Is my driving instructor correct?

MascotDec85

revz wrote: »

Thought this might be an alright thread to ask in, (can't find an FAQ one or the likes, maybe my eyes are deceiving me though), as I'm hearing different things from different people.
In the test, when coming up to a stop sign, do you need to lift up your handbrake when you've come to a complete stop?
Or is coming to a complete halt with just the clutch+brake sufficient?

No, there isn't a requirement to use your handbrake at a Stop though it might help.

johnnyrotten

Hes correct on both items

Best Driving

For what it's worth opinions will differ on indicating leaving a mini roundabout. However if you consult most official guides including DSA guide to driving the essential skills recommended by the RSA it says not to indicate leaving a mini. Also it is not allowed to do a uturn ( go back the way you came ) at a mini for this reason.

On the indication scenario. In the UK the "highway code" states to mirror and only signal if necessary", however the Irish "rules of the road" state "a motorist must signal any change of course". So whether there is someone to signal to or not you MUST. My advice would be look to see if there is anyone who will benefit from your signal and then signal according to the Irish rules regardless.

As for the 30km in aa residential. He is just being over simplistic. Of course in most cases this would be the safe limit, but sometimes that is too fast. The legal limit by default in any built up area is 50km unless otherwise stated. But do 50km when it is unsafe to and the Gardai will do you for "driving without reasonable consideration" 2 penalty points and a €60 fine or "driver found to be driving carelessly" 5 penalty points and a mandatory court appearance.

MascotDec85

Best Driving wrote: »

For what it's worth opinions will differ on indicating leaving a mini roundabout. However if you consult most official guides including DSA guide to driving the essential skills recommended by the RSA it says not to indicate leaving a mini. Also it is not allowed to do a uturn ( go back the way you came ) at a mini for this reason.

On the indication scenario. In the UK the "highway code" states to mirror and only signal if necessary", however the Irish "rules of the road" state "a motorist must signal any change of course". So whether there is someone to signal to or not you MUST. My advice would be look to see if there is anyone who will benefit from your signal and then signal according to the Irish rules regardless.

Sorry, I have to say that's not correct. The book doesn't state that should not signal nor does it state you must not do a u-turn.

The DSA's Guide to Driving The Essential Skills does however state:

Mini Roundabouts
Approach these in the same way as a roundabout.................Remember however there's less space to manoeuvre and less time to signal. For example, there's often insufficient time to signal left when leaving........ Beware of drivers who are using the roundabout for a U-Turn

The Highway Code, on which the above book is based, states on Mini Roundabouts:

Mini-roundabouts. Approach these in the same way as normal roundabouts. All vehicles MUST pass round the central markings except large vehicles which are physically incapable of doing so. Remember, there is less space to manoeuvre and less time to signal. Avoid making U-turns at mini-roundabouts. Beware of others doing this.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/travelandtransport/highwaycode/dg_070338

On Signals the Highway Code states the Rule:

Signals (103-112)

103
Signals warn and inform other road users, including pedestrians, of your intended actions. You should always give clear signals in plenty of time, having checked it is not misleading to signal at that time use them to advise other road users before changing course or direction, stopping or moving off
cancel them after use make sure your signals will not confuse others.
If, for instance, you want to stop after a side road, do not signal until you are passing the road. If you signal earlier it may give the impression that you intend to turn into the road. Your brake lights will warn traffic behind you that you are slowing down use an arm signal to emphasise or reinforce your signal if necessary.
Remember that signalling does not give you priority

104
You should also watch out for signals given by other road users and proceed only when you are satisfied that it is safe be aware that an indicator on another vehicle may not have been cancelled

The Essential Skills book states:

Unneccessary signals

A signal might not be necessary where there is no-one to benefit from it, or where the signal could confuse other road users. Consider whether a signal is necessary before
moving off
pulling up
passing stationary vehicles, when you can position early and maintain and steady course

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_070289

The Highway Code states the rule and the Essential Skills book gives practical advice based on those rules.

Even though the Irish System is based on the UK system mainly I'd say ALWAYS signal when moving off

clanard

Just a quick question on one way streets, do I have priority when leaving em and going straight ahead over traffic on the a two way system on the road I am joining.
Also if I am leaving a one way system and turning right and the normal road ahead of me(2 way traffic) can only turn left have I priority as I am turning right.
Nearly confusing myself now but hope you can understand me.

ADIDriving

clanard wrote: »

Just a quick question on one way streets, do I have priority when leaving em and going straight ahead over traffic on the a two way system on the road I am joining.

I can't imagine a situation where this would be the case. The one way road you are on will usually end where it joins the two way road. There for where your road ends, your right of way ends.

Also if I am leaving a one way system and turning right and the normal road ahead of me(2 way traffic) can only turn left have I priority as I am turning right.
Nearly confusing myself now but hope you can understand me.

You would not have priority here.
The descriptions are a bit confusing. Google maps of specific places mights help.