This is part two in the series of our top driving tips and hacks, provided to us straight from the mouths of our experienced, professional driving instructors.
This time, we look at scenarios that our instructors have encountered during their times on the road, and all the things that learner drivers should be clued up on to be safe and confident drivers.
How to deal with ‘queue-jumpers’ as lanes merge
Motorists are easily annoyed and frustrated by drivers passing them on the right-hand lane, only to whizz across the lanes and jump into the correct lane at the last minute. However, you might not know that these ‘queue jumpers’ motorists are annoyed by, are actually doing the right thing according to the law.
In the event of two lanes merging, drivers are supposed to use both lanes up until the point of the lane closure. At this time motorists are expected to take turns pulling into the one lane. This helps ease congestion at traffic pinch points. Meanwhile, drivers merging ahead of time are actually causing further traffic and tailbacks for other motorists.
Be conscious of all that’s around you, and don’t worry – this will come in time with regular roads and regular driving. Some drivers may also appear selfish, but never malicious, so never take a decision they make to heart.
How to use your horn properly
In other countries across the globe, the streets are alive with the sounds of horns honking. As with most things in the UK however, we Brits are a little more reserved. A horn should only be used as a way of alerting other road users of your presence or a road danger they might not be able to see.
If you are using your horn is an ‘unnecessary hostile’ way this could cause other road users to become agitated. It is recommended that you only use your horn when you absolutely have to. We would also like to remind you that the Highway Code states you are not allowed to use your horn between 11:30 pm and 7 am.
How to check tyre pressure
Lots of motorists on the roads do not check their tyres from one MOT to the next. It is important to note that a tyre can sometimes not look flat on sight, but it is actually under-inflated. Poorly maintained tyres will affect the performance of your vehicle. You will have less control over your steering, spend more on petrol and it could also lead to a collision from a tyre blow-out.
We would recommend that you check your tyre pressures regularly and especially before long journeys. To get the most accurate reading your tyres need to be cold and not recently driven on or you could get a false reading of your tyre pressure.
What ‘rubbernecking’ is and why you shouldn’t do it
Rubbernecking is when you are slowing down to see an accident, what the police or other emergency services are doing and how bad an accident may have been. By rubbernecking, you are leading to a build-up of traffic behind you and this will distress everyone, but could also cause an accident.
Also, bear in mind that if you are caught filming or taking photos of an accident you could be prosecuted, face hefty fines, have your phone seized or gain a driving ban. It is also really insensitive to slow down for or record a serious accident.
If you would like to be a confident and safe driver on the roads then why not book your driving lessons and test with GoGoGo Intensive. We can give you all the knowledge and skills you need to master the roads and pass your driving test in just 5 days.