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Car study notes

Vehicle Handling

Driving on hills, in fog, around bends and in bad weather — keeping control.

What this topic covers

Driving on hills, in fog, around bends and in bad weather — keeping control. The full Car Driving Theory Test app contains 45 questions on this topic.

In the app's syllabus: Weather conditions, Road conditions, Time of day, Speed, Traffic calming.

Worked examples

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

Example 1

How can you use your vehicle's engine to control your speed?

A. By selecting neutral
B. By changing to a higher gear
C. By selecting reverse gear
D. By changing to a lower gear ✓ correct

Explanation: You should brake and slow down before selecting a lower gear. The gear can then be used to keep the speed low and help you control the vehicle. This is particularly helpful on long downhill stretches, where brake fade can occur if the brakes overheat.

Example 2

What colour are the reflective studs along the left-hand edge of the motorway?

A. White
B. Red ✓ correct
C. Amber
D. Green

Explanation: Reflective studs are used to help you in poor visibility. Different colours are used so that you'll know which lane you're in. These are • red on the left-hand edge of the carriageway • white between lanes • amber on the right-hand edge of the carriageway • green between the carriageway and slip roads.

Example 3

Why should you test your brakes after this hazard?

A. You'll have just crossed a long bridge
B. You'll be going down a long hill
C. Your brakes will be wet ✓ correct
D. You'll be on a slippery road

Explanation: A ford is a crossing over a stream that's shallow enough to drive or ride through. After you've gone through a ford or deep puddle, your brakes will be wet and they will not work as well as usual. To dry them out, apply a light brake pressure while moving slowly. Do not travel at normal speeds until you're sure your brakes are working properly again.

Example 4

The road is wet. Why would a motorcyclist steer around drain covers while they were cornering?

A. To avoid splashing pedestrians on the pavement
B. To help judge the bend using the drain covers as marker points
C. To prevent the motorcycle sliding on the metal drain covers ✓ correct
D. To avoid puncturing the tyres on the edge of the drain covers

Explanation: Other drivers or riders may have to change course due to the size or characteristics of their vehicle. Understanding this will help you to anticipate their actions. Motorcyclists and cyclists will be checking the road ahead for uneven or slippery surfaces, especially in wet weather. They may need to move across their lane to avoid surface hazards such as potholes and drain covers.

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More Car study notes

Get all 45 questions on this topic in the Car Driving Theory Test app.