Essential Driving Lesson Tips

I just had a pupil who failed his test he had several driving errors, actually all of

them were serious ones. But the thing is those 2 serious errors were what I would

call stupid mistakes and all because of what I think was him being in a hurry to

actually get the test done and over with. I’ve actually found out that a lot of my

pupils on their test, they seem to have this idea that “I want to get this test over

with” so they’re in a hurry. There’s no reason for it; take your time on whatever it

is you’re asked to do, especially when you’re moving up for the very first time or

you do a maneuver. You need to make sure you actually look all around and it’s

safe for you to do what it is you’ve been asked to do. There’s no reason why you

need to be in a hurry, there’s no time limit on the maneuver so if it’s not safe for

you to proceed with the maneuver then they need to wait until it is safe. The

same thing with a junction; if you’re emerging and the road that you’re

emerging into is not clear then you obviously you can’t emerge into that road.

So you need to make sure on your driving

test; take your time when you’re doing a

maneuver or when you’re emerging,

whatever it is make sure that you do not rush

it and only proceed when it is safe. This is a

big difference from hesitation; hesitation is

when you’re not making progress when you

should be making progress or you don’t go when it’s safe for you to go, and

usually you find that hesitation happens either on a straight road where you can

see ahead that it’s safe and you’re not making the right speed or you’re

approaching what is called an open junction where you can see well enough that

it is safe for you to go and you’re not progressing, that’s where you usually get

problems with hesitation. But you should not confuse this with making sure that it

is safe for you to proceed at a closed junction or when you’re moving off.

Junctions:

How to use junctions correctly. A junction is a point where 2 or more roads meet,

and for most people taking driving lessons it’s the most common hazard and the

place where most accidents occur. There are many different types of junctions

and it’s a good idea to discuss these with your instructor during your practical

lessons. In the meantime, Gary Lamb, our BSM instructor of over 20 years offers

a basic process to using junctions correctly. Step 1 – the process; all junctions

require the mirror signal maneuver routine on approach, where junctions are

concerned, the maneuver is broken down into 3 sections – position, speed, and

look. Step 2- turning off from a main road; once you’ve decided to turn check

your rearview mirror and the door mirror on the side you’re turning. Signal, do

this even if you can’t see anyone else on the road. Position the car in your

normal driving position, if you’re turning left, look out for cyclists and

pedestrians. If you’re turning right, move next to the centerline. Watch out for

oncoming traffic and be prepared to stop if necessary. Complete the turn safely.

Straighten the car once you’ve joined the new road and ensure that your

indicator is off. Step 3 – emerging onto a main road; when turning onto a main

road you must always give way, this will be shown by the broken white lines at

the junction. Firstly check your rearview mirror and the door mirror on the side

you’re turning to, be it right or left. Give the signal to let others know which way

you’re turning. If you’re turning left move over to the left and if you’re turning

right move towards the center line. Pull out if it’s safe to do so otherwise stop

completely and wait until there’s a big enough break in the traffic. Once you’ve

completed the turn, straighten the car and do a mirror check. Step 4 –

crossroads; crossroad layouts vary so pay careful attention to road markings and

signs. As you approach, remember mirrors, signal and get in position.

Observation is key to safety at crossroads, be prepared for the unexpected;

vehicles don’t always give way or stop as we would. Take extra care when

turning right if an approaching vehicle is also turning right. You can either turn

offside to offside passing drivers’ doors or nearside to nearside passing

passenger side doors. Now you know the basic principles, you’re on your way to

tackling junctions safely and confidently.

Roundabouts:

How to use roundabouts. A roundabout is where 2 or more roads converge

around a central island, the concept is to keep the traffic flowing by giving way

to vehicles coming from the right. There are many different types of

roundabouts and it’s a good idea to discuss these with your instructor during

your practical lessons. In the meantime, Gary Lamb, our BSM instructor of over

20 years offers a basic routine for using roundabouts correctly. Step 1 – the

process; as with all junctions, roundabouts require the mirror signal maneuver

routine on approach. The maneuver is broken down into 3 sections – position,

speed, and look. Position the car depending on what exit you’re intending to

take, slow your speed by easing off the gas pedal, breaking sufficiently and

selecting the appropriate gear to match your speed and look, what do you see?

Is it safe to go? Or do you have to give way to other traffic? Step 2 – first exit;

when approaching roundabouts positioning is crucial, it helps to tell people

what your intentions are. If you’re taking the first exit, keep to the left side of the

road and indicate left. Stay in the left lane when using the roundabout, ready to

easily leave at the first exit. Step 3 – straight on, if you’re going straight ahead

again, keep left but don’t indicate. Stay in the left hand lane on the roundabout,

indicate left after you’ve passed the exit before the one you want. Make good

use of your nearside door mirror ensuring there is no one who will be

inconvenienced by you turning off. Step 4 – turning right; if you’re turning right

stay over to the right on your approach and indicate as such. Keep to the right

lane on the roundabout until you need to change lanes to exit. Indicate left after

you’ve passed the exit before the one you want. Once you’ve left the roundabout

make sure your signal has been cancelled and check for following traffic in your

mirrors. Step 5 – other roundabouts; many roundabouts follow the same highway

codes as normal roundabouts. When it comes to multiple and satellite

roundabout systems, deal with each separately, treating it as you would a

normal roundabout. Congratulations, you now know the basics for using

roundabouts safely and confidently.

Article used with kind permission of stepbystepdirections.com