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.

Always plan ahead and be aware of lanes and areas designated for specific road users only. The restrictions are sometimes in force only at certain times of day, and signs will show when they apply. In some towns, motorcycles are permitted to use bus lanes – check the signs carefully.

Lorry drivers can be unaware of objects falling from their vehicles. If you see something fall onto a motorway, look to see if the driver pulls over. If they don’t stop, don’t attempt to retrieve the object yourself. Pull onto the hard shoulder near an emergency telephone and report the hazard.

Look well ahead to see whether any hazards are developing. This will give you more time to deal with them in the correct way. The man in the picture is clearly intending to cross the road. You should be travelling at a speed that allows you to check your mirror, slow down and stop in good time. You shouldn’t have to brake harshly.

Some crossings have gates but no attendant or signals. You should stop, look both ways, listen and make sure that no train is approaching. If there’s a telephone, contact the signal operator to make sure it’s safe to cross.

Some road surfaces can affect the stability of a motorcycle far more than they affect other vehicles. Look out for loose or slippery road surfaces and be aware of any traffic around you. You may need to take avoiding action and change direction quickly.

You need to be able to see well down the road and be ready for any hazards. Staying too close to the vehicle will reduce your view of the road ahead and the driver of the vehicle in front may not be able to see you either. Without a safe separation gap, you don’t have the time and space you need to react to any hazards.

Where you see this sign, the 20 mph restriction ends. Check all around for possible hazards and only increase your speed if it’s safe to do so.

Never attempt to change direction to the right without first checking your right-hand mirror and blind spot. A motorcyclist might not have seen your signal and could be hidden by other traffic. This observation should become a matter of routine.

Don’t be tempted to use harsh braking to stop swerving or snaking, as this could make things worse. You should reduce your speed gradually by easing off the throttle.

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.

Follow the instructions given by the signs or by tunnel officials. In congested tunnels a minor incident can soon turn into a major one with serious or even fatal results.

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.

You need to make yourself as visible as possible – from the front and back, and also from the side. Don’t just rely on your headlight and tail light. Wear clothing with reflective material, as this stands out in other vehicles’ headlights.

If a motorcycle’s wheels are incorrectly aligned, tyres may wear unevenly and the motorcycle can become unstable, especially when cornering.

During a long spell of hot, dry weather, the road surface will become coated with rubber and dust. When it rains after this, the road surface will be unusually slippery. Take extra care, particularly at junctions, bends and roundabouts, and allow double the usual stopping distance.

Check your drive chain regularly; adjust and lubricate it if necessary. It needs to be adjusted until the ‘free play’ is as it says in the vehicle handbook. If the chain is too loose, it can jump off its sprocket and lock your rear wheel while you’re riding.

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.

You don’t have to ride at the speed limit. Use your own judgement and ride at a speed that suits the prevailing road, weather and traffic conditions.

You should always use the steering lock when leaving your motorcycle. Also consider using additional locking devices, such as a U-lock, disc lock or chain. If possible, fasten the motorcycle to an immovable post or another machine.

Various route planners are available on the internet. Most of them give you several options, allowing you to choose between the most direct route and quieter roads. They may also identify rest and fuel stops. Print off the directions and take them with you.

It’s important to wear good boots when you ride a motorcycle. Boots protect your feet and shins from knocks, and give some protection in a crash. They also help keep you warm and dry in cold or wet weather.

This is a method used by insurance companies to keep annual premiums down. Generally, the higher the excess you choose to pay, the lower the annual premium you’ll be charged.

Never drink if you’re going to drive or ride. Your judgement can be seriously affected, even if you aren’t over the drink-drive limit. Don’t take risks; it isn’t worth it.

Keeping the clutch cable oiled will help it to move smoothly through its outer casing. This will extend the life of the cable and help prevent the clutch’s operation from becoming stiff.

On smart motorways, the hard shoulder can be used as a running lane when a speed limit is shown above it. However, a red cross above the hard shoulder means that this lane shouldn’t be used, except for emergencies and breakdowns.

This broken white line is a reminder to give way to traffic from the right at roundabouts. You can expect to find these at larger roundabouts.

Normally you should travel in the left-hand lane and only use the right-hand lane for overtaking or turning right. Move back into the left lane as soon as it’s safe but don’t cut in across the path of the vehicle you’ve just passed.

You’ll see the first advance direction sign one mile from a motorway exit. If you’re travelling at 60 mph, you’ll only have about 50 seconds before you reach the countdown markers. There’ll be another sign at the half-mile point. Move to the left-hand lane in good time. Don’t cut across traffic at the last moment and don’t risk missing your exit.

If you’re taking medicine or drugs prescribed by your doctor, check to make sure they won’t make you drowsy. If you forget to ask when you’re at the surgery, check with your pharmacist.