Vehicle Handling

Knowing how to control your vehicle under different circumstances while driving is an essential skill, and the questions in this section address that topic. Vehicle handling is affected by the quality of the road surface, by weather conditions and the type of road you are on. Less than perfect conditions will require you to have knowledge of brake fade, engine braking, wet brakes, using headlights and overtaking.

Coasting is to be avoided as the brake systems and power steering do not work properly if the car is in neutral.

General Vehicle Handling Advice

• Rumble devices are designed to alert you to a potential hazard, and you should reduce speed accordingly
• Single track roads have a stopping place where you can allow the vehicle coming towards you to pass
• Steep hills slow the car down sooner and make the engine work harder, affecting performance
• A rear wheel skid should be handled by steering into it, releasing the footbrake if the vehicle is not fitted with an anti-lock braking system

Coasting Downhill

• Travelling in neutral while holding the clutch pedal down is dangerous as the vehicle will travel faster
• There is less steering control when costing and no engine braking to assist if necessary

Snow Conditions

• Do not drive unless absolutely necessary
• Fit chains to the wheels to prevent skidding in deep snow

Stopping Distances

• Are affected by speed
• The condition of your tyres can change the stopping distance
• Stopping distances are affected by wet or icy conditions

Ford Hazard Sign

• Can be more difficult to cross in winter, particularly in icy conditions
• Always select a low gear and drive slowly
• Test brakes afterwards to ensure they are not affected
• Look out for a depth gauge before crossing

Headlights

• Use dipped headlights if other vehicles are ahead or approaching you
• If you are dazzled by oncoming headlights, stop if safe to do so, or slow down
• Use dipped headlights during the day if visibility is poor or reduced

Fog

• Before setting off in fog, check all your lights are working, windows are clean and allow extra time for your journey
• Front and rear fog lights may only be used if visibility drops below 100m, and must be switched of when the fog clears, as your brake lights will be less clear to other drivers
• Leave sidelights on if you are parking on the road in foggy conditions

Vehicle Handling Theory Test Tips

Many of the questions in this section relate to the use of lights at night and in fog. Remember that fog lights should only be used in thick fog, and headlights should not be on full beam if there is traffic ahead.

Dipped headlights are sufficient in poor visibility conditions. Headlights should always be used at night.