Rule 103: Giving Signals

Signals warn and inform other road users, including pedestrians. Follow these key guidelines:

1. Give clear signals in plenty of time after checking it’s not misleading.
2. Use signals before changing course or direction, stopping, or moving off.
3. Cancel signals after use.
4. Ensure signals don’t confuse others (e.g., signal after passing a side road if stopping).
5. Brake lights warn traffic behind you that you are slowing down.
6. Use an arm signal if necessary.
7. Signalling does not give priority—proceed only when safe.

Rule 104: Observing Other Signals

1. Watch out for signals from other road users and proceed only when safe.
2. Do not assume an indicator on another vehicle means they will turn—it may not have been cancelled.

Rule 105: Obeying Authorised Signals

You MUST obey signals from:

1. Police officers
2. Traffic officers
3. Traffic wardens
4. School crossing patrols

Rule 106: Police Stopping Procedures

If the police need to stop your vehicle, they will signal by:

1. Flashing blue lights, headlights, or sounding a siren/horn (usually from behind).
2. Pointing and/or using their left indicator to direct you to pull over.

You MUST then:

1. Pull over and stop as soon as it is safe.
2. Switch off your engine.

Rule 107: Stopping by Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) Officers

DVSA officers can stop vehicles on all roads, including motorways and trunk roads. They will attract your attention by flashing amber lights:

1. From the front – requesting you to follow them to a safe place to stop.
2. From behind – directing you to pull over using the left indicator and hand signals.

It is an offence not to comply with their directions. You MUST obey any signals given.

Rule 108: Stopping by Traffic Officers

Traffic officers (in England and Wales) can stop vehicles on most motorways and some ‘A’ class roads for safety reasons (e.g., insecure load). They will attract your attention by:

1. Flashing amber lights, usually from behind.
2. Directing you to pull over using the left indicator and hand signals.

You MUST stop as soon as it is safe to do so and switch off your engine. Failure to comply is an offence.

Rule 109: Traffic Light Signals and Traffic Signs

You MUST obey all traffic light signals and traffic signs giving orders, including temporary signals and signs.

Ensure you understand and act on all:

1. Traffic signs
2. Road markings
3. Vehicle markings

Rule 110: Flashing Headlights

1. ONLY flash your headlights to let other road users know you are there.
2. DO NOT use flashing headlights to send any other message or to intimidate other road users.

Rule 111: Assumptions About Flashing Headlights

1. Never assume that a flashing headlight is an invitation to proceed.
2. Use your own judgment and proceed with caution.

Rule 112: Use of the Horn

You MUST NOT use the horn:

1. While stationary on the road.
2. Between 11:30 PM and 7:00 AM in built-up areas, except when another road user poses a danger.
3. Use only when your vehicle is moving and you need to warn other road users of your presence.
4. Never sound your horn aggressively.

Rule 113 - Mandatory Lighting Usage

You MUST:

1. Ensure all sidelights and rear registration plate lights are lit between sunset and sunrise.
2. Use headlights at night, except on roads with lit street lighting (usually 30 mph (48 km/h) zones, or 20 mph (32 km/h) in Wales, unless otherwise stated).
3. Use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced see Rule 226.

Night Definition: The period between half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise.

Rule 114 - Prohibited Lighting Use

You MUST NOT:

1. Use any lights in a way that would dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders.
2. Use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced. You MUST switch them off when visibility improves to avoid dazzling other road users see Rule 226.

Rule 115 - Additional Lighting Recommendations

You should also:

1. Use dipped headlights, or dim-dip if fitted, at night in built-up areas and in dull daytime weather to ensure visibility.
2. Keep dipped headlights on while overtaking until you are level with the other vehicle. Switch to main beam if necessary, unless it would dazzle oncoming road users.
3. Slow down or stop if dazzled by oncoming headlights.

Rule 116 - Hazard Warning Lights

1. When to Use: Hazard warning lights may be used when stationary to warn other drivers of a temporary obstruction.
2. When NOT to Use:
   1. Not an excuse for dangerous or illegal parking.
   2. MUST NOT be used while driving or being towed, unless:
      • You are on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway.
      • You need to warn drivers behind of a hazard or obstruction ahead.
3. Only use for long enough to ensure your warning has been observed.

Rule 117: Safe Braking Technique

1. Normal Braking: The safest way to brake is to do so early and lightly.
2. Increase braking pressure as the vehicle slows.
3. Ease off just before stopping to prevent a jerky stop.

Rule 118: Emergency Braking

1. Brake immediately in an emergency.
2. Avoid braking too harshly, which can cause wheel lock and loss of control.

Rule 119: Skidding

1. Skids occur due to harsh braking, acceleration, or steering, or driving too fast.
2. If a skid happens:
   1. Release the brake pedal or ease off the accelerator.
   2. Steer in the direction of the skid (e.g., if the rear skids right, steer right).

Rule 120: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

1. Follow the vehicle handbook instructions for ABS use.
2. In emergencies:
   1. Press the footbrake firmly and hold it until you reach a safe speed.
   2. ABS prevents wheels from locking, ensuring steering control.
3. ABS does not guarantee a shorter stopping distance.

Rule 121: Brakes Affected by Water

1. Driving through deep water can make brakes less effective.
2. Test them safely by pressing the brake pedal gently.
3. If ineffective, apply light brake pressure while driving slowly to dry them out.

Rule 122: Coasting (Driving in Neutral)

Coasting reduces control because:

1. Engine braking is lost, increasing speed downhill.
2. Footbrake overuse can lead to brake failure.
3. Steering response is affected, especially on bends.
4. Shifting gears becomes harder when needed.

Rule 123: Engine Idling and Environmental Considerations

1. You MUST NOT leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
2. Do not keep the engine running unnecessarily while stationary on public roads.
3. Apply the parking brake and turn off the engine if stationary for more than a few minutes.
4. Exceptions: Traffic conditions or diagnosing vehicle faults.

Rule 124: Speed Limits

1. You MUST NOT exceed the legal speed limits for your vehicle and road type.
2. Default speed limits:
   1. 30 mph (48 km/h) in built-up areas with street lighting.
   2. Variable speed limits apply on some motorways and dual carriageways.
3. Speed limits are enforced by the police.

Rule 125: Safe Speed Considerations

1. Speed limit is the maximum, not necessarily a safe speed.
2. Reduce speed when:
   1. The road layout (e.g., bends) poses hazards.
   2. Sharing the road with vulnerable users (pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders).
   3. Weather conditions impact visibility or road grip.
   4. Driving at night when visibility is lower.

Rule 126: Stopping Distances and Tailgating

1. Drive at a speed that allows you to stop within the distance you can see.
2. Safe following distances:
   1. At least 2 seconds behind the vehicle in front.
   2. Double the gap on wet roads.
   3. Up to 10 times greater on icy roads.
   4. 4 seconds for large vehicles in tunnels.
   5. 5-metre gap when stationary in tunnels.
3. Tailgating is dangerous, intimidating, and can cause accidents.
4. Police enforce dangerous and careless driving offences, including tailgating.

Rule 127: Broken White Line

1. A broken white line marks the centre of the road.
2. When the line lengthens and gaps shorten, it indicates a hazard ahead.
3. Do not cross unless the road is clear and you intend to overtake or turn off.

Rule 128: Double White Lines (Broken Nearer to You)

1. If the line nearer to you is broken, you may cross to overtake, but only if it is safe.
2. You must complete overtaking before reaching a solid white line on your side.
3. White direction arrows indicate you should return to your side of the road.

Rule 129: Double White Lines (Solid Nearer to You)

1. If the line nearer to you is solid, you MUST NOT cross or straddle it.
2. Exceptions:
   1. Entering adjoining premises or a side road.
   2. Passing a stationary vehicle, pedal cycle, horse, or road maintenance vehicle travelling at 10 mph (16 km/h) or less.

Rule 130: White Diagonal Stripes and Chevrons

1. Used to separate traffic lanes or protect turning traffic.
2. If bordered by a broken white line: Do not enter unless necessary and safe.
3. If bordered by solid white lines: MUST NOT enter except in an emergency.

Rule 131: Lane Dividers

1. Short, broken white lines divide wide roads into lanes.
2. You should keep between them.

Rule 132: Reflective Road Studs

1. Used alongside white lines to improve visibility.
2. Colours and their meanings:
   1. White studs: Mark lanes or middle of the road.
   2. Red studs: Mark left edge of the road.
   3. Amber studs: Mark central reservation of a dual carriageway/motorway.
   4. Green studs: Mark edge of the main carriageway at lay-bys and slip roads.
   5. Green/yellow studs: Indicate temporary lane adjustments (e.g., roadworks).

Rule 133: Changing Lanes Safely

1. Check mirrors before changing lanes.
2. If necessary, take a quick sideways glance to avoid forcing another driver to change course or speed.
3. Signal to indicate your intention.
4. Move over only when it is safe to do so.

Rule 134: Following Lane Signs and Road Markings

1. Follow the lane directions given by signs and road markings.
2. Avoid unnecessary lane changes in congestion.
3. Merging in turn is recommended when traffic is moving very slowly, e.g., near roadworks or incidents.
4. Not recommended at high speed.

Rule 135: Single Carriageway with Three Lanes

1. Use the middle lane only for overtaking or turning right.
2. You do not have any greater right to use the middle lane than oncoming traffic.
3. Do not use the right-hand lane.

Rule 136: Single Carriageway with Four or More Lanes

1. Use only the lanes indicated by signs or road markings.

Rule 137: Two-Lane Dual Carriageways

1. Stay in the left-hand lane unless overtaking or turning right.
2. After overtaking, return to the left-hand lane when safe.

Rule 138: Multi-Lane Dual Carriageways

1. You may use the middle or right-hand lane for overtaking.
2. After overtaking, return to the left-hand lane when safe.

Rule 139: Climbing and Crawler Lanes

1. Slow-moving vehicles should use climbing or crawler lanes on hills.
2. Watch for signs and road markings indicating lane end.

Rule 140: Cycle Lanes and Cycle Tracks

1. Cycle lanes are marked by road signs and markings.
2. MUST NOT drive or park in a solid white line cycle lane during operational hours.
3. Avoid driving or parking in a broken white line cycle lane unless unavoidable.
4. MUST NOT park in cycle lanes when waiting restrictions apply.
5. Give way to cyclists in cycle lanes, especially when turning or changing lanes.
6. Cycle tracks are separated routes for cyclists, sometimes shared with pedestrians.
7. Give way to cyclists on cycle tracks when turning at junctions.
8. Cyclists are not obliged to use cycle lanes or cycle tracks.

Rule 141: Bus Lanes

1. Marked by road signs indicating permitted vehicle types and operation times.
2. Do not drive in a bus lane during its operation unless permitted.
3. You may enter a bus lane to stop, load, or unload, if not prohibited.

Rule 142: High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) and Designated Lanes

1. Certain lanes are restricted for specific vehicles, such as cycles, buses, taxis, motorcycles, HGVs, and HOVs.
2. MUST NOT drive in designated lanes unless permitted by signs.
3. HOV lanes may only be used by:
   1. Vehicles meeting the minimum occupancy requirement shown on signs.
   2. Other permitted vehicles (buses, motorcycles, etc.), regardless of occupants.

Rule 143: One-Way Streets

1. Traffic MUST travel in the direction shown by signs.
2. Contraflow lanes may be available for buses or cycles.
3. Choose the correct lane early for your exit.
4. Do not change lanes suddenly.
5. Lane positioning:
   1. Use the left-hand lane when turning left.
   2. Use the right-hand lane when turning right.
   3. Use the most appropriate lane when going straight, as traffic may pass on both sides.

Rule 144: Safe and Responsible Driving

1. You MUST NOT:
   1. Drive dangerously
   2. Drive without due care and attention
   3. Drive without reasonable consideration for other road users
2. Driving requires full focus and attention at all times.
3. Even unintentional dangerous driving can be illegal.

Rule 145: Pavement and Footpath Restrictions

1. You MUST NOT drive on or over a pavement, footpath, or bridleway unless:
   1. Gaining lawful access to property.
   2. Emergency situation.

Rule 146: Adapting to Road Conditions

1. Do not treat speed limits as targets.
2. Consider road and traffic conditions:
   1. Prepare for unexpected obstacles (e.g., blind bends, blocked roads).
   2. Watch for emerging road users at junctions.
   3. Look out for unmarked junctions.
   4. Be ready to stop at traffic signals, road works, and crossings.
   5. Anticipate actions of pedestrians and cyclists.

Rule 147: Considerate Driving

1. Be considerate to all road users, especially vulnerable ones see Rule 204.
2. You MUST NOT throw objects from a vehicle (littering is dangerous for motorcyclists and cyclists).
3. Stay patient and understanding with other road users.
4. Avoid road rage – stay calm and pull over if necessary.
5. Give space to road users pulling out of junctions instead of intimidating them.

Rule 148: Avoiding Distractions

1. Safe driving requires concentration. Avoid:
   1. Loud music (masks important sounds).
   2. Reading maps while driving.
   3. Adjusting music or radio.
   4. Arguing with passengers.
   5. Eating, drinking, or smoking.
2. You MUST NOT smoke in public transport vehicles or work vehicles in prescribed circumstances.
3. Smoking ban applies in private vehicles carrying children under 18.

Rule 149: Mobile Phones and In-Vehicle Technology

1. You MUST NOT:
   1. Use a hand-held mobile phone while driving or supervising a learner.
   2. Use a tablet or other interactive device while driving.
   3. Pick up a phone while driving, even to dial a number.
   4. Use a hand-held microphone.
2. Exceptions:
   1. Calling 999 or 112 in a genuine emergency.
   2. Making a contactless payment while stationary.
   3. You may use a remote control app for parking, but ensure it is safe and legal.

Rule 150: Avoiding Distractions from In-Vehicle Systems

1. You MUST maintain full control over your vehicle.
2. Avoid distractions from satellite navigation, congestion warnings, PCs, multimedia, etc.
3. Do not rely solely on driver assistance systems (e.g., lane departure warnings, remote control parking).
4. You are responsible for your vehicle’s actions, even when using driver assistance.

Rule 151: Slow-Moving Traffic Guidance

1. Reduce distance to maintain traffic flow.
2. Do not tailgate – ensure a safe stopping distance.
3. Leave space for manoeuvring if the vehicle in front breaks down.
4. Do not change lanes to the left to overtake.
5. Allow access into and out of side roads.
6. Let pedestrians and cyclists cross when safe.

Rule 152: Driving in Residential Streets

1. Drive slowly and carefully.
2. Watch for:
   1. Vehicles emerging from driveways.
   2. Cars moving off.
   3. Pedestrians, children, cyclists, and motorcyclists.
3. Speed limits in residential areas can be 20 mph (32 km/h).

Rule153: Traffic-Calming Measures

1. Reduce speed when approaching road humps, chicanes, and narrowings.
2. Give space for cyclists and motorcyclists to pass safely.
3. Maintain a slow speed through traffic-calming areas.
4. Follow road signs and give way when directed.
5. Do not overtake in traffic-calming areas.

Rule 154: Driving on Country Roads

1. Reduce speed at bends, junctions, and turnings.
2. Expect pedestrians, horse riders, cyclists, and farm vehicles.
3. Be ready for mud on road surfaces.
4. Slow down when entering villages.

Rule 155: Single-Track Roads

1. Roads only wide enough for one vehicle.
2. Use passing places to allow other vehicles to pass.
3. Give way to road users coming uphill.
4. Reverse if needed to reach a passing place.
5. Slow down when passing pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders.

Rule 156: No Parking in Passing Places

1. Do not park in designated passing places on single-track roads.

Rule 157: Vehicles Prohibited on Roads and Pavements

1. Certain motorised vehicles do not meet road safety requirements and MUST NOT be used on:
   • Roads, pavements, footpaths, cycle paths, or bridleways.
2. Includes mini motos and motorised scooters (go peds).

Rule 158: Road-Legal Motorcycles and Quad Bikes

1. Some motorcycles, motor tricycles, and quad bikes are not road-legal.
2. If your vehicle is not road legal, it MUST NOT be used on roads, pavements, footpaths, cycle paths, or bridleways.
3. You MUST ensure any motor vehicle is registered, taxed, and insured before use on public roads.
4. Even road-legal motorcycles and quad bikes MUST NOT be used on pavements.