Safe Positioning: Put the Car Where It Creates Space
30-second summary
Road position changes with road width, bends, parked vehicles, lane markings and other road users. The goal is useful space and predictable movement.
A simple mental model
Ask: Where gives me the best combination of space, view and predictability?
Step by step
Use lane markings and signs early.
Leave sensible clearance from parked vehicles and vulnerable road users.
Adapt to road width and oncoming traffic without crowding either side.
Hold a safe, stable position through bends rather than cutting the road.
Common learner mistakes
Driving too close to parked cars.
Drifting toward whatever you are looking at.
Changing lane late because planning started late.
What good performance looks like
holds a stable position
changes position for a reason
creates margin around higher-risk road users
Safe practice / reflection
As a passenger, notice three times the safest position changes even though the road itself continues straight.
Real-world scenario
A parked van narrows your lane while traffic approaches. Safe position is not one fixed distance from the kerb; it is the position that creates the best available space and view for the situation.
Next-lesson drill
During your next lesson, choose three moments to explain why your road position changed.
Quick check
Think through each question before opening the answer. These checks are not saved and do not assess your practical driving competence.
Is there one fixed distance from the kerb that is always correct?
Show suggested answer
No. Position depends on the road and risk.
Why leave clearance from parked vehicles?
Show suggested answer
Doors, pedestrians or movement can appear unexpectedly.
What makes a lane change easier?
Show suggested answer
Planning and moving into the correct lane in good time.
Connected lesson focus
If this topic appears in your lesson report, choose one observable target for the next drive rather than trying to fix the whole skill at once.
Official basis and further reading
DVSA skill 7: safe positioning.
This FPA guide uses original teaching language. Current GOV.UK / Highway Code wording takes priority for law, test procedure and safety rules.