Tyres and Tarmac usually apply when driving in slow-moving traffic. If you were to be hit by the car behind, you could end up being pushed into the back of the car in front if you are too close. If the vehicle in front were to break down and you are too close, then you might find it difficult to maneuver around the car and get out.

What are the tyres and tarmac advice?

The tyres and tarmac rule is to stop so that you can see the bottom tyres of the vehicle in front and around a meter of road tarmac. Leaving sufficient gaps between the cars allows you to move off later without getting into difficulties.

Why you should keep your distance

Another example of the rule is if you are driving uphill and the vehicle in front does not have good clutch control, it may roll back. If you haven’t left enough room, they could roll into the front of your car. If there is enough room and you notice them rolling back, you have time to warn them by sounding your horn.

The tyres and tarmac rule is also extremely important to establish for learner drivers as it will help them drive more safely from day one. This also applies to the driving test as it could lead to a serious fault if you are driving or stopping too close to vehicles in front of you

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