Driving knowledge

Proper Driving Posture

The seat should allow your eyes to be centered and your right foot to press the pedal with a slight knee bend, heel on the floor, back support at 45°, and the steering wheel at 10 and 2 o’clock.

Outline the MSM routine for pulling up on the left when parking

First, look at the centre mirror then the left mirror.

Signal left and start slowing down to check for obstacles (like a cap).

Wait until the B pillar passes the end of the obstacle and ensure the left mirror and blind spot are safe while controlling speed with the brake pedal.

Turn the steering wheel to 10 o’clock, drive towards the curb, then when the curb is reached on the right side, quickly turn to 2 o’clock, continue looking ahead, and once you see the car’s right-hand light ahead, straighten the wheel and brake to a smooth stop.

When stopping behind other vehicles, what considerations should you make?

For small vehicles, position so that both the tarmac and wheels are visible.

For large vehicles, leave extra space to see around them.

If the gap is three cars or larger, approach at normal driving speed; if two cars or less, control your speed with the brake and park slowly.

Mirror Check Timing

Check mirrors before changing speed, direction, and ideally every 10 seconds.

How do you identify Road Humps

• A white-filled triangle indicates a hump that may be dangerous (if it’s long and round, reduce speed to about 13 mph).
  
  

• A flat and square hump is generally safe up to 15 mph.
  
  

• Very round, narrow bumps are the most dangerous and require slowing to as little as 5 mph.
  Adjust your speed by easing off the gas or lightly braking so that speed drops naturally over the hump.

What factors help you determine the appropriate speed limit while driving?

The first priority is the posted signs (big red circle with a number). Next are traffic calming measures (humps, bollards, bends, chicanes, narrow roads, bumpiness, and specific zone signs). Finally, street lights often indicate a default speed (usually 30 mph).

MSPSL Routine

Routine for left turns involving Mirrors, Signal, Position, Speed, and Look.

Meeting Situation meaning

A situation that forces you to slow down or swerve unexpectedly, requiring immediate checking of mirrors and slowing down.

Describe the key steps for straight-line reversing (using the POM routine).

• Prepare: Select reverse gear and perform a full 360° observation.
  
  

• Observe: Use your mirrors, look towards the curb and behind the car, and recheck every 5 seconds.
  
  

• Move: Reverse slowly (at the pace of an old person walking), steering in the direction you want the back of the car to go.

Lane Discipline Guidelines

Normal driving is in the left lane, middle and right lanes are for overtaking.

• When multiple lanes are available, the lane you start in is the lane you should end in after a junction.
  
  

• Use bus lanes or clear yellow box junctions appropriately, waiting until you have at least 1½ car spaces on the other side before proceeding.

What is the procedure when approaching pedestrian crossings?

• For zebra/tiger crossings (indicated by white zigzag lines), pedestrians have priority even if they’re on the pavement.
  
  

• Always check your mirrors, slow down, and stop behind the dotted white line until pedestrians have completely crossed.
  
  

• For controlled crossings (traffic lights, button-activated systems), follow the signals carefully and stop behind the solid white line as required.

How should you handle traffic lights and crossing signal sequences?

• Solid Green: Go if the road is safe.
  
  

• Solid Amber: Slow down and prepare to stop.
  
  

• Solid Red: Stop and wait.
  
  

• Red & Amber Together: Get ready to go but do not move until the light turns green.
  
  

• For sensor-controlled crossings (puffin, toucan, equestrian) and non-sensor crossings (pelican), follow the specific controls as indicated.

What is the process for forward bay parking?

• Position your car in the middle of the road and select a bay.
  
  

• Signal, and when your door mirror reaches about one-quarter of the bay, stop and perform an all-around check.
  
  

• Turn the steering wheel fully toward the bay, then straighten out as you approach and stop smoothly.

How do you perform reverse bay parking on either side?

• Position in the middle of the road and choose a reference line (a curb or bay line).
  
  

• For the left side, once the reference aligns with half the front door, stop and count back three bays; for the right side, use the 1/4 reference point.
  
  

• Lower your door mirrors for full observation, then slowly reverse into the bay. Adjust as necessary by moving forward and re-reversing until properly aligned, and finish by securing the car and resetting the mirrors.

Q: What safety checks should you complete before starting to drive?

Ensure the handbrake is secure.

Make sure the gear is in park.

Confirm all doors are closed securely.

Q: What steps should you follow for the cockpit drill?

• Seat Height: Adjust so your eyes align with the middle of the windscreen.

• Seat Position: Move forward/backward so your right foot can comfortably press the pedals (knee not too bent or too straight).

• Backrest: Set at a slight 45-degree angle—not too straight or reclined.

• Steering Wheel: Adjust so elbows are slightly bent and comfortable.

• Head Restraint: Align the thickest part with your eyes.

• Seatbelt: Fasten securely.

• Mirrors: Adjust middle and side mirrors for optimal visibility (middle: full back screen; sides: 1 finger-width of car visible, half ground/half sky).

Q: How do you maintain proper steering control?

• Grip the wheel with both hands; left hand slightly higher than the right.

• Look straight ahead, not at the floor.

• Follow with your eyes and hands together.

• Match the steering adjustments: small spaces need big wheel turns, while big spaces need smaller wheel turns.

• Avoid sudden movements—fast car = slow turns.

• Turn in and out at the same speed; relax elbows and shoulders.

Q: What are the steps of the POM routine for moving off?

• Prepare:

  • Press the brake pedal and hold.

  • Put the gear stick into D (Drive).

  • Keep the brake pedal pressed.

• Observe:

  • Check all blind spots and mirrors, starting from the least dangerous to the most dangerous.

  • Ensure the area is safe before proceeding.

• Manoeuvre:

  • Signal and release the handbrake.

  • Perform final checks, and if safe, begin moving.

  • If waiting for over 5 seconds, redo full observations.

Q: How do you pull up on the left using the parking routine?

• Use the MSM Routine:

  • Check the center and left mirrors, then signal left.

  • Slow down and look for a gap (about 3 car lengths or more).

• Positioning:

  • Check the left blind spot.

  • Wait for the B pillar to pass the end of the obstacle.

• Steering:

  • Turn the wheel to 10 o’clock while moving toward the kerb.

  • When the kerb aligns with the parking reference (indicator stick gap), turn to 2 o’clock.

  • Straighten to 12 o’clock when the right-hand side light of the car ahead aligns.

• Stop and Secure:

  • Stop smoothly, apply the handbrake, and put the gear into Park.

Q: When and how should you check your mirrors?

• When to check:

  • Every 10 seconds.

  • Before signaling: Check the center and side mirrors.

  • Before changing direction or braking: Check mirrors to assess distance and hazards.

  • New road = New mirrors: Look in the direction of travel first.

• How to check:

  • Hold the steering wheel tightly.

  • Ease off the gas, turn your head slightly, and glance at the mirrors. Avoid staring.

What is the correct driving position on a wide side road?

Stay 1 metre from the left kerb when possible. Use the kerb aligned with the left corner of the screen as a reference. If near parked cars, align the white line next to the cars with the left corner of the screen.

How should you position your car on a narrow side road?

Drive in the middle if you can't keep 1 metre from both sides. Check both side mirrors, ensure equal gaps on either side, and drive slower for safety.

What is the correct driving position on a wide lane on a main road?

Keep 1 metre from the left kerb, using the kerb aligned with the left corner of the screen as a reference.

How should you position your car on a narrow lane or multi-lane main road?

Align the white line, kerb, or pretend line with the right air vent to maintain 30cm of space on the right side.

What is the correct driving position in tight spaces?

Drive very slowly, focus on the gap, keep hands steady, and check side mirrors frequently.

When should you check the mirrors?

1. Before changing speed – middle mirror

2. Before changing direction – middle and side mirror

3. Before indicating – middle and side mirror

4. Every 10 seconds – middle mirror

5. On a new road – check mirrors based on movement

6. Always look for danger in mirrors

What are the correct mirror-checking techniques?

• Quick glance, don’t stare

• Turn your head, don’t just use your eyes

• Take foot off the accelerator when looking

• Hold firm when off the accelerator

How can you identify speed limits? and what is their order in most to least priority

1. Speed limit signs (red/blue circles with numbers) - most priority

2. Traffic calming measures (humps, barriers, bends, etc.)

3. Street lights (default 30mph unless otherwise posted) - least priority

How should you handle speed humps?

• Slow down 2-3 mph below limit

• Different humps require different speeds:

  • Flat: 15mph

  • Long: 13mph

  • Round: 10mph

  • Narrow: 5mph

How can you identify a junction?

Look for:

• Give Way markings (double broken white lines)

• Stop Signs (solid white line, octagonal sign)

• Gaps in the road, turning cars, pedestrians

What is the left-turn routine?

• Mirror: Spot junction or 10 car lengths before

• Signal: Between 8-5 car lengths

• Position: ½ meter from the curb

• Speed: Adjust for safety

• Look: Into the junction for dangers

What is the right-turn routine?

• Mirror: Spot junction or 10 car lengths before

• Signal: Between 8-5 car lengths

• Position: Keep straight in case of impact

• Speed: Adjust to anticipate dangers

• Look: Right mirror, blind spot, oncoming traffic

How should you handle a right turn at a big junction?

• Move out halfway when clear on the right

• Watch for bicycles/motorcycles between cars

• If clear in both lanes, proceed

What should you do when approaching a meeting point?

• Off the gas immediately

• Check mirrors and slow down

• Hold back two car lengths before obstacles

How can you improve anticipation while driving?

• Check mirrors frequently

• Look far ahead to plan

• Expect unexpected movements from others

• Don’t assist overtaking/undertaking

What are the basic rules of roundabouts?

• Check mirrors, slow down, read signs

• Identify your exit before entering

• Left lane: Left or straight

• Right lane: Right turn

• Give way to the right

• Follow the kerb left when turning left

When should you check for hazards during maneuvers?

• Before starting

• Every 5 seconds

• Whenever stopping/starting again

How do you reverse in a straight line?

• Lower mirrors to see the curb

• Use side mirrors, center mirror, and back window

• Stop and check surroundings if unsure

How do you know you're driving at the correct speed?

• You can see clearly out of the windscreen

• You can check all mirrors properly

• You can control the steering wheel properly

What are some traffic calming measures?

• Speed humps

• Bendy roads

• Narrow roads

• Bumpy road surfaces

• Speed zone signs

• Black bollards on pavements

• Pavements sticking out into the road

• Width barriers

• Continuous hazard lines

How many times should you check before moving off?

At least four times, or more if needed

What is the difference between an open and a closed junction?

• Open Junction: You can see 5 cars' distance clearly – move off if safe

• Closed Junction: You cannot see clearly – peep and creep

What is the reference point for turning right?

Right door mirror in line with the white line in the middle of the new road

Where should you stop at the give way line?

Right door mirror should be on the single broken white line