How well do you know the Highway Code?

THE HIGHWAY CODE just got bigger - 50% bigger in fact, containing 29 more rules and a new safety code for novice drivers.

It tells those new to the road - "If you are driving with passengers, you are responsible for their safety. Don't let them distract you or encourage you to take risks"' and "Never show off or try to compete with other drivers, particularly if they are driving badly."

The Code has also been updated to include new legislation on vehicle emissions and smoking in vehicles used at work, as well as the new stopping/directing powers of the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency and Highways Agency traffic officers.

Alongside this, it references new initiatives like quiet lanes, high-occupancy vehicle lanes, home zones and active traffic management schemes, as well as "increasing, re-writing or enhancing existing advice to promote greater co-operation between road users and further promote safety."

With eight years having passed since the last revision, and the code expanding to a mammoth 309-points, 135 pages, some have complained that any changes should have been highlighted in the new Code, just as they were in the draft version put before Parliament. This would have allowed experienced motorists to skim through the booklet in order to bring themselves up to date.

However, I'm certain this would not have been a good idea! When was the last time you looked at the Highway Code? Was it the day before you passed your driving test, or prior to you sitting the dreaded theory exam?

I suggest all drivers see this latest revision as an opportunity to spruce up on the Code.The printed version only costs £2.50, and there is also a free online version - link above/right. See if you can spot the changes yourself, and while your doing it, re-assess your knowledge of the rules of the road.

If you're an employer, encourage your work drivers to do the same by passing them a copy of the new Code, or getting them to spend a little time online.

And if you're reading this and thinking - "I'm an experienced driver, just the highlighted changes would have been good enough for me," - here's a quick test based on the contents of the latest Highway Code. Get them all right? (Answers are available via the link above/right).

QUESTIONS

1. If you're driving behind a slow moving (less than 10mph) road maintenance vehicle and the road has a double white line running through it, where the line nearest to you is solid (unbroken)...

a) You MUST stay behind the vehicle until the solid white line changes to a broken white line

b) You can overtake, provided you have checked the road ahead and it is safe to do so

c) You can only pass if the road maintenance vehicle pulls over and stops to let you pass

2. You should only use front or rear foglights...

a) When driving in fog

b) When driving in fog, snow or rain

c) When visibility is seriously reduced (i.e. when you cannot see for more than 100 metres)

3. You can park partially or wholly on a pavement...

a) In London

b) If signs permit it

c) On residential streets to leave room for emergency vehicles

4. You MUST NOT...

a) Reverse your vehicle further than necessary

b) Reverse your vehicle from your driveway

c) Reverse from a main road onto a side street, even if it safe to do so

5. Amber reflective road studs (cat's eyes) mark...

a) The left edge of the road

b) The edge of the main carriageway at lay-bys and slip-roads

c) The central reservation of a dual carriageway or motorway

6. According to the Highway Code, the typical stopping distance at 50mph is...

a) 53 metres (13 car lengths)

b) 65 metres (16 car lengths)

c) 73 metres (18 car lengths)