
Category A2 – minimum age 19
- Motorcycles with a power output not exceeding 35 kW.
Category A
- Any motorcycle (the minimum age you can obtain a category A licence is 21 under progressive access or 24 under direct access)
- Tricycles with a power output over 15 kW (minimum age 21).
Progressive access is a process that allows a rider to take a higher-category practical test if they already have at least two years experience on a lower-category motorcycle. For example, if you have held a category A2 licence for a minimum of two years, you can take the category A practical test at age 21. There is no requirement to take another theory test.
If you want to learn to ride motorcycles larger than 125 cc and with a power output over 11 kW, you MUST meet the minimum age requirements, satisfactorily complete a CBT course and be accompanied by an approved instructor on another motorcycle in radio contact.
To obtain your full moped or motorcycle licence you MUST pass a motorcycle theory test and modules 1 and 2 practical tests on a two-wheeled motorcycle.
You MUST NOT carry a pillion passenger or pull a trailer until you have passed your test. Also, see Rule 253 covering vehicles prohibited from motorways.
Annex 3. Motor vehicle documentation and learner driver requirements
Information and rules about motor vehicle documentation and learner driver requirements.
Documents
Driving licence. You MUST have a valid driving licence for the category of motor vehicle you are driving. You MUST inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if you change your name and/or address.
Holders of non-European Community licences who are now residents in the UK may only drive on that licence for a maximum of 12 months from the date they become residents in this country.
To ensure continuous driving entitlement:
- A British provisional licence should be obtained and a driving test(s) passed before the 12-month period elapses, or
- In the case of a driver who holds a licence from a country which has been designated in law for licence exchange purposes, the driver should exchange the licence for a British one.
MOT. Cars and motorcycles MUST normally pass an MOT test three years from the date of the first registration and every year after that. You MUST NOT drive a motor vehicle without an MOT certificate when it should have one. Exceptionally, you may drive to a pre-arranged test appointment or to a garage for repairs required for the test. Driving an unroadworthy motor vehicle may invalidate your insurance.
From 20 May 2018, cars, vans, motorcycles and other light passenger vehicles manufactured or first registered over 40 years ago, will be exempt from the MOT test, unless the vehicle has been substantially changed within the previous 30 years.
If a vehicle that’s currently exempt from the MOT test is substantially changed, the vehicle keeper cannot continue to claim an exemption from the MOT test.
Insurance. To use a motor vehicle on the road, you MUST have a valid insurance policy. This MUST at least cover you for injury or damage to a third party while using that motor vehicle. Before driving any motor vehicle, make sure that it has this cover for your use or that your own insurance provides adequate cover. You MUST NOT drive a motor vehicle without insurance. Also, be aware that even if a road traffic incident is not your fault, you may still be held liable by insurance companies.
Uninsured drivers can now be automatically detected by roadside cameras. Further to the penalties for uninsured driving (see ‘Penalty table’), an offender’s vehicle can now be seized by the Police, taken away and crushed.
The types of cover available are indicated below:
Third-Party insurance – this is often the cheapest form of insurance and is the minimum cover required by law. It covers anyone you might injure or whose property you might damage. It does not cover damage to your own motor vehicle or injury to yourself.
Third-Party, Fire and Theft insurance – similar to third-party, but also covers you against your motor vehicle being stolen, or damaged by fire.
Comprehensive insurance – this is the most expensive but the best insurance. Apart from covering other persons and property against injury or damage, it also covers damage to your own motor vehicle, up to the market value of that vehicle, and personal injury to yourself.
Registration certificate. Registration certificates (also called harmonised registration certificates) are issued for all motor vehicles used on the road, describing them (make, model, etc) and giving details of the registered keeper. You MUST notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency in Swansea as soon as possible when you buy or sell a motor vehicle, or if you change your name or address. The buyer and seller are responsible for completing the registration certificates. The seller is responsible for forwarding them to DVLA. The procedures are explained on the back of the registration certificates.
Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). Vehicle Excise Duty MUST be paid on all motor vehicles used or kept on public roads.
Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN). This is a notification to the DVLA that a motor vehicle is not being used on the road. If you are the vehicle keeper and want to keep a motor vehicle untaxed and off the public road you MUST declare SORN – it is an offence not to do so. The vehicle will remain SORN until you sell, tax or scrap it. If your vehicle is unused or off the road it MUST have either a SORN declaration or valid insurance.
Production of documents. You MUST be able to produce your driving licence, a valid insurance certificate and (if appropriate) a valid MOT certificate when requested by a police officer. If you cannot do this you may be asked to take them to a police station within seven days.
Learner drivers
Learners driving a car MUST hold a valid provisional licence. They MUST be supervised by someone at least 21 years old who holds a full EC/EEA licence for that type of car (automatic or manual) and has held one for at least three years.
Vehicles. Any vehicle driven by a learner MUST display red L plates. In Wales, either red D plates, red L plates, or both, can be used. Plates MUST conform to legal specifications and MUST be clearly visible to others from in front of the vehicle and from behind. Plates should be removed or covered when not being driven by a learner (except on driving school vehicles).
You MUST pass the theory test (if one is required) and then a practical driving test for the category of vehicle you wish to drive before driving unaccompanied.
Annex 4. The road user and the law
Information about the road user and the law, including acts and regulations.
Road traffic law
The following list can be found abbreviated throughout the Code. It is not intended to be a comprehensive guide, but a guide to some of the important points of law. For the precise wording of the law, please refer to the various Acts and Regulations (as amended) indicated in the Code. Abbreviations are listed below.
Most of the provisions apply on all roads throughout Great Britain, although there are some exceptions. The definition of a road in England and Wales is ‘any highway and any other road to which the public has access and includes bridges over which a road passes’. In Scotland, there is a similar definition which is extended to include any way over which the public has a right of passage.
It is important to note that references to ‘road’ therefore generally include footpaths, bridleways and cycle tracks, and many roadways and driveways on private land (including many car parks). In most cases, the law will apply to them and there may be additional rules for particular paths or ways. Some serious driving offences, including drink-driving offences, also apply to all public places, for example, public car parks.
The reference to ‘emergency area’ in the Code is an ‘emergency refuge area’ as defined in the Motorways Traffic (England and Wales) Regulations 1982 as amended by the Motorways Traffic (England and Wales)(Amendment)(England) Regulations 2015.
Acts and regulations prior to 1988
| Act or regulation | Abbreviation |
|---|---|
| Chronically Sick & Disabled Persons Act 1970 | CSDPA |
| Functions of Traffic Wardens Order 1970 | FTWO |
| Greater London (General Powers) Act 1974 | GL(GP)A |
| Highway Act 1835 or 1980 (as indicated) | HA |
| Motorways Traffic (England & Wales) Regulations 1982 | MT(E&W)R |
| Pedal Cycles (Construction & Use) Regulations 1983 | PCUR |
| Public Passenger Vehicles Act 1981 | PPVA |
| Road Traffic Act 1984 | RTA |
| Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 | RTRA |
| Road Vehicles (Construction & Use) Regulations 1986 | CUR |
| Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 | R(S)A |
Acts and regulations from 1988 onwards
| Act or regulation | Abbreviation |
|---|---|
| Environmental Protection Act 1990 | EPA |
| Horses (Protective Headgear for Young Riders) Act 1990 | H(PHYR)A |
| Horses (Protective Headgear for Young Riders) Regulations 1992 | H(PHYR)R |
| Motor Cycles (Eye Protectors) Regulations 1999 | MC(EP)R |
| Motor Cycles (Protective Helmets) Regulations 1998 | MC(PH)R |
| Motorways Traffic (England & Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 or 2018 (as indicated) | MT(E&W)(A)R |
| Motorways Traffic (England & Wales) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2015 | MT(E&W)(A)(E)R |
| Motorways Traffic (Scotland) Regulations 1995 | MT(S)R |
| Motorways Traffic (Scotland) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 or 2018 (as indicated) | MT(S)(A)R |
| Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) Regulations 1999 | MV(DL)R |
| Motor Vehicles (Variation of Speed Limits) (England & Wales) Regulations 2014 | MV(VSL)(E&W) |
| Motor Vehicles (Wearing of Seat Belts) Regulations 1993 | MV(WSB)R |
| Motor Vehicles (Wearing of Seat Belts) (Amendment) Regulations 2005 or 2006 (as applicable) | MV(WSB)(A)R |
| Motor Vehicles (Wearing of Seat Belts by Children in Front Seats) Regulations 1993 | MV(WSBCFS)R |
| New Roads and Streetworks Act 1991 | NRSWA |
| Pedal Cycles (Construction & Use) Regulations 1983 | PCUR |
| Police Reform Act 2002 | PRA |
| Private Crossings (Signs and Barriers) Regulations | PC(SB)R |
| Prohibition of Smoking in Certain Premises (Scotland) Regulations 2006. Scottish SI 2006/No 90 | TPSCP(S)R* |
| Restricted Roads (20mph Speed Limit) Order 2022 (SI 2022/800) | RR(20)O |
| Road Safety Act 2006 | RSA |
| Road Traffic Act 1984, 1988 or 1991 as indicated | RTA |
| Road Traffic Act 1988 (Prescribed Limit)(Scotland) Regulations 2014 | PLSR |
| Road Traffic (New Drivers) Act 1995 | RT(ND)A |
| Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 | RTOA |
| Road Vehicles (Construction and Use)(Amendment)(No 4) Regulations 2003 | CUR(A)(No4)R |
| Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations 2001 | RV(DRM)R |
| Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 | RVLR |
| Road Vehicles (Registration & Licensing) Regulations 2002 | RV(R&L)R |
| Sentencing Act 2020 | SA |
| Smoke-free (Exemptions and Vehicles) Regulations 2007 SI 2007/765 | TSf(EV)* |
| Smoke-free Premises etc (Wales) Regulations 2007 SI 2007/W787 | TSfP(W)R* |
| Smoke-free (Private Vehicles) Regulations 2015 | S-f(PV)R |
| Smoke-free Premises etc (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2015 | S-f(W)R |
| Smoking Prohibition (Children in Motor Vehicles) (Scotland) Act 2016 | SP(CIMV)(S)A |
| Traffic Management Act 2004 | TMA |
| Traffic Signs Regulations & General Directions 2002 | TSRGD |
| Traffic Signs Regulations & General Directions 2016 | TSRGD 2016 |
| Use of Invalid Carriages on Highways Regulations 1988 | UICHR |
| Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994 | VERA |
| Zebra, Pelican and Puffin Pedestrian Crossings Regulations and General Directions 1997 | ZPPPCRGD |
Annex 5. Penalties
Information and rules about penalties, including points and disqualification, a penalty table, new drivers and other consequences of offending.
Penalties and The Highway Code
Parliament sets the maximum penalties for road traffic offences. The seriousness of the offence is reflected in the maximum penalty. It is for the courts to decide what sentence to impose according to circumstances.
The penalty table indicates some of the main offences and the associated penalties. There is a wide range of other more specific offences which, for the sake of simplicity, are not shown here. The penalty points and disqualification system is described below.
Penalty points and disqualification
The penalty point system is intended to deter drivers and motorcyclists from following unsafe motoring practices. Certain non-motoring offences, e.g. failure to rectify vehicle defects, can also attract penalty points.
The court MUST order points to be endorsed on the licence according to the fixed number or the range set by Parliament. The accumulation of penalty points acts as a warning to drivers and motorcyclists that they risk disqualification if further offences are committed.
A driver or motorcyclist who accumulates 12 or more penalty points within a 3-year period MUST be disqualified. This will be for a minimum period of 6 months, or longer if the driver or motorcyclist has previously been disqualified.
For every offence which carries penalty points the court has a discretionary power to order the licence holder to be disqualified. This may be for any period the court thinks fit, but will usually be between a week and a few months.
In the case of serious offences, such as dangerous driving and drunk driving, the court MUST order disqualification. The minimum period is 12 months, but for repeat offenders or where the alcohol level is high, it may be longer. For example, a second drink-drive offence in the space of 10 years will result in a minimum of 3 years disqualification.
Penalty table
| 2 years imprisonment / Unlimited fine / Obligatory disqualification | Maximum penalty | Penalty points |
|---|---|---|
| Causing death by dangerous driving | Life imprisonment / Unlimited fine / Obligatory – 5 years minimum | 3 to 11 (if exceptionally not disqualified) |
| Dangerous driving | 2 years’ imprisonment / Unlimited fine / Obligatory disqualification | 3 to 11 (if exceptionally not disqualified) |
| Causing death by careless driving under the influence of drink or drugs | Life imprisonment / Unlimited fine / Obligatory – 5 years minimum | 3 to 11 (if exceptionally not disqualified) |
| Careless and inconsiderate driving | Unlimited fine / Discretionary disqualification | 3 to 9 |
| Driving while unfit through drink or drugs or with excess alcohol: or failing to provide a specimen for analysis | 6 months’ imprisonment / Unlimited fine / Obligatory disqualification | 3 to 11 (if exceptionally not disqualified) |
| Failing to stop after an accident or failing to report an accident | 6 months’ imprisonment / Unlimited fine / Discretionary disqualification | 5 to 10 |
| Driving while disqualified | 6 months’ imprisonment (12 months in Scotland) / Unlimited fine / Discretionary disqualification | 6 |
| Driving after refusal or revocation of licence on medical grounds | 6 months’ imprisonment / Unlimited fine / Discretionary disqualification | 3 to 6 |
| Driving without insurance | Unlimited fine / Discretionary disqualification | 6 to 8 |
| Using a vehicle in a dangerous condition | LGV or PCV unlimited, other vehicles £2,500/ Obligatory disqualification if offence committed within 3 years of a previous conviction for a similar offence – 6 months min. Otherwise discretionary | 3 in each case |
| Failure to have proper control of vehicle or full view of the road and traffic ahead | £1,000 fine (£2,500 for PCV or goods vehicle) / Discretionary disqualification | 3 |
| Using a hand-held mobile phone when driving | £1,000 fine (£2,500 for PCV or goods vehicle) / Discretionary disqualification | 6 |
| Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence | £1,000 fine / Discretionary disqualification | 3 to 6 |
| Speeding | £1,000 fine (£2,500 for motorway offences) / Discretionary disqualification | 3 to 6, or 3 (fixed penalty) |
| Traffic light offences | £1,000 fine / Discretionary disqualification | 3 |
| No MOT certificate | £1,000 fine | – |
| Seat belt offences | £500 fine | – |
| Dangerous cycling | £2,500 fine | – |
| Careless cycling | £1,000 fine | – |
| Cycling on pavement | £500 fine | – |
| Failing to identify driver of vehicle | £1,000 fine / Discretionary disqualification | 6 |
*Where a court disqualifies a person on conviction for one of these offences, it must order an extended retest. The courts also have the discretion to order a retest for any other offence which carries penalty points, an extended retest where disqualification is obligatory, and an ordinary test where disqualification is not obligatory.
Furthermore, in some serious cases, the court MUST (in addition to imposing a fixed period of disqualification) order the offender to be disqualified until they pass a driving test. In other cases, the court has a discretionary power to order such disqualification. The test may be an ordinary length test or an extended test according to the nature of the offence.
New drivers
Special rules as set out below apply for a period of two years from the date of passing their first driving test, to drivers and motorcyclists from:
- The UK, EU/EEA, the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands or Gibraltar who passed their first driving test in any of those countries
- Other foreign countries have to pass a UK driving test to gain a UK licence, in which case the UK driving test is treated as their first driving test; and
- Other foreign countries (without needing a test) exchanged their licence for a UK licence and subsequently passed a UK driving test to drive another type of vehicle, in which case the UK driving test is treated as their first driving test. For example, a driver who exchanges a foreign licence (car) for a UK licence (car) and who later passes a test to drive another type of vehicle (e.g. an HGV) will be subject to the special rules.
Where a person subject to the special rules accumulates 6 or more penalty points before the end of the 2-year period (including any points acquired before passing the test) their licence will be revoked automatically. To regain the licence they must reapply for a provisional licence and may drive only as a learner until they pass a further driving test (also see Annex 8 – Safety code for new drivers).
Note. This applies even if they pay for offences by fixed penalty. Drivers in the first group (UK, EU/EEA etc.) who already have a full licence for one type of vehicle are not affected by the special rules if they later pass a test to drive another type of vehicle.
Other consequences of offending
Where an offence is punishable by imprisonment then the vehicle used to commit the offence may be confiscated.
In addition to the penalties a court may decide to impose, the cost of insurance is likely to rise considerably following a conviction for a serious driving offence. This is because insurance companies consider such drivers to be more likely to be involved in a collision.
Drivers disqualified for drinking and driving twice within 10 years, or once if they are over 2 and a half times the legal limit, or those who refused to give a specimen, also have to satisfy the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency’s Medical Branch that they do not have an alcohol problem and are otherwise fit to drive before their licence is returned at the end of their period of disqualification. Persistent misuse of drugs or alcohol may lead to the withdrawal of a driving licence.
Annex 6. Vehicle maintenance, safety and security
Information and rules about vehicle maintenance, safety and security.
Vehicle maintenance
Take special care that lights, brakes, steering, exhaust system, seat belts, demisters, wipers, washers and any audible warning systems are all working. Also:
- Lights, indicators, reflectors, and number plates MUST be kept clean and clear
- Windscreens and windows MUST be kept clean and free from obstructions to vision
- Lights MUST be properly adjusted to prevent dazzling other road users.
- Extra attention needs to be paid to this if the vehicle is heavily loaded
- Exhaust emissions MUST NOT exceed prescribed levels
- Ensure your seat, seat belt, head restraint and mirrors are adjusted correctly before you drive
- Ensure that items of luggage are securely stowed.
Warning displays. Make sure that you understand the meaning of all warning displays on the vehicle instrument panel. Do not ignore warning signs, they could indicate a dangerous fault developing.
- When you turn the ignition key, warning lights will be illuminated but will go out when the engine starts (except the handbrake warning light). If they do not, or if they come on while you are driving, stop and investigate the problem, as you could have a serious fault.
- If the charge warning light comes on while you are driving, it may mean that the battery isn’t charging. This should also be checked as soon as possible to avoid loss of power to lights and other electrical systems.
Window tints. You MUST NOT use a vehicle with excessively dark tinting applied to the windscreen, or to the glass in any front window to either side of the driver. Window tinting applied during manufacture complies with the Visual Light Transmittance (VLT) standards. There are no VLT limits for rear windscreens or rear passenger windows.
Tyres. Tyres MUST be correctly inflated to the vehicle manufacturer’s specification for the load being carried. Always refer to the vehicle’s handbook or data. Tyres should also be free from certain cuts and other defects.
Cars, light vans and light trailers MUST have a tread depth of at least 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tread and around the entire circumference.
Motorcycles, large vehicles and passenger-carrying vehicles MUST have a tread depth of at least 1 mm across three-quarters of the breadth of the tread and in a continuous band around the entire circumference.
Mopeds should have visible tread.
Be aware that some vehicle defects can attract penalty points.
Tyre age. Tyres over 10 years old MUST NOT be used on the front axles of:
- Goods vehicles with a maximum gross weight of more than 3.5 tonnes
- Passenger vehicles with more than 8 passenger seats
Additionally, they MUST NOT be used on the rear axles of passenger vehicles with 9 to 16 passenger seats, unless equipped with twin wheels.
To prove the age of a tyre, it is further required that the date of tyre manufacture marking MUST always be legible.
Vehicles currently excluded from tyre roadworthiness regulations and vehicles of historical interest which are not used for commercial purposes are exempt from these requirements.
If a tyre bursts while you are driving, try to keep control of your vehicle. Grip the steering wheel firmly and allow the vehicle to roll to a stop at the side of the road.
If you have a flat tyre, stop as soon as it is safe to do so. Only change the tyre if you can do so without putting yourself or others at risk – otherwise, call a breakdown service.
Tyre pressures. Check weekly. Do this before your journey, when tyres are cold. Warm or hot tyres may give a misleading reading.
Your brakes and steering will be adversely affected by under-inflated or over-inflated tyres. Excessive or uneven tyre wear may be caused by faults in the braking or suspension systems, or wheels which are out of alignment. Have these faults corrected as soon as possible.
Fluid levels. Check the fluid levels in your vehicle at least weekly. Low brake fluid may result in brake failure and a crash. Make sure you recognise the low fluid warning lights if your vehicle has them fitted.
Before winter. Ensure that the battery is well maintained and that there are appropriate anti-freeze agents in your radiator and windscreen bottle.
Other problems. If your vehicle:
- Pulls to one side when braking, it is most likely to be a brake fault or incorrectly inflated tyres. Consult a garage or mechanic immediately
- Continues to bounce after pushing down on the front or rear, and its shock absorbers are worn. Worn shock absorbers can seriously affect the operation of a vehicle and should be replaced
- Smells of anything unusual such as burning rubber, petrol or an electrical fault; investigate immediately. Do not risk a fire.
Overheated engines or fire. Most engines are water-cooled. If your engine overheats, you should wait until it has cooled naturally. Only then remove the coolant filler cap and add water or other coolant.
If your vehicle catches fire, get the occupants out of the vehicle quickly and to a safe place. Do not attempt to extinguish a fire in the engine compartment, as opening the bonnet will make the fire flare. Call the fire brigade.
Petrol stations/fuel tank/fuel leaks. Ensure that, when filling up your vehicle’s tank or any fuel cans you are carrying, you do not spill fuel on the forecourt. Any spilt fuel should be immediately reported to the petrol station attendant. Diesel spillage is dangerous to other road users, particularly motorcyclists, as it will significantly reduce the level of grip between the tyres and the road surface. Double-check for fuel leaks and make sure that:
- You do not overfill your fuel tank
- The fuel cap is fastened securely
- The seal in the cap is not torn, perished or missing
- There is no visual damage to the cap or the fuel tank.
Emergency fuel caps, if fitted, should form a good seal.
Never smoke, or use a mobile phone, on the forecourt of petrol stations as these are major fire risks and could cause an explosion.
Vehicle security
When you leave your vehicle you should:
- Remove the ignition key and engage the steering lock
- Lock the car, even if you only leave it for a few minutes
- Close the windows completely
- Never leave children or pets in an unventilated car
- Take all contents with you, or lock them in the boot. Remember, for all a thief knows a carrier bag may contain valuables
- Never leave vehicle documents in the car.
For extra security fit an anti-theft device such as an alarm or immobiliser. If you are buying a new car it is a good idea to check the level of built-in security features. Consider having your registration number etched on all your car windows. This is a cheap and effective deterrent to professional thieves.
Annex 7. First aid on the road
Information about first aid on the road, including dealing with danger, getting help, helping those involved, and providing emergency care.
The following information was compiled with the help of St John Ambulance, the British Heart Foundation and the British Red Cross. It’s intended as a general guide for those without first-aid training but shouldn’t be considered a substitute for proper training. Any first aid given at the scene of an incident should be looked on only as a temporary measure until the emergency services arrive.
1. Deal with danger, Hide
Further collisions and fire are the main dangers following a crash. Approach any vehicle involved with care, watching out for spilt oil or broken glass. Switch off all engines and, if possible, warn other traffic. If you have a vehicle, switch on your hazard warning lights. Stop anyone from smoking, and put on the gloves from your first-aid kit if you have one.
2. Get help, Hide
If you can do so safely, try to get the help of bystanders. Get someone to call the appropriate emergency services on 999 or 112 as soon as possible. They’ll need to know the exact location of the incident (including the direction of traffic, for example, northbound) and the number of vehicles involved. Try to give information about the condition of any casualties, for example, if anyone is having difficulty breathing, is bleeding heavily, is trapped in a vehicle or doesn’t respond when spoken to.
3. Help those involved, Hide
DO NOT move casualties from their vehicles unless there’s the threat of further danger. DO NOT remove a motorcyclist’s helmet unless it’s essential. DO try to keep casualties warm, dry and as comfortable as you can. DO give reassurance confidently and try not to leave them alone or let them wander into the path of other traffic. DO NOT give them anything to eat or drink.
4. Provide emergency care, Hide
Remember the letters D R A B C:
D – Danger Check that it’s safe to approach.
R – Response Try to get a response by gently shaking the casualty’s shoulders and asking loudly ‘Are you all right?’ If they respond, check for injuries.
A – Airway If there’s no response, open the casualty’s airway by placing your fingers under their chin and lifting it forward.
B – Breathing Check that the casualty is breathing normally. Look for chest movements, look and listen for breathing, and feel for breath on your cheek.
If there are no signs of breathing, start CPR. Interlock your fingers, place them in the centre of the casualty’s chest and press down hard and fast – around 5 to 6 centimetres and about twice a second. You may only need one hand for a child and shouldn’t press down as far. For infants, use two fingers in the middle of the chest and press down about a third of the chest depth. Don’t stop until the casualty starts breathing again or a medical professional takes over.
C – Circulation If the casualty is responsive and breathing, check for signs of bleeding. Protect yourself from exposure to blood and check for anything that may be in the wound, such as glass. Don’t remove anything that’s stuck in the wound. Taking care not to press on the object, or build up padding on either side of the object. If nothing is embedded, apply firm pressure over the wound to stem the flow of blood. As soon as practical, fasten a pad to the wound with a bandage or length of cloth. Use the cleanest material available.
Burns
Put out any flames, taking care of your own safety. Cool the burn for at least 20 minutes with plenty of clean, cool water. Cover the burn with cling film if available. Don’t try to remove anything that’s sticking to the burn.
Be prepared
Always carry a first aid kit – you might never need it, but it could save a life. Learn first aid – you can get first aid training from a qualified organisation such as St John Ambulance, St Andrew’s First Aid, British Red Cross, or any suitable, qualified body.
Annex 8. Safety code for new drivers
Information about the safety code for new drivers, including the New Drivers Act and further training.
Once you have passed the driving test you will be able to drive on your own. This will provide you with lots of opportunities but you need to remain safe. Even though you have shown you have the skills you need to drive safely, many newly qualified drivers lack experience. You need to continue to develop your skills, especially anticipating other road users’ behaviour to avoid having a collision. As many as one new driver in five has some kind of collision in their first year of driving. This code provides advice to help you get through the first 12 months after passing the driving test, when you are most vulnerable, as safely as possible.
The safety code, Hide
- Many of the worst collisions happen at night. Between midnight and 6 am is a time of high risk for new drivers. Avoid driving then unless it’s really necessary.
- If you are driving with passengers, you are responsible for their safety. Don’t let them distract you or encourage you to take risks. Tell your passengers that you need to concentrate if you are to get to your destination safely.
- Never show off or try to compete with other drivers, particularly if they are driving badly.
- Don’t drive if you have consumed any alcohol or taken drugs. Even over-the-counter medicines can affect your ability to drive safely – read the label to see if they may affect your driving.
- Make sure everyone in the car is wearing a seat belt throughout the journey.
- Keep your speed down – many serious collisions happen because the driver loses control, particularly on bends.
- Most new drivers have no experience of driving high-powered or sporty cars. Unless you have learnt to drive in such a vehicle you need to get plenty of experience driving on your own before driving a more powerful car.
- Driving while uninsured is an offence. See motor vehicle documentation and learner driver requirements for information on types of insurance coverage.
New Drivers Act, Hide
Remember that under the New Drivers Act, you will have your licence revoked if you get six penalty points on your licence within two years of passing your first driving test. You will need to pass both the theory and practical tests again to get back your full licence.
Further training, Hide
You could consider taking further training such as Pass Plus, which could also save you money on your insurance, as well as help you reduce your risk of being involved in a collision.
Apperture Labs 