Failing your driving test for not observing effectively is not only the main cause of failing your test, it's also the main root cause of car crashes - here are some tips...
- BASICS! Look as far ahead as you can and keep your eyes moving. Imagine that your eyes are like your headlights on a dark country lane at night - if they're on main beam, you notice so much more!!
- MIRRORS - There are THREE mirrors on the car, so make full use of them, particularly when changing direction, but also before signalling or altering your speed
- MANOEUVRES - Before reversing, make sure you have a good look around you, including the blindspots and keep looking throughout the manoeuvre in case something changes - don't just rely on the mirrors, you'll notice benefits from periphery vision if you look through the windows too!
- MOVING OFF SAFELY - When moving off from the kerb, make sure you pay particular attention to the blindspots and mirrors - nobody should have to change their driving because you've pulled off from the kerb in front of them
- JUNCTIONS - When dealing with junctions, make sure you look carefully in all directions, particularly where other vehicles have priority over you. If you can't see very well, or if the picture is a complicated one, slow down and give yourself plenty of time. Consider the peep and creep technique, especially if you're emerging into another road
- POSITION FOR NORMAL DRIVING, USE OF SPEED AND RESPONSE TO TRAFFIC LIGHTS, ROAD SIGNS OR OTHER ROAD USERS - Road signs, road markings and signals are all intended to communicate information to you. Actively look for these items of information and use them to make sure you are always aware of the speed limits, what lanes you should be selecting and whether anyone's actions may affect you at all. Remember that traffic lights at junctions will change if they've been on the same colour for a while, pedestrians have total right of way on Zebra crossings and that when pedestrians press the button on a signal controlled crossing, the traffic lights may change immediately
