Band 2 traffic signs and signals, car control, pedestrians, mechanical knowledge

At junctions controlled by traffic lights, you must stop and wait behind the white line until the lights change to green. You may then proceed unless your exit road is blocked or it's not safe to do so, such as when pedestrians are crossing in front of you. After the green light, the amber light will show on its own for a short period, followed by the red light. When the amber light shows on its own, you should stop, providing it's safe to do so.

These lines are a device often found on the approach to a roundabout or a dangerous junction. They become closer together as you approach the hazard, warning you to slow down.

Pelican crossings are signal-controlled crossings operated by pedestrians. Push-button controls change the signals. Pelican crossings have no red-and-amber stage before green. Instead, they have a flashing amber light, which means you must give way to pedestrians on the crossing, but if it's clear, you may continue.

If people are waiting to use a pedestrian crossing, slow down and be prepared to stop. Don't wave them across the road, as another driver may not have seen them or your signal and may not be able to stop.

Puffin crossings have infra-red sensors that detect when pedestrians are crossing and hold the red traffic signal until the crossing is clear. The use of a sensor means there's no flashing amber phase, as there is with a pelican crossing; the lights follow the same sequence as traffic lights.

When an emergency vehicle is behind with its blue lights flashing, you must remain calm and look ahead for a safe place to move over to let it pass. If you're waiting at red traffic lights, don't attempt to clear the way by driving past the red light; this is both dangerous and a traffic offence.

A green flashing beacon on a vehicle means the driver or passenger is a doctor on an emergency call. Give way to them if it's safe to do so. Be aware that the vehicle may be travelling quickly.

Diamond-shaped signs apply to tram drivers. You should know their meaning so that you're aware of the priorities and are able to anticipate the actions of the driver.

Before setting out on a long journey, check the oil level, as an engine can use more oil on a long journey than on shorter trips. Insufficient oil can lead to excessive wear and engine damage.

Traffic signs and continuous red lines painted along the edge of the road identify a Red Route. Parking is banned along these routes and enforcement officers have powers to remove any vehicle that's illegally parked. These powers are in place to ensure the route remains unobstructed and so help the free flow of traffic.

Road humps, chicanes and narrowings are all traffic-calming measures designed to keep vehicle speeds low. They're used to protect vulnerable road users near areas such as housing estates and shopping centres.

A black-and-white chevron sign gives an advance warning to drivers that the road ahead bends sharply in the direction indicated by the chevron. This advance information allows drivers to adjust their speed in good time and select the correct gear for their speed.

Keep well back and allow the cyclist room to take up the correct position for the turn. Don't get too close behind or try to squeeze past.

Puffin crossings are for use by pedestrians. Cyclists must dismount and push their bicycle over the crossing. Toucan crossings are shared by pedestrians and cyclists, who are permitted to cycle over the crossing. Toucan roadside signals show an icon of a pedestrian and a cyclist together.

There are some crossings where cycle routes lead cyclists to cross at the same place as pedestrians. These are called toucan crossings. Always look out for cyclists, as they're likely to be approaching faster than pedestrians.

As you approach a school crossing patrol, you may see two amber lights, one above the other and flashing alternately. This will be accompanied by a 'school' warning sign. The school crossing patrol will display a 'stop' sign, so you must stop. Don't wave anyone across the road, get impatient or rev your engine.

If someone is deaf as well as blind, they may be carrying a white stick with a red reflective band or bands.

You can't know whether a pedestrian is deaf. Don't assume that everyone can hear you approaching.

Elderly people may misjudge how far away you are and how fast you're travelling. This may cause them to step into the road when you would expect a pedestrian to wait. They may also walk slowly and so could take a long time to cross the road.

Give way to buses if you can do so safely, especially when they signal to move off from a bus stop. Look out for people who've just got off the bus, as they may try to cross the road. Don't try to accelerate past before the bus starts moving, and don't flash your headlights; other road users may be misled by this signal.

Although cars are the least likely to be affected, side winds can affect anyone, especially

• after overtaking a large vehicle

• when passing gaps between hedges or buildings

• on exposed sections of road.