Sometimes an insurance company will issue a temporary insurance certificate called a cover note. It gives you the same insurance cover as your certificate but lasts for a limited period, usually one month.

When parking at night, park in the direction of the traffic. This will enable other road users to see the reflectors on the rear of your vehicle. Use your parking lights if the speed limit is over 30 mph.

It’s best to avoid riding in foggy weather. However, if you have to, there are some precautions you can take before setting off to help make your journey as safe as possible. These include checking that all your lights are clean and working, and that your visor is clean.

Red studs are placed between the edge of the carriageway and the hard shoulder. Where slip roads leave or join the motorway, the studs are green.

A contraflow system means that traffic will be flowing along lanes in the opposite direction to the norm. As such, when you approach a contraflow system you should reduce your speed in plenty of time.

After carrying out drive-chain adjustment, you should always check the rear wheel alignment. Many motorcycles have alignment guides stamped onto the frame to help you do this correctly.

This sign shows you that you can’t get through to another route by turning left at the junction ahead.

The use of ear plugs is recommended to protect your hearing from being damaged by the noise of air turbulence around your helmet. Staying within the national speed limit, a rider may experience noise levels in excess of 100 decibels.

If you’re carrying children on your vehicle and it isn’t on a scheduled route used by the general public, the bus must display this sign to the front and rear. When carrying children to and from school, it’s likely that you’ll have to make several stops in places other than recognised bus stops. Think carefully before you stop. Don’t cause unnecessary inconvenience to other road users.

Triangular signs give you a warning of hazards ahead. They’re there to give you time to prepare for the hazard; for example, by adjusting your speed.

If you want to turn left and there’s a cyclist in front of you, hold back. Wait until the cyclist has passed the junction and then turn left behind them. Don’t try to intimidate them by driving too closely.

This is a warning sign to indicate loose chippings ahead. The sign is usually accompanied by an advisory speed limit. Vehicles travelling too fast for the conditions can throw up chippings or stones. Avoid causing damage to paintwork and windscreens by keeping your speed down.

On motorways, reflective studs of various colours are fixed in the road between the lanes. These help you to identify which lane you’re in when it’s dark or in poor visibility. Amber-coloured studs are found on the right-hand edge of the main carriageway, next to the central reservation.

Road humps are used to slow down traffic. They’re found in places where there are often pedestrians, such as

Sign warns road users that they are approaching a Zebra crossing and should be prepared to stop if necessary.

When approaching a contraflow system reduce speed in good time and obey all speed limits. You may be travelling in a narrower lane than normal with no permanent barrier between you and the oncoming traffic. Be aware that the hard shoulder may be used for traffic and the road ahead could be obstructed by slow- moving or broken down vehicles.

Hazard warning lights are an important safety feature. Use them when riding on a motorway to warn following traffic of danger ahead. You should also use them if your motorcycle has broken down and is causing an obstruction.

In the interests of road safety, temporary mandatory speed limits are imposed at all major roadworks. Signs like this, giving advance warning of the speed limit, are normally placed about three-quarters of a mile ahead of where the speed limit comes into force.

Cables will stretch with use and need checking and adjusting regularly. They also need lubricating to prevent friction and wear of the cables and pivots. Don’t over-adjust brake cables or the brakes will bind, causing increased fuel consumption, risk of skidding and risk of the brakes overheating.

As you approach a roundabout, look well ahead and check all signs. Decide which exit you wish to take and move into the correct position as you approach the roundabout, signalling as required.

Keep a lookout for traffic signs. If you’re directed to change lanes, do so in good time. Don’t push your way into traffic in another lane try to gain advantage by delaying changing lanes

Even in good conditions, it will usually take you further than you think to stop. Don’t just learn the figures; make sure you understand how far the distance is.

Emergency vehicles use blue flashing lights. If you see or hear one, move out of its way as soon as it’s safe and legal to do so.

Your safety and that of others depends on the condition of your tyres. Before every trip, make sure they

• are correctly inflated
• have at least the minimum legal depth of tread
• have no cuts or bulges.

Do these checks as part of a routine before every journey.

A motorcycle is most stable when it’s upright and moving in a straight line. This is the best time to brake. With independent front and rear brakes, both brakes should be used, with the front brake being applied just before the rear brake.

Hold back and wait until the vehicle has turned before proceeding. Don’t overtake, because the vehicle turning left could hide a vehicle emerging from the same junction.

When a long vehicle is going to turn right, it may need to keep close to the left-hand kerb. This is to prevent the rear end of the trailer cutting the corner. You need to be aware of how long vehicles behave in such situations. Don’t overtake the lorry, because it could turn as you’re alongside. Stay behind and wait for it to turn.

The purpose of a CBT course is to teach you basic theory and practical skills before you ride on the road, on your own, for the first time. CBT courses can only be given by approved training bodies (ATBs).

The engine cut-out switch is used to stop the engine in an emergency. In the event of a crash, this may help to reduce any fire risk.

Oil and rubber can build up on the road during long spells of dry weather. When it rains, this can make the road surface very slippery.