Highway Code

Mirrors

Check your mirrors often, and always before signalling, changing speed or direction (Mirrors – Signal – Manoeuvre).

Phones

It's illegal to hold and use a phone while driving, including when stopped in traffic. Pull over somewhere safe and switch off the engine first.

Tiredness

Take a break of at least 15 minutes every 2 hours. If you feel sleepy, stop somewhere safe, drink caffeine and nap briefly.

Blind spots

Look over your shoulder before pulling away or changing lanes; mirrors don't show everything.

Following distance

Leave at least a two-second gap in good conditions, doubled in the wet.

Tailgaters

If someone drives too close behind, gradually increase the gap in front of you so you can brake gently.

Horn and lights

Only use the horn to warn others you're there, never in anger. Don't flash headlights to give instructions.

Courtesy

Be patient with learners, new drivers, horse riders and cyclists. Don't race or retaliate.

Tyres

Car tyres need at least 1.6 mm of tread across the central three-quarters and all the way round.

Lights and windows

Keep lights, windows and mirrors clean and working. Clear all windows of ice and mist before you set off.

Seat belts

Drivers are responsible for passengers under 14 wearing a belt or the right child seat.

Fuel and emissions

Smooth driving, correct tyre pressures and removing roof racks save fuel and reduce pollution.

Stopping distances

At 30 mph the total stopping distance is 23 m; at 70 mph it's 96 m. Double it in the wet; up to ten times on ice.

Fog

Use fog lights when visibility is under 100 m and switch them off when it clears.

Ice and snow

Use the highest gear you can, brake gently and leave much bigger gaps.

Aquaplaning

If steering feels light on standing water, ease off the accelerator and don't brake suddenly.

Read the road

Look well ahead for things that could make you change speed or direction: junctions, parked cars, people, bends.

Drive at a safe speed

Always be able to stop within the distance you can see to be clear.

Alcohol and drugs

Both slow reactions and affect judgement. If in doubt, don't drive.

Road markings

More white paint on a centre line means more danger — don't cross solid lines unless the rules allow it.

Hierarchy of road users

Those who can do the most harm have the most responsibility: drivers must look out for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.

Turning into side roads

Give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross the road you're turning into.

Passing cyclists

Leave at least 1.5 m at up to 30 mph, more at higher speeds.

Horses

Pass at no more than 10 mph and leave at least 2 m. Don't rev or sound the horn.

Crossings

Give way to people waiting at a zebra crossing. Flashing amber at a pelican means give way to anyone still crossing.

Large vehicles

Stay back so the driver can see you in their mirrors. Long vehicles may swing out before turning.

Buses

Give way to buses pulling out from stops when safe.

Motorcycles

Look carefully for motorcyclists at junctions; they're easy to miss.

Trams

Trams can't steer round you. Never drive on tram-only lanes.

Braking

Brake in good time on a straight road. Avoid harsh braking, especially on bends.

Engine braking

Use a low gear on long downhill slopes to stop the brakes overheating.

Skids

If the back of the car skids, steer into the skid and ease off the pedals.

Coasting

Don't coast in neutral or with the clutch down — it reduces control.

Who can't use them

Learner drivers only with an approved instructor in a dual-control car; no pedestrians, cyclists or slow vehicles.

Lane discipline

Keep left unless overtaking. Overtake on the right only.

Smart motorways

A red X means the lane is closed. Speeds in a red ring are legal limits.

Breakdowns

Leave at the next exit or use an emergency refuge area. Get behind the barrier if safe and call for help.

Speed limits (cars)

30 mph in built-up areas, 60 mph on single carriageways, 70 mph on dual carriageways and motorways, unless signs say otherwise.

Roundabouts

Give way to traffic from your right unless told otherwise.

Parking

Don't park within 10 m of a junction, on zig-zag lines, or where you'd block a dropped kerb.

Yellow box junctions

Don't enter unless your exit is clear, except when turning right and only blocked by oncoming traffic.

Shapes

Circles give orders, triangles warn, rectangles inform.

Colours

Red circles mostly tell you what not to do; blue circles tell you what you must do.

Stop and give way

Stop is the only octagonal sign; give way is the only upside-down triangle.

Signals by police

You must obey signals from police officers and traffic officers, even if lights say otherwise.

Insurance

You need at least third-party insurance to drive on the road.

MOT

Most cars need an MOT every year once they're three years old.

New drivers

If you get 6 or more penalty points within 2 years of passing, you lose your licence.

Change of details

Tell the DVLA when you change your name, address or sell a vehicle.

At a crash

Warn other traffic, switch off engines, call 999 and don't move casualties unless there's danger.

First aid

Don't remove a motorcyclist's helmet unless essential. Check breathing and stop heavy bleeding with firm pressure.

Hazard lights

Use them when stopped and causing an obstruction, or briefly on motorways to warn of a hazard ahead.

Tunnels

If you break down, switch on hazard lights, turn off the engine and use the emergency phone.

Secure loads

Any load must be secured so it can't fall or move. You're responsible for it.

Towing

Towing changes handling and stopping. Max 50 mph on single carriageways and 60 mph on dual carriageways and motorways.

Roof racks

Heavy roof loads make the car less stable in crosswinds and on bends.

Tyre pressure

You may need higher tyre pressures for a heavy load — check the handbook.