Blind spot

pow wow

Does anyone have any guidance on exactly when you are supposed to glance over your shoulder at your blindspots? My instructor only tells me to when pulling out, reversing round the corner and occasionally during three point turn. Sometimes I do it when changing lanes on a dual carriageway but only because everyone I know who drives does that!

I have my test in a couple of days and don't want to get marked down for not checking enough, but my instructor seems ok with how I do it now? Would really appreciate any advice! Thanks.

Hagar

ellscurr wrote:

Sometimes I do it when changing lanes on a dual carriageway

Change that "sometimes" to "always" and you are well on the way to being a better driver.

Get in the habit of doing it, I've never heard of anyone failing their test for over-vigilence. An awareness of what's surrounding your vehicle is an absolute must.

TwoShedsJackson

What Hagar said, always check the relevant blind spot when changing lanes.

Check when turning left and right at junctions etc too, checking your left mirror will let you see your blind spot with your peripheral vision, enough to see if there is a bike or motorbike there anyway, and when going right check the mirror and a quick look over the shoulder too.

You must do these checks during the test, failure to observe around you properly is the prime cause of failure.

pow wow

Thanks - I was figuring no-one had ever failed for being too observant tho I think someone posted here recently that he/she was rapped on the knuckles for it by the tester!

Wossack

yea, dont forget taking a second to check your blindspot travelling at 50km/h, means you're not looking forward while your vehicle travels ~14 meters

for this reason, learning the appropriate use of the lifesaver is important