DSSSM
Handbrake/ Neutral
Mirrors
Always used before braking/ speed change/ to update/ Checked every 2-3 seconds
Steering
Push/ pull technique/Never cross hands
Look well ahead
Forward Plan
Look into a new road
Anticipate hazards
M S M
Always in this order
Once mirrors checked and signal applied, then you have time to concentrate on the manoeuvre
Signals
Only if necessary/ always if lane change
Clutch
Always clutch down to prevent stalling/ No coasting
Gears
Match the speed with the gear
1st gear =10mph
2nd= 20mph, 3rd= 30mph,
4th =40mph, 5th =50mph
Block change where possible
Turning Right & Left
Position/ reference point
Do not cut the corner
Check right door mirror before making right turn
Mirror check in new road
Emerging
Look twice both ways
Crossroads- 3 way observation
Right =Position left of centre line
Left= Drive into the curve of the junction
Roundabouts
Careful with lane discipline as this will be a serious driving fault.
If changing lane mirror check and signal
Always mirror checks and signal to pull off roundabout
Traffic lights
Mirror check on approach
Anticipate a change to red
If turning right and no green right arrow, give way to traffic ahead.
Continue with a green filter arrow
Passing parked vehicles
No signal your position is the signal
Mirror check out into road and mirror check to pull back in
Adequate clearance door width or down centre if cars on both sides
Ensure clearance well come back in
Overtaking
Only if necessary & safe. Keep well back from vehicle in front so clear view of road ahead
Signal and mirror check to move out and back in
Move back in when you can see the front of the overtaken vehicle in the
left corner of centre mirror
Meeting Traffic
Pull into a safe passing place or go into hold back position left of centre line
Mirror check to pull out into road and Mirror check to pull back in
Independent Driving
If you go the wrong direction continue with correct signal and correct lane
Only becomes a serious if do something wrong e.g. crossing lanes
Sat Nav Driving
Follow the sat nav for up to 20 minutes
Pedestrian Crossings
Mirror check on approach to assess the distance of the vehicle behind
Scan the crossing for pedestrians
Anticipate a change to red if pedestrians waiting
Following Distance
Remember the 2 second rule and say it to yourself
Safe distance from the vehicle in front
If you can’t see a lorry’s mirrors then the lorry driver can’t see you
If vehicle behind is very close to you then increase the gap
Manoeuvres & Emergency Stop
All about CONTOL/ ACCURACY/ OBSERVATION
If you have a signal on from stopping, remember to cancel this.
Keep it very very very slow. (old man’s walking pace)
6 Point observation at each stage.
Also look around many times for other vehicles/ pedestrians.
Wait, apply handbrake and make eye contact with others
Use your reference points.
If reversing look out of back window (Remember you wouldn’t drive forward looking out of the back window)
Parallel Park
Line car up. Reverse gear immediately to inform.
6 point observation and at point of turn before the car swings out/ half a
turn of wheel when lined up with vehicle.
Slow reverse / constant observations. Find reference.
Full lock then reverse until car parallel with car in front.
Turn wheel back one and half turns to straighten car.
Back 2 car lengths. Your vehicle is one car
Handbrake/ Neutral.
Ensure you do 6 point observation before moving off.
Reverse Bay Park
Line car up with reference point.
6 point observation/ Full lock quickly once the car starts to move.
Wait for car to come into the bay. You will see the bay line in door mirror.
One and half turns to straighten up.
Use Reference point to ensure you don’t hit the kerb behind.
Ensure you do 6 point observation before moving off.
Forward Bay Park
Line car up with reference point.
Full lock/ Steer into the bay.
You will see the bay line in door mirror.
Ensure you do 6 point observation before moving off.
Pull up on the right side of the road and reverse back no more than 2 car lengths
Apply a right signal and move across the the right side of the road.
Stop reasonably close to the kerb
6 point observation.
Reverse back no more than 2 car lengths .
When moving off, reverse 6 point observations and apply a left signal.
Rejoin traffic and continue with normal driving position.
Emergency Stop
No mirror check.
Firm hold of steering wheel/ Look straight ahead.
Quick reaction from accelerator to brake pedal.
Clutch down at the end to prevent stalling.
Ensure you do 6 point observation before moving off.