When you see a motorcyclist take a glance over their shoulder, they’re probably about to change direction. Recognising a clue like this helps you to anticipate their next action. This can improve road safety for you and others.

If your vehicle is required to have an MOT certificate, you’ll need to make sure this is current before you’re able to tax your vehicle. You can do this online, by phone or at certain post offices.

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.

Protective clothing is designed to protect you from the cold and wet. It also gives you some protection from injury, so it’s important that you always wear protective clothing when you ride.

You’ll generally see this sign at the approach to a pedestrian-only zone.

‘Tailgating’ is the term used when a driver or rider follows the vehicle in front too closely. It’s dangerous because it restricts their view of the road ahead and leaves no safety margin if the vehicle in front needs to slow down or stop suddenly. Tailgating is often the underlying cause of rear-end collisions or multiple pile-ups.

Other drivers or riders may have to change course due to the size or characteristics of their vehicle. Understanding this will help you to anticipate their actions. Motorcyclists and cyclists will be checking the road ahead for uneven or slippery surfaces, especially in wet weather. They may need to move across their lane to avoid surface hazards such as potholes and drain covers.

Some powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters are designed for use on the pavement only and cannot exceed 4 mph (6 km/h). Others can go on the road as well, and this category cannot exceed 8 mph (12 km/h). Take great care around these vehicles. They’re extremely vulnerable because of their low speed and small size.

When turning, long vehicles need much more room on the road than other vehicles. At junctions, they may take up the whole of the road space, so be patient and allow them the room they need.

When riding slowly, you must remember to look out for cyclists – they can travel quickly and fit through surprisingly narrow spaces. Before you turn left in slow-moving traffic, it’s important to check that a cyclist isn’t trying to filter past on your left.

The studs between the carriageway and the hard shoulder are normally red. These change to green where there’s a slip road, helping you to identify slip roads when visibility is poor or when it’s dark.

When carrying a passenger or other extra weight, you may need to make adjustments, particularly to the rear shock absorber(s), tyre pressures and headlight alignment. Check your vehicle handbook for details.

This sign doesn’t tell you the speed limit in figures. You should know the speed limit for the type of road that you’re on and the type of vehicle that you’re driving. Study your copy of The Highway Code.

You should only flash your headlights to warn others of your presence. Don’t use them to greet others, show impatience or give priority to other road users, because they could misunderstand your signal.

Side-wind warning signs are often found on roads that are frequently affected by strong wind. High-sided vehicles, caravans and motorcycles are more susceptible to windy weather, and you should be aware of the difficulties they may be having.

If a mandatory speed-limit sign is shown above the hard shoulder, this lane can be used as a running lane. You must stay within the signed speed limit. Look out for any vehicles that have broken down and are blocking the hard shoulder.

These lights warn that children may be crossing the road to a nearby school. Slow down so that you’re ready to stop if necessary.

The extra weight of a passenger may increase your stopping distance. Allow for this when following another vehicle by increasing the separation distance.

An electronic device will automatically detect when the pedestrians have reached a safe position. Don’t move forward until the green light shows and you’ve checked that it’s safe to proceed.

Riders of motorcycles with an engine smaller than 50 cc aren’t allowed to use motorways, due to their restricted speed. They may cause a hazard – both for the rider and for drivers of other vehicles.

Yellow box junctions are marked on the road to prevent the road becoming blocked. Don’t enter the box unless your exit road is clear. You may wait in the box if you want to turn right and your exit road is clear but oncoming traffic or other vehicles waiting to turn right are preventing you from making the turn.

Beware of side winds when riding on exposed stretches of road. Take extra care when overtaking large vehicles. As you pass them, you may emerge from their shelter into a gust of wind that can suddenly blow you off course. Bear in mind that strong winds can affect the stability of other road users too.

When following a large vehicle, keep well back. If you’re too close, you won’t be able to see the road ahead and the driver of the long vehicle might not be able to see you in their mirrors.

These signals can be found at level crossings, some airfields, bridges and emergency access sites. You must stop if the red lights are flashing. At level crossings, if the lights continue to flash after a train has passed, continue to wait because another train is coming.

Travelling at the national speed limit doesn’t allow you to hog the right-hand lane. Always use the left-hand lane whenever possible. When leaving a motorway, get into the left-hand lane well before your exit. Reduce your speed on the slip road and look out for sharp bends or curves and traffic queuing at roundabouts.

It’s very important to keep your visor or goggles clean. Clean them using warm soapy water. Don’t use solvents or petrol.

The hours of operation of Red Routes vary from one area to another. As a rule, you mustn’t stop on a Red Route, but there may be special marked boxes where loading and unloading can be carried out at certain times. Look out for signs giving information about the restrictions in place.

If the number of points on your licence reaches six or more during your first two years of holding a full licence, your licence will be revoked. This includes offences you committed before you passed your test. You may ride only as a learner until you pass both the theory and practical tests again.

The colours of the reflective studs on the motorway and their locations are
• red – between the hard shoulder and the carriageway
• white – lane markings
• amber – between the edge of the carriageway and the central reservation
• green – along slip road exits and entrances
• bright green/yellow – roadworks and contraflow systems.