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Lesson 6 of 9

Responsible and environmentally aware driving

A good driver looks ahead and prevents a risk from becoming an emergency. Smooth driving is usually safer and more efficient.

About 8 minutesChecked against the current rules

Terms to know first

The right terms help you recognise what an exam question is asking.

Anticiperen, anticipating
Looking ahead, recognising risks early and adjusting speed or space in time.
Dode hoek, blind spot
The area you cannot see directly or through the mirrors.

1. Look far, wide and again

Move your attention between far ahead, nearby, mirrors and side areas.

  • Search early for children, cyclists, opening doors, junctions, brake lights and obstacles.
  • Give vulnerable road users extra space and expect unexpected movement.
  • Check mirrors regularly and look over your shoulder before moving sideways.
What you see early does not require a harsh reaction later.

WVW article 5; RVV articles 5, 17 and 54

The driver sees the red light early, releases the accelerator and keeps space. This is safe, calm and efficient.

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2. Drive only when fit

Fatigue, emotion, alcohol, drugs and some medicines change perception and reaction.

  • Do not drive when attention, vision, reaction or judgement is impaired.
  • Read medicine warnings and ask a doctor or pharmacist when unsure.
  • Take a real break when tired. Music, an open window or coffee does not reliably restore driving ability.
If you doubt whether you can drive safely, do not drive.

WVW article 8

3. Prevent distraction and aggression

A few seconds without looking means a long uncontrolled distance.

  • Do not hold a mobile electronic device while driving.
  • Set navigation, music and climate before leaving or stop somewhere safe.
  • Keep your distance and do not turn another person’s mistake into your dangerous reaction.
Eyes on the road, hands on control, mind on traffic.

RVV article 61a; WVW article 5

4. Safe driving is often efficient driving

Looking ahead prevents hard acceleration and braking.

  • Accelerate smoothly, shift in time and keep a steady speed where safe.
  • Release the accelerator early when you must slow down farther ahead.
  • Correct tyre pressure, little unnecessary weight and good maintenance reduce energy use.
Calm forward planning saves energy and creates time.

CBR responsible and environmentally aware driving topic

The driver sees the red light early, keeps space and can reduce speed smoothly. Looking ahead is safer and avoids unnecessary braking and acceleration.

5. Protect vulnerable road users

Children, older people, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists have less protection and can be harder to predict.

  • Reduce speed near schools, residential streets, stops and busy cycle routes.
  • Leave extra side space and check the blind spot before every turn or sideways movement.
  • Expect opening doors, poor visibility and unexpected movement.
When a mistake can have serious consequences, create more space in advance.
Allow for opening doors. Look ahead, reduce speed when needed and create safe space early.

6. Alcohol, drugs and medicines do not mix with driving

A legal limit is not a safe amount. Combining substances greatly increases risk.

  • Do not drive when alcohol, drugs, medicine, fatigue or emotion may reduce your ability.
  • Look for the yellow warning sticker and read the leaflet. Ask a doctor or pharmacist when unsure.
  • Plan a sober driver, public transport or an overnight stay in advance.
If you doubt whether you can drive safely, do not drive.

What to remember before the exam

If you can explain these rules without help, you understand the core of this topic.

  • Look far ahead and check mirrors and blind spot.
  • Give vulnerable road users extra room and time.
  • Do not drive when your ability is impaired.
  • Do not hold a phone or other mobile device while driving.
  • Smooth acceleration, planning and correct tyre pressure are safe and efficient.

Check yourself

Think first. Then open the answer.

1You are very tired but drank coffee. Is it safe to continue?Show the answer
Not automatically. Coffee does not replace rest. Stop and rest before continuing.
2May you hold a phone only to view navigation?Show the answer
No. A driver may not hold a mobile electronic device while driving.
3Why is releasing the accelerator early usually better than braking late?Show the answer
You keep more time and space, drive more smoothly and usually use less energy.

Official sources

This summary uses the official CBR topics, RVV 1990, the Dutch Road Traffic Act and the Vehicle Regulations.

CBR: theory exam topicsOverheid.nl: RVV 1990Overheid.nl: Dutch Road Traffic ActOverheid.nl: Vehicle RegulationsOverheid.nl: Driving Licence Regulations

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