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Car study notes

Other Types of Vehicle

Sharing the road with lorries, buses, trams, tractors and bikes.

What this topic covers

Sharing the road with lorries, buses, trams, tractors and bikes. The full Car Driving Theory Test app contains 22 questions on this topic.

In the app's syllabus: Motorcycles, Lorries, Buses, Trams.

Worked examples

Here are a few practice questions from this topic. Try answering each before reading the explanation.

Example 1

You're following a long vehicle approaching a crossroads. What should you do if the driver signals right but moves close to the left-hand kerb?

A. Overtake on the right-hand side
B. Report the driver to the police
C. Wait behind the long vehicle ✓ correct
D. Warn the driver about the wrong signal

Explanation: When a long vehicle is going to turn right, it may need to keep close to the left-hand kerb. This is to prevent the rear end of the trailer cutting the corner. You need to be aware of how long vehicles behave in such situations. Do not overtake the lorry, because it could turn as you're alongside. Stay behind and wait for it to turn.

Example 2

You're towing a caravan. Which is the safest type of rear-view mirror to use?

A. Ordinary interior mirror
B. Ordinary door mirrors
C. Extended-arm side mirrors ✓ correct
D. Interior wide-angle mirror

Explanation: Towing a large trailer or caravan can greatly reduce your view of the road behind. You may need to fit extended-arm side mirrors so that you can see clearly behind and down both sides of the caravan or trailer.

Example 3

You're travelling on a single carriageway road. Why should you keep well back while you're following a large vehicle?

A. To offer other drivers a safe gap if they want to overtake you
B. To leave a gap in case the vehicle stops and rolls back
C. To get the best view of the road ahead ✓ correct
D. To give yourself acceleration space if you decide to overtake

Explanation: When following a large vehicle, keep well back. If you're too close, you will not be able to see the road ahead and the driver of the long vehicle might not be able to see you in their mirrors.

Example 4

Why is it more difficult to overtake a large vehicle than a car?

A. It will take longer for a large vehicle to accelerate
B. A large vehicle will have air brakes
C. A large vehicle will be fitted with a speed limiter
D. It will take longer to overtake a large vehicle ✓ correct

Explanation: Depending on relative speed, it will usually take you longer to pass a lorry than other vehicles. Hazards to watch for include oncoming traffic, junctions ahead, bends or dips that could restrict your view, and signs or road markings that prohibit overtaking. Make sure you can see that it's safe to complete the manoeuvre before you start to overtake.

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More Car study notes

Get all 22 questions on this topic in the Car Driving Theory Test app.