Car Driving Tips in the UK

Most automatic gearboxes will let you select between “P” (for park), “R” (reverse), “N” (neutral) and “D” (drive).

• Park should only be used when you’re stopped and getting out of the car. This “locks” the transmission, preventing it from rolling away (but you still need to apply the handbrake when parked as well).
• Reverse does as it says – acts the same as a reverse gear in a manual, and should be selected when you want to drive backwards.
• Neutral is the same as knocking a manual gearbox out of gear. It shouldn’t be selected when moving – this is known as coasting – but can be used (along with the handbrake) if you’re stopped for a short period of time.
• Drive will select gears automatically and allow the car to move forwards.

Some automatic gearboxes will also give you the option to select first or second gear. This will help in situations where you want to use the gearbox to keep your speed down – such as driving down a steep hill

It is also called V5C or logbook. Never buy a car without V5C.

Third party insurance is the minimum amount of cover you need to drive legally in the UK.  Your insurance will cover losses to any third party vehicles or property, but damage to your own car will not be covered.

Park with parking lights on if speed is higher than 30mph. Also park in a direction of traffic flow and not close to the junction.

In the UK, there are many roadway lines that drivers need to pay attention to while traveling in their cars:

Broken white centre line: this dashed line down the centre of the carriageway divides traffic traveling in opposite directions. The dashes and the gaps between them are roughly the same size.

Broken white hazard warning line (centre): this dashed line warns drivers of an upcoming hazard such as the approach to a junction or a bend in the road. The dashes are longer than the ones used for the centre line and the gaps are much smaller between them.

Broken white lane line: this dashed line divides the lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction. The dashes are shorter and the gaps between them are longer than the centre line.

Drivers should not cross a broken white line unless they can see the road is clear. The main reason for motorists to cross over road white lines would be to overtake another vehicle or to turn off the road.

Double solid white lines: these lines are not to be crossed unless the driver is turning into a side road or property. They can also be crossed if the driver is trying to pass around a cyclist, horseback rider, or road work vehicle.

Single solid white line: this line is painted on the left sides of the carriageway. They usually exist on private driveways and lay-bys.

Double solid yellow lines: these lines show drivers where there is absolutely no waiting at any time.

Single solid yellow line: this line shows drivers that there are part-time parking restrictions enforced in the area.

Double and single red lines: these lines show drivers that there are stopping, loading, and parking restrictions enforced in the area.

Yellow zig-zagged lines: these lines are generally used to mark police and fire stations, schools, and hospitals. Generally speaking, there is no parking in these areas.

Use headlights when visibility is reduced and cannot see more than 100 meters.
Dipped headlights (ближний свет)

dipped – опущенный, погружённый

Dipped lights tilt downwards, giving you extra visibility without dazzling oncoming traffic. They used most of the times.

They’re basically the middle step, between just your side lights and full beam

They’re safe to use:

At night – which is defined as the period between half an hour after sunset and half an hour before sunrise

During daytime when visibility is reduced, in fog, early morning, the rain

Side lights

These are the small white lights located at the corners of the front of your car. When you switch these on, the licence plate and tail lights at the rear also illuminate.

It’s a legal requirement to use them when you’re parking a car at night in an area where the speed limit is 30mph or more

Full beam headlights (Дальний свет)

These are seriously bright lights – great for helping you gain as much visibility as possible in the dark.

Can dazzle other road users, therefore:

• Only use them on empty stretches of road at night
• Don’t use them in the daytime – use dipped beams or side lights instead
• Switch to your dipped beams when you are overtaking at night
• Don’t use them when one of your dipped beams is faulty or not working (these should be replaced straight away if they are not working)

Fog lights

When fog appears you want to have as much visibility as you can, and equally as important, to inform other road users to your presence.

Using it in foggy conditions is recommended, but not a legal requirement

• You should use one rear fog light in the UK when fog hits – this is the minumum number of fog lights that all cars are fitted with
• Never use fog lights when the weather is clear – you’ll face a £30 fine

1. If your health affects your driving

2. If your eyesight does not meet a set standard

3. If you change your vehicle

Put it at least 45 metres (147 feet) behind your broken-down vehicle on the same side of the roa

An organized walk = At a night a pedestrian wearing reflective clothing and carrying a bright red light