The Driver: Fitness & Alertness

You feel sleepy while driving. What does the Highway Code advise?

• AKeep driving but take a break at the end of the shift
• BStop somewhere safe, have caffeine and take a short nap✓
• CSpeed up so you finish the journey more quickly
• DOpen the window and turn up the radio to stay awake

Answer: The Highway Code advises that if you feel sleepy you should stop in a safe place, and suggests two cups of caffeinated coffee and a short nap of at least 15 minutes. Fresh air and music are not effective remedies.

What is the drink-drive limit in Scotland?

• A20 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood
• B35 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood
• C80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood
• D50 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood✓

Answer: Scotland's limit is 50 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood, lower than the 80 mg limit in England and Wales. The safest approach for a professional driver is not to drink at all before driving.

You drank heavily last night. What should you bear in mind before driving this morning?

• AYou may still be over the limit or unfit to drive✓
• BAlcohol leaves the body within four hours of drinking
• CA cold shower will remove the alcohol from your blood
• DCoffee will bring you below the limit very quickly

Answer: Alcohol can remain in the body for many hours, so you could still be over the legal limit the next morning. Coffee, showers and fresh air do not speed up its removal.

You have been prescribed a new medicine. What should you do before driving?

• ADrive a short distance first to see how it affects you
• BTake half the prescribed dose on driving days so that you stay safe
• CCheck with your doctor or pharmacist whether it affects driving✓
• DDrink strong coffee to cancel out any drowsiness

Answer: Some medicines cause drowsiness or affect judgement. Check the label and ask your doctor or pharmacist whether it is safe to drive while taking it.

A lorry driver is diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea that causes excessive sleepiness. What must they do?

• ATell DVLA and not drive until advised it is safe✓
• BCarry on driving, but take extra breaks each day
• CDrive at night, when the roads are quieter
• DTell their employer, who will inform DVLA

Answer: Sleep apnoea causing excessive daytime sleepiness is a notifiable condition. The driver must tell DVLA and must not drive until the condition is controlled and they are told they can.

What is the law on using a hand-held mobile phone while driving?

• AIt is illegal on motorways and dual carriageways alone
• BIt is legal if you are driving below 30 mph
• CIt is legal when stopped in a queue of traffic
• DIt is illegal, with 6 penalty points and a £200 fine✓

Answer: It is illegal to hold and use a phone while driving, including when queuing in traffic. The penalty is 6 penalty points and a £200 fine, and professional drivers risk their vocational licence.

Why can using a hands-free phone while driving still be dangerous?

• AIt is dangerous just when the call lasts over an hour
• BThe conversation distracts you, so you may react late✓
• CHands-free kits interfere with the tachograph signal
• DHands-free kits drain the lorry's batteries quickly

Answer: Even hands-free, a phone call takes your attention off the road and slows your reactions. The Highway Code warns that you can still be prosecuted if you are not in proper control of your vehicle.

Another driver behaves aggressively towards you in traffic. What is the best response?

• AFollow them closely to show your anger
• BStay calm and do not react or retaliate✓
• CFlash your headlights and sound the horn
• DStop and get out to speak to the driver

Answer: Staying calm and not reacting lowers the risk of the situation getting worse. Let the other driver go and concentrate on your own driving.