Driving lesson handbook

CHAPTER 1 / 27

Legal before you drive

Confirm the driver, vehicle and journey are legal and safe before the car moves.

Your routine

1. Licence
2. Insurance
3. Road-legal car
4. Fit to drive

Key points

• Hold the correct licence entitlement and use a road-legal, insured vehicle.
• Meet the eyesight and fitness-to-drive rules before every journey.
• For private practice, use a suitable supervisor and display the required learner plates.
• The driver remains responsible for every safe and legal decision.

Common faults to avoid

• Driving without the correct entitlement, insurance or supervision.
• Ignoring a warning light, medical issue or condition that makes the journey unsafe.
• Assuming someone else has checked whether the vehicle is legal.

Automatic and manual

The same legal checks apply to automatic and manual cars. Confirm the exact vehicle and supervision cover before driving.

Check your understanding: Explain the routine without looking. Which hazard would make you stop or change your plan?

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CHAPTER 2 / 27

Walk-around safety check

Check outside first, then confirm the important controls and warnings inside.

Your routine

1. Tyres
2. Lights
3. Fluids
4. Warnings

Key points

• Check tyres, lights, windows, mirrors and number plates before driving.
• Know how to check fluid levels, brakes and steering without creating risk.
• Respond correctly to warning lights instead of ignoring them.
• Practise the current official “show me, tell me” questions in your own car.

Common faults to avoid

• Missing tyre damage, low pressure, dirty lights or poor visibility.
• Checking only one part of the vehicle and ignoring dashboard warnings.
• Trying to inspect fluids or hot components without using the handbook safely.

Automatic and manual

Use the vehicle handbook for model-specific checks. Automatic and manual cars can show different transmission warnings.

Check your understanding: Explain the routine without looking. Which hazard would make you stop or change your plan?

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CHAPTER 3 / 27

Cockpit drill

Set the driving position in the same safe order every time.

Your routine

1. Doors
2. Seat
3. Head restraint
4. Seat belt
5. Mirrors

Key points

• Use a repeatable routine: doors, seat, steering, seat belt and mirrors.
• Set the seat so you can fully operate the pedals while keeping control.
• Position the head restraint correctly and keep free movement at the wheel.
• Adjust mirrors only after the seat is final, then identify blind areas.

Common faults to avoid

• Setting mirrors before the seat and then leaving the view incorrect.
• Sitting too far from the pedals or too close to the steering wheel.
• Leaving a door, seat belt or head restraint incorrectly set.

Automatic and manual

Set the seat for full brake control in an automatic and full clutch travel in a manual, then set the mirrors.

Check your understanding: Explain the routine without looking. Which hazard would make you stop or change your plan?

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CHAPTER 4 / 27

Leave the car secure

Choose a legal position, secure the controls, switch off and lock.

Your routine

1. Safe place
2. Parking brake
3. Park / gear
4. Switch off
5. Lock

Key points

• Choose a safe, legal place with good visibility before stopping.
• Secure with the parking brake and the correct gear or Park setting.
• Switch off, close windows, remove valuables and lock the vehicle.
• Check for cyclists and traffic before opening a door.

Common faults to avoid

• Stopping where the car obstructs a junction, crossing or access.
• Leaving the car without the parking brake and correct gear or Park selected.
• Opening a door without checking for cyclists or traffic.

Automatic and manual

Automatic: select Park. Manual: use neutral or a suitable gear for the situation. In both, apply the parking brake and secure the car.

Check your understanding: Explain the routine without looking. Which hazard would make you stop or change your plan?

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CHAPTER 5 / 27

Main controls

Know each control before moving so your eyes can stay on the road.

Your routine

1. Steering
2. Accelerator
3. Brake
4. Gear / selector

Key points

• Use the right foot progressively between accelerator and brake in an automatic.
• For a manual, coordinate clutch, accelerator and gears without looking down.
• Keep both hands available for controlled steering whenever possible.
• Locate indicators, lights, demisters and wipers before they are urgently needed.

Common faults to avoid

• Looking down to find a control while the car is moving.
• Using the wrong foot or allowing clutch, brake or steering inputs to become abrupt.
• Steering one-handed when both hands are available for control.

Automatic and manual

Automatic: use the right foot for accelerator and brake. Manual: use the left foot for the clutch and the right foot for accelerator and brake.

Check your understanding: Explain the routine without looking. Which hazard would make you stop or change your plan?

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CHAPTER 6 / 27

Move off and pull up

Prepare first, observe immediately before moving and use a smooth path.

Your routine

1. Prepare
2. Mirrors
3. Blind spot
4. Safe gap
5. Move

Key points

• Prepare the car before looking for a gap; use the POM routine.
• Check mirrors and the relevant blind spot immediately before moving.
• Move only into a safe gap, with smooth control and clear steering.
• For stopping, choose a safe place, check mirrors, signal if useful and secure the car.

Common faults to avoid

• Moving before the final blind-spot check.
• Accepting a gap that makes another road user brake or change direction.
• Pulling away or returning to the kerb with sudden steering.

Automatic and manual

Automatic: manage creep with progressive brake control. Manual: coordinate clutch and accelerator smoothly. Observation and the safe gap are identical.

Check your understanding: Explain the routine without looking. Which hazard would make you stop or change your plan?

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CHAPTER 7 / 27

Safe road position

Keep balanced clearance from the kerb, centre line and parked vehicles.

Your routine

1. Look ahead
2. Choose position
3. Hold clearance
4. Adjust early

Key points

• Use a normal road position that leaves safe clearance on both sides.
• Look well ahead so positioning changes are planned rather than sudden.
• Give parked vehicles and vulnerable road users extra space.
• Follow lane markings and adjust position early for bends and hazards.

Common faults to avoid

• Driving too close to the kerb, centre line or parked vehicles.
• Fixating near the bonnet instead of looking well ahead.
• Making a late position change without mirrors.

Automatic and manual

Road position does not change with transmission. Keep the controls settled so attention stays on the road.

Check your understanding: Explain the routine without looking. Which hazard would make you stop or change your plan?

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CHAPTER 8 / 27

Mirror information zones

Use the correct mirror early enough for the information to change your decision.

Your routine

1. Interior
2. Door mirror
3. Blind spot
4. Decision

Key points

• Check the correct mirrors well before changing speed, direction or position.
• Use mirror pairs so you understand both the wider scene and the relevant side.
• Act on what you see; a mirror check has no value if it cannot change the plan.
• Use direct observation for blind areas when moving off or changing position.

Common faults to avoid

• Moving the eyes without taking in useful mirror information.
• Checking the wrong mirror or checking after the speed or direction change.
• Seeing a risk but failing to adapt the plan.

Automatic and manual

Mirror timing is the same in every car; check before planned changes of speed, direction or position. In an emergency, brake immediately; do not delay to check mirrors.

Check your understanding: Explain the routine without looking. Which hazard would make you stop or change your plan?

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CHAPTER 9 / 27

Signal only when useful

Observe first, signal clearly and keep checking while you manoeuvre.

Your routine

1. Mirrors
2. Decide
3. Signal
4. Recheck

Key points

• Signal only when it will help another road user understand your intention.
• Check mirrors first, then give the signal early enough to be useful.
• Avoid signals that could mislead at side roads or closely spaced junctions.
• Cancel the signal after the manoeuvre and keep observing throughout.

Common faults to avoid

• Signalling before mirrors or using a signal that could mislead.
• Giving the signal too late for anyone to benefit.
• Leaving the indicator on after the manoeuvre.

Automatic and manual

Signal timing is the same in automatic and manual cars. Keep steering control while operating the indicator.

Check your understanding: Explain the routine without looking. Which hazard would make you stop or change your plan?

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CHAPTER 10 / 27

Spot a developing hazard

Scan ahead, predict change and create time before action becomes urgent.

Your routine

1. Scan
2. Predict
3. Plan
4. Act

Key points

• Scan far, middle and near instead of watching only the vehicle ahead.
• Use clues such as brake lights, gaps, road signs and people near the kerb.
• Ask what could happen next and create time, space and an escape option.
• Review the plan continuously as the situation changes.

Common faults to avoid

• Watching only the vehicle immediately ahead.
• Recognising a hazard late and reacting harshly.
• Failing to create time, space or an escape option.

Automatic and manual

Planning should leave enough time for smooth brake or gear choices without looking away from the road.

Check your understanding: Explain the routine without looking. Which hazard would make you stop or change your plan?

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CHAPTER 11 / 27

Match speed to the view

The limit is a maximum; the safe speed depends on the road you can see.

Your routine

1. Read limit
2. Read road
3. Find hazards
4. Set speed

Key points

• Know the limit, but choose a lower speed when visibility or grip is reduced.
• Be able to stop safely within the distance you can see to be clear.
• Reduce speed before bends, junctions, crossings and restricted spaces.
• Make reasonable progress when conditions are safe; avoid needless hesitation.

Common faults to avoid

• Treating the speed limit as a target regardless of visibility.
• Braking late for a bend, crossing or restricted space.
• Driving unnecessarily slowly when the road is safe and clear.

Automatic and manual

Automatic: set speed progressively with accelerator and brake. Manual: complete the main braking and select a suitable gear before the hazard.

Check your understanding: Explain the routine without looking. Which hazard would make you stop or change your plan?

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CHAPTER 12 / 27

Meeting and passing traffic

Create space and communicate through position and speed instead of forcing priority.

Your routine

1. See
2. Create space
3. Communicate
4. Pass safely

Key points

• Keep a safe following distance and increase it when conditions worsen.
• Read priorities early when meeting traffic or passing obstructions.
• Protect cyclists, pedestrians, riders and other vulnerable road users.
• Overtake only when it is legal, necessary and fully safe.

Common faults to avoid

• Forcing priority when meeting traffic or passing an obstruction.
• Following too closely or passing a vulnerable road user without space.
• Overtaking where the road ahead or escape gap is not clear.

Automatic and manual

Automatic: control very slow movement with the brake. Manual: use clutch control without prolonged unnecessary slipping.

Check your understanding: Explain the routine without looking. Which hazard would make you stop or change your plan?

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CHAPTER 13 / 27

Smooth eco-driving

Early planning creates a steady speed with less unnecessary braking and acceleration.

Your routine

1. Look ahead
2. Ease off
3. Smooth control
4. Steady flow

Key points

• Plan early so speed changes can be smooth rather than harsh.
• Build speed progressively, then maintain a steady pace where possible.
• In a manual, choose a suitable gear without labouring or over-revving the engine.
• In every car, safety and control take priority over saving fuel.

Common faults to avoid

• Accelerating towards a predictable stop or queue.
• Coasting or choosing a gear that reduces control.
• Putting fuel saving ahead of safety or reasonable progress.

Automatic and manual

Automatic: use a steady accelerator and early lift-off. Manual: combine early planning with a suitable gear; never coast to save fuel.

Check your understanding: Explain the routine without looking. Which hazard would make you stop or change your plan?

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CHAPTER 14 / 27

Junctions and turns

Use MSPSL on every approach. Read the junction first, complete the speed change before steering, and move only when every relevant conflict point is safe.

Your routine

1. Mirrors
2. Signal
3. Position
4. Speed / gear
5. Look
6. Decide
7. Move

Key points

• Use Mirrors–Signal–Position–Speed–Look on every approach.
• Identify whether the junction is open or closed and set speed before the turn.
• At a restricted view, edge forward only under slow control while looking both ways.
• Check for pedestrians and cyclists before turning or emerging.

Teaching notes

• Approaching to turn: check the centre mirror plus the mirror on the turning side. Signal early enough to help, but let the live road layout and traffic determine the timing so the signal cannot mislead.
• Position and speed: for a left turn, keep as close to the left as is safe and practicable. For a right turn, position just left of the centre line if safe. Set a speed suitable for the width, view and hazards before steering.
• Emerging: a closed T-junction needs progressive slowing, effective observation and controlled peep-and-creep when the view is restricted. An open junction gives an earlier view but still needs a final safe decision. Never make traffic slow, stop or swerve.
• Y-junctions: layouts vary. Read signs and markings, watch for incorrectly positioned or emerging vehicles, and use a position that gives an effective view without creating risk.
• Crossroads: identify who crosses whose path. Extra hazards require extra observation; protect pedestrians, cyclists, oncoming traffic and the exit path.

Common faults to avoid

• Starting MSPSL late or completing it as a rushed checklist.
• Approaching too fast to observe or stop.
• Swinging out, cutting the corner or missing a cyclist or pedestrian.

Automatic and manual

Automatic: use progressive brake control. Manual: slow first and select an appropriate gear before steering. The observation standard is identical.

Check your understanding: Explain the routine without looking. Which hazard would make you stop or change your plan?

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CHAPTER 15 / 27

Roundabouts

Use MSPSL, read signs and markings, judge traffic from the right, then hold the chosen path and exit safely.

Your routine

1. Mirrors
2. Signal
3. Position / lane
4. Speed / gear
5. Look right
6. Decide
7. Move and exit

Key points

• Read signs and road markings early, then select the correct lane.
• Set position and speed before the give-way line and judge the whole traffic flow.
• Enter only when the gap is safe; avoid rushing because another driver is waiting.
• Check mirrors, signal left when useful and maintain your lane on exit.

Teaching notes

• First exit: normally use the left lane and signal left on approach. Straight ahead: normally no approach signal; check mirrors and signal left after passing the exit before yours. Right exit: normally signal right on approach, then check the left mirror and signal left after the exit before yours.
• Signs and road markings override the default lane guide. Give way to traffic from the right and enter only when the gap is genuinely safe.
• At a mini-roundabout, deal with each roundabout separately, expect blockers and U-turning traffic, and do not force an exit signal when there is not enough time or space for it to help.

Common faults to avoid

• Choosing a lane from habit instead of signs and markings.
• Rushing an unsafe gap or hesitating when a safe gap is clear.
• Drifting lanes or forgetting the mirror and exit signal.

Automatic and manual

Automatic: control the approach with progressive braking. Manual: finish the main speed and gear change before the give-way line.

Check your understanding: Explain the routine without looking. Which hazard would make you stop or change your plan?

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CHAPTER 16 / 27

Pedestrian crossing

Recognise the crossing early, reduce speed and stop correctly when required.

Your routine

1. Identify
2. Mirrors
3. Ease off
4. Give priority

Key points

• Recognise the crossing type and scan both pavements on approach.
• Ease off early and give priority as required without harsh braking.
• Keep the crossing clear and never wave someone into a potentially unsafe lane.
• Before moving again, check that the full crossing area is clear.

Common faults to avoid

• Recognising the crossing too late to slow smoothly.
• Blocking the crossing or pressuring someone who is crossing.
• Moving before the whole crossing area is clear.

Automatic and manual

Transmission does not change priority. Approach slowly enough to stop smoothly and keep the crossing clear.

Check your understanding: Explain the routine without looking. Which hazard would make you stop or change your plan?

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CHAPTER 17 / 27

Pull up on the right and reverse

Cross only after a full check, stop close and parallel, reverse at walking pace for about two car lengths, then rejoin the left safely.

Your routine

1. Choose place
2. Mirrors
3. Signal if useful
4. Cross safely
5. Observe and reverse
6. Rejoin left

Key points

• Reverse at walking pace so observation can stay ahead of movement.
• Make effective all-round checks and pause for any road user.
• Use mirrors and a reversing camera only as aids, never as the full observation plan.
• Correct the position calmly rather than continuing with a poor line.

Teaching notes

• Choose somewhere safe, legal and convenient. Do not cut across the path of oncoming traffic.
• Before reversing, check all around including both blind spots. Look mainly through the rear window, glance at the right mirror for kerb position and stop for every road user.
• Before moving away, check centre and left mirrors plus the left blind spot; signal only if it will help.

Common faults to avoid

• Choosing an unsafe place or crossing towards the right without a safe gap.
• Reversing too quickly or relying only on mirrors or the camera.
• Rejoining the left without a final blind-spot check.

Automatic and manual

Automatic: control reverse creep mainly with the brake. Manual: use precise clutch control. Both require continuous all-round observation.

Check your understanding: Explain the routine without looking. Which hazard would make you stop or change your plan?

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CHAPTER 18 / 27

Turning the car around

A useful instructor-led control exercise: choose a legal place, use very slow movements and reassess before every direction change.

Your routine

1. Choose place
2. All-round check
3. Forward turn
4. Stop and secure
5. Reverse turn
6. Finish left

Key points

• Choose a legal location with enough space and visibility before turning.
• Use very slow control and look all around before each movement.
• Pause and give priority whenever another road user approaches.
• Finish safely on the correct side, then complete normal moving-off checks.

Teaching notes

• This is a training exercise, not one of the current standard DVSA practical-test manoeuvres. It develops slow control, steering coordination and all-round observation.
• Use a wide, quiet road with no prohibition, junction, crossing or nearby road user. Pause and complete a fresh all-round check before every change between forward and reverse.
• Do not mount the kerb or force another road user to wait. If the road is busy or too narrow, use a safer alternative such as turning in a suitable side road.

Common faults to avoid

• Beginning where the road is too narrow, busy or restricted.
• Changing direction without a fresh all-round check.
• Moving too quickly to stop for another road user.

Automatic and manual

Use the slowest controlled movement your car allows. Pause and secure before changing between forward and reverse.

Check your understanding: Explain the routine without looking. Which hazard would make you stop or change your plan?

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CHAPTER 19 / 27

Parking manoeuvres

Choose a suitable space, set a repeatable reference, move at walking pace and keep direct all-round observation active throughout.

Your routine

1. Choose space
2. Set position
3. Reference point
4. All-round check
5. Creep and steer
6. Straighten and secure

Key points

• Choose a suitable space and understand the reference points for your car.
• Keep the car slow while observation continues throughout the manoeuvre.
• Pause for pedestrians or traffic and do not rely only on the camera.
• A safe correction is better than rushing to finish in one movement.

Teaching notes

• Reference points differ between cars, seating positions and methods. Confirm the exact reference with your instructor rather than copying one fixed marker blindly.
• Keep checking ahead, both sides, mirrors, blind spots and the rear window. Stop for pedestrians, cyclists or vehicles; a camera is only an extra aid.
• Finish within the bay or close and parallel to the kerb. A safe correction is acceptable and better than rushing.

Common faults to avoid

• Copying a fixed reference point that does not suit the car.
• Moving too quickly or relying only on the reversing camera.
• Continuing with a poor line instead of making a safe correction.

Automatic and manual

Automatic: control creep with the brake. Manual: use clutch control with minimal accelerator. Reference points must suit the actual car.

Check your understanding: Explain the routine without looking. Which hazard would make you stop or change your plan?

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CHAPTER 20 / 27

Controlled emergency stop

React immediately, brake firmly and progressively, keep the car straight, then secure and complete full observation before moving again.

Your routine

1. React
2. Eyes ahead
3. Firm brake
4. Clutch after braking (manual)
5. Secure
6. Observe before moving

Key points

• Practise only with an instructor in a suitable place and after a clear briefing.
• On the signal, react promptly, brake firmly and keep steering control.
• In a manual, depress the clutch before the engine stalls while maintaining braking.
• Secure the car, compose yourself and make full observations before moving.

Teaching notes

• Once the emergency signal is given, keep your eyes on the road—there is no time for a mirror check before braking.
• Brake firmly and progressively, keep both hands steering straight and do not use the handbrake to stop. In a manual car, press the clutch after braking has started so it does not delay the response.
• After stopping, secure the car. Before moving again, use full mirrors and blind-spot observation.

Common faults to avoid

• Checking mirrors after the emergency signal instead of reacting.
• Braking weakly, steering away or using the parking brake to stop.
• In a manual, pressing the clutch before braking and delaying the response.

Automatic and manual

Automatic: brake firmly and keep steering straight. Manual: start braking first, then press the clutch before the engine stalls.

Check your understanding: Explain the routine without looking. Which hazard would make you stop or change your plan?

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CHAPTER 21 / 27

Country-road bend

Set speed from the changing view and stop within the distance visible.

Your routine

1. Read view
2. Set speed
3. Hold position
4. Reassess

Key points

• Use the changing view through a bend to judge a safe approach speed.
• Enter bends under control, with a safe position and no cutting across.
• Expect hidden junctions, animals, mud, cyclists and oncoming traffic.
• Always be able to stop within the distance you can see to be clear.

Common faults to avoid

• Entering a bend faster than the visible stopping distance allows.
• Cutting across the centre line or running close to the verge.
• Overtaking near a blind bend, crest or hidden junction.

Automatic and manual

Automatic: set speed before the bend. Manual: brake and choose a suitable gear before steering, not halfway through the bend.

Check your understanding: Explain the routine without looking. Which hazard would make you stop or change your plan?

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CHAPTER 22 / 27

Join a dual carriageway

Build an appropriate speed and merge into a genuinely safe gap.

Your routine

1. Mirrors
2. Build speed
3. Choose gap
4. Join
5. Keep left

Key points

• Use mirrors, signal when useful and match the traffic speed on the slip road.
• Choose a safe gap without forcing traffic already on the carriageway to move.
• Keep left unless overtaking and maintain a safe following distance.
• Plan exits early, complete lane changes one at a time and reduce speed after leaving.

Common faults to avoid

• Reaching the merge too slowly or stopping when a safe merge is possible.
• Relying on motorway traffic to make a gap.
• Joining across lanes or remaining in an overtaking lane unnecessarily.

Automatic and manual

Use the acceleration lane to build an appropriate speed. Manual drivers should select a gear that allows a smooth, positive merge.

Check your understanding: Explain the routine without looking. Which hazard would make you stop or change your plan?

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CHAPTER 23 / 27

Motorway lane discipline

Keep left unless overtaking, maintain space and plan exits early.

Your routine

1. Join
2. Keep left
3. Safe gap
4. Overtake
5. Return left

Key points

• Join at an appropriate speed and keep a safe separation distance.
• Read overhead signs early and return left after overtaking.
• Know how red X signals, emergency areas and breakdown procedures work.
• Never stop, reverse or turn around unless directed in an emergency.

Common faults to avoid

• Staying in a middle or right lane when not overtaking.
• Following too closely at motorway speed.
• Reacting late to signs, exits, red X signals or changing conditions.

Automatic and manual

Lane discipline, spacing and signs apply equally to both transmissions; avoid unnecessary control changes at motorway speed.

Check your understanding: Explain the routine without looking. Which hazard would make you stop or change your plan?

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CHAPTER 24 / 27

Driving in the dark

Use the correct lights and keep speed within the distance you can clearly see.

Your routine

1. Lights
2. Clear view
3. Safe speed
4. Manage glare

Key points

• Use the correct lights and keep glass, mirrors and lenses clean.
• Reduce speed so you can stop in the distance illuminated and visible.
• Manage glare by looking towards the left edge without losing the road view.
• Expect pedestrians, cyclists and parked vehicles to be harder to see.

Common faults to avoid

• Using lights that dazzle or failing to use lights when required.
• Driving beyond the distance that is clearly visible.
• Looking directly at glare and missing pedestrians or cyclists.

Automatic and manual

Use smooth controls and the correct lights in either transmission. Manual drivers should avoid late gear changes when visibility is limited.

Check your understanding: Explain the routine without looking. Which hazard would make you stop or change your plan?

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CHAPTER 25 / 27

Wet-weather space

Reduced grip needs a larger following gap and smoother control.

Your routine

1. Visibility
2. More space
3. Smooth inputs
4. Reassess

Key points

• Increase the following gap substantially when grip or visibility is reduced.
• Use smooth steering, braking and acceleration to protect available grip.
• Clear mist, snow or ice properly before moving and use lights correctly.
• If conditions exceed your ability or the vehicle’s capability, delay the journey.

Common faults to avoid

• Keeping a dry-road gap when rain has reduced grip and visibility.
• Using harsh steering, braking or acceleration.
• Driving before the windows, lights and mirrors provide a clear view.

Automatic and manual

Use gentler inputs and a larger gap in either transmission. Select a suitable gear early and avoid abrupt changes.

Check your understanding: Explain the routine without looking. Which hazard would make you stop or change your plan?

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CHAPTER 26 / 27

Passengers and loads

Restrain every passenger, secure every load and manage distraction before moving.

Your routine

1. Seat belts
2. Secure load
3. Set expectations
4. Adapt driving

Key points

• Every passenger must use the correct restraint; the driver manages young passengers.
• Secure luggage so it cannot move, obstruct controls or injure someone.
• Allow for changes to acceleration, steering and stopping when the vehicle is loaded.
• Set expectations before moving and stop safely if distraction becomes unmanageable.

Common faults to avoid

• Allowing an incorrect restraint or unsecured heavy item.
• Letting passengers, phones or loose objects distract the driver.
• Failing to allow for the extra weight when accelerating or stopping.

Automatic and manual

Extra weight changes acceleration and stopping in every car. Secure the load before selecting Drive or a gear.

Check your understanding: Explain the routine without looking. Which hazard would make you stop or change your plan?

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CHAPTER 27 / 27

Follow the route safely

Read directions early; if you miss one, continue safely and let the route change.

Your routine

1. Read route
2. Plan lane
3. Drive safely
4. Reroute

Key points

• Set the route before moving and position the device without blocking the view.
• Use short glances and continue prioritising the road over the instruction.
• Plan lanes early from signs and directions, but do not make unsafe last-second moves.
• If a direction is missed, continue safely and let the route recalculate.

Common faults to avoid

• Looking at the sat-nav for too long.
• Changing lane late or making a sudden move to save a missed turn.
• Following a direction that conflicts with signs, markings or safety.

Automatic and manual

Set the route before moving. Automatic or manual, the road and signs always take priority over the device.

Check your understanding: Explain the routine without looking. Which hazard would make you stop or change your plan?

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