Do this!

Based upon the top ten reasons for failing a driving test according to the DVSA. Drivers who pass the test:

1.     Make effective observations at junctions.  Make sure it is safe before proceeding at junctions, roundabouts and slip roads.   Look for other potential road users and judge when it is safe to proceed without causing another road user to slow, stop or swerve.  

a.      At junctions, when emerging from the minor road, always look both ways to check it is safe before entering the next road.

1. At roundabouts, give way when vehicles are approaching from the right and enter the roundabout when it is safe.

c.      On slip roads, look early, check the blind spot, give way to traffic on the carriageway and join when it is safe.

Driving safety facts

Drivers failing to look properly was a factor in 37% of all reported accidents in Great Britain in 2019.

Source: Contributory factors for reported road accidents

2.     Check the mirrors and act on what they see, before signalling, changing direction or changing speed

a.      When turning right on a large roundabout always check behind and on the passenger side before deciding to signal left or to move left to exit the roundabout.

b.     When they want to change lanes and they see another vehicle approaching that would have to slow, they keep their position.

3.     Steer accurately,

a.      When turning left follow shape of the road.

b.     Keep both passenger side wheels on the road when turning left.

c.      When turning right into a minor.

d.     When pulling into the side of the road

e.     In good time to pass parked cars.

Driving safety facts

More than 1 in 10 reported accidents in Great Britain in 2019 were caused by the driver making a poor turn or manoeuvre.

Source: Contributory factors for reported road accidents

4.     Position correctly when turning right.

a.      When turning right at junctions, position the car as close to the centre of the road as is safe, so that if the road is wide enough and you have to wait to turn, following traffic can pass on the left.

b.     At roundabouts choose an appropriate lane so that it is clear to other road users where you might be going.

c.      When emerging right at the end of a wide road with no road markings you position to the right of centre appropriately.

5.     Move off safely, from the side of the road, on a slope or hill (gradient) from behind a parked vehicle.

a.      Check the right-hand blind spot before moving off from the side of the road.

b.     Give way to approaching vehicles when moving off from behind a parked car.

c.      When you move off from the right-hand side of the road allow oncoming vehicles and approaching vehicles from behind to continue without slowing significantly.

d.     Always check all round when moving off after an emergency stop.

6.     Respond appropriately to traffic lights. 

a.      Act correctly at traffic lights, checking that the road is clear before proceeding when the green light shows.

b.     Pull up before the line when the red light is on.

c.      Stop at the first stop line, when there is an advanced stop line for cyclists.

d.     When waiting to turn right in the middle of the junction, complete the turn when oncoming traffic has stopped, and it is safe to do so.

e.     Proceed when it is safe, and a green light or filter light is visible.

f.      Only proceed on a green light when it is safe, and you can clear the junction.

Driving safety facts

There were 1,308 reported accidents in Great Britain in 2019 caused by drivers disobeying traffic lights.

Source: Contributory factors for reported road accidents

7.     Position the car correctly on the road during normal driving.

a.      for your intended route

b.     in the middle of marked lanes

c.      only change lanes when necessary

d.     position a safe distance from the kerb

e.     Position a safe distance from centre of the road

f.      Only use the right-hand lane for overtaking, passing obstructions, turning right, when road signs and markings tell you to and return to the left lane when safe to do so.

g.      When going straight ahead at roundabouts follow the bend of the roundabout.

8.     Respond correctly to traffic signs.

a.      Recognise keep left signs and follow them.

b.     Stop at stop lines.

c.      Never pass through a no entry sign

d.     Avoid driving in bus lanes when signs prohibit it at the time you are there.

e.     Keep to the lane signs and markings at roundabouts.

f.      Prepare in good time for speed limit signs.

9.     Move off under control, including on a slope or hill (gradient), from behind a parked vehicle and at junctions.

a.      Move off smoothly uphill at traffic lights and from the side of the road without any significant roll back.

b.     Rarely stalling when moving off.

c.      Moving off without any help.

d.     Always being in gear when moving off.

Driving safety facts

942 reported accidents in Great Britain in 2019 caused by driver error when moving off at junctions.

Source: Contributory factors for reported road accidents

10.    Control the car accurately when you, parallel park at the side of the road or reverse to park in a parking bay.

a.      When reverse parallel parking complete the manoeuvre with all wheels on the road.

b.     When parking you complete the manoeuvre with a reasonable amount of corrections if necessary.

c.      Keep control of the car

d.     Park within the bay

e.     Position the car close to and parallel to the kerb.