Driving on the road

As you move on to public roads there will be more for you to think about when driving. The more aware you are of what’s going on around your car, the better a driver you’ll be.

Where should you practise this?

Start on quieter road with less traffic, so you have more time and space to practise.

Tips for driving on the road

• Aim your eyes high. Scan the road out to 12 seconds drive time in front of you, and back towards your car, then out again.
• Always keep you eyes moving so you’re aware of what’s happening ahead and behind you.
• The faster you’re going, the more distance you will cover in 12 seconds. That means you’ll have to look much further ahead when you’re driving on higher-speed roads.
• Check your rearview mirror regularly – about once every 8–12 seconds to begin with.
• Check your side mirrors whenever there’s a chance that another road user could be coming down either side of your car.
• Keep left. Stay to the left hand side of the road unless passing.
• Get to know how wide your car is. This helps you leave enough space to move past parked cars or other obstacles.
• When it’s time to stop, picture exactly where you want your car to end up.