Other Types Of Vehicle

This section deals with some of the other types of vehicle you may encounter on the road, apart from cars. You need to know how to react to these vehicles as they have some features that may increase danger to other road users or themselves.

Long or large vehicles are a particular risk, and many of the questions relate to these. It can be difficult to see past them and they may not behave as you would expect at junctions and when turning. Buses can create additional hazards as they constantly stop to let passengers on and off.

Caravans, Trams and Mobility Scooters

• Extended-arm side mirrors are essential for better visibility when towing a caravan
• Be aware that trams cannot steer to avoid you
• Mobility scooters are usually driven by disabled or elderly people and have a very low upper speed limit

Buses

• A bus ahead of you may suddenly pull up at a bus stop, so watch carefully for pedestrians
• Be ready to give way, and if a bus is signalling to move off from its stop, allow it to do so

Windy Conditions

• Cars are unlikely to be affected by crosswind
• If overtaking a high-sided vehicle, allow extra room and be aware of sudden gusts of wind
• Keep well back if you are behind a motorcyclist who is overtaking a high-sided vehicle
• Allow extra room when overtaking a cyclist or motorcyclist in windy conditions

Long and/or Large Vehicles

• These vehicles are more difficult to turn, particularly into narrow side roads.
• They may signal in one direction, but actually need to move out to the other side first
• Overtaking vehicles from the opposite direction may be hidden when a lorry is approaching
• They are more difficult to overtake as they take longer to pass
• The view ahead can be blocked if you are too close behind a large vehicle, so keep well back and be on the lookout for cars filling the gap
• Large vehicles cause a lot of spray in wet conditions which affects visibility
• They may block both lanes when turning into a road, so slow down and be prepared to wait

Other Types Of Vehicle Test Tips

With questions involving long or large vehicles, look for answers that include slowing down, being prepared to wait and keeping well back; these options will be correct.

Do not pick an answer that mentions sounding your horn, getting up close, accelerating past or passing on the left.

With questions about windy conditions, allowing extra room will be the correct answer.