Speed, phones, alcohol, seatbelts and child seats, cyclists, windscreen devices and daily vehicle checks.
The section in short
This section is about driving safely as a professional, with extra care for people on foot, bikes and motorbikes. It covers the law on phones, drink, seatbelts and windscreens, plus the checks you should make on your vehicle. Expect SERU questions on child seatbelt ages and cycle safety.
Obey the law and keep speed safe
You must know and follow The Highway Code. Most crashes in London come from a few habits that are easy to avoid. These are speeding, risky manoeuvres, distraction and ignoring road rules. Stay within the limit and drive slower when the road or weather calls for it. The faster you go, the less time you have to react, and injuries get worse. (Page 31)
Phones and distractions
Keep your mind on the road. Music, passengers and devices can all pull your focus and weaken your judgement. To make or take a call, stop somewhere safe, park and turn the engine off. Holding a phone while driving is illegal, even in a queue or at red lights. The only exception is calling 999 in an emergency when stopping is unsafe or impractical. (Page 31)
Fit to drive
Never drive after drinking alcohol or taking drugs; police test drivers at the roadside. If you take prescribed medicine, ask your doctor if you can drive safely. Tiredness can affect you much like alcohol. Plan regular breaks and do not start a trip already tired. Slow down in heavy rain or thick fog, and take extra care at night. (Page 32)
Seatbelts and children
Adults must wear a seatbelt, so encourage adult passengers to buckle up. You are responsible for every child under 14 wearing a belt or sitting in an approved child seat. With no suitable child seat, a child may still travel, but only in the back. Aged 3 or over, they use an adult belt. Under 3, they travel with no belt. Breaking these rules can bring a fine, points or a ban. (Page 32)
Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists
Expect people on foot to step out suddenly, and give way to them at side roads. Take extra care with cyclists and motorcyclists when turning, in slow traffic and when pulling away from lights. Leave plenty of room when you overtake a cyclist. Before any door opens, you and your passengers should check for a bike coming past. (Page 33)
Keep your windscreen clear
Annex 6 of The Highway Code says windows must be clean and give a clear view. Do not fix phones, sat navs or other devices where they block your view of the road. A cradle placed in the swept area, the part cleaned by the wipers, is an offence. You could be fined and get points. Check your view is clear before every trip. (Page 33)
Cycle safety tips
PHV drivers are almost twice as likely as car drivers to be in a crash that kills or seriously injures a cyclist. Check mirrors and look over your shoulder. Signal early for every turn or lane change, then cancel it. Keep out of the advanced stop line box at a red light, or risk a fine and points. Give a cyclist as much room as a car. (Page 34)
Vehicle checks
You are responsible for a safe, legal car. Check seats, belts, steering, handbrake, horn, indicators, wipers, mirrors and window controls. Pedals need anti-slip covers, and no warning lights should stay on. Keep the passenger area clean, with working belts, doors and heating, and no smoking signs. Replace tyres worn to the wear bars. Look for leaks, rust, damage and poor repairs. (Page 35)