Stage 2: Driving on quiet low speed roads

By the end of this topic you can

• You can move away from and stop at the kerb safely.
• You can use mirrors and head checks before moving off and changing position.
• You can turn left and right, and go straight through, at quiet intersections and small roundabouts.
• You can keep within the speed limit and choose a safe speed for the conditions.
• You can do a three-point turn, parallel park and reverse out of a driveway or parking space.
• You can spot and respond to hazards such as parked cars, cyclists and children.

What you need to know and understand

• Quiet residential streets are the ideal place for Stage 2.
• You should meet every Stage 2 goal in fine weather, in the rain and at night before moving to Stage 3.
• Your supervisor navigates for you so you can focus on signs, speed and hazards.
• A head check means looking over your shoulder through the rear side window to cover your blind spot.
• The speed limit is the most you may drive in ideal conditions; rain, darkness and traffic can call for less.
• You must obey give way signs, stop signs and traffic lights.

Stage 2 goal checklist

Work through these until you can do them in dry daylight, in the rain and at night:

• move from the kerb and stop at the kerb safely
• use mirrors and head checks, and look for hazards before moving off
• drive straight and around curves on quiet, low speed roads
• slow smoothly as you approach intersections
• turn left, go straight and turn right at quiet intersections
• negotiate roundabouts in quiet residential streets
• keep a safe space from other cars and from the kerb
• start and stop on hills
• do a three-point turn and parallel park smoothly
• reverse out of a driveway or parking space safely
• obey give way signs, stop signs and traffic lights

Planning routes that grow with you

The trick in Stage 2 is choosing routes that stretch you without going beyond your ability. Plan them with your supervisor using a local map and talk through the likely hazards before you set off.

1. Start with a simple rectangle around a few blocks, using left turns only.
2. Next, add going straight through intersections and small roundabouts.
3. Then add right turns at quiet intersections.
4. Once daytime driving feels comfortable, drive the same quiet routes in the rain and after dark.
5. Near the end of the stage, try a few slightly busier roads to preview Stage 3.
6. Keep practising parking and other slow manoeuvres throughout.

What does driving safely look like?

Safe driving means choosing the right speed, using mirrors and head checks, noticing hazards and keeping a safe gap from other cars. A simple test is how your supervisor feels. If they are relaxed, you are probably doing well. If they tense up, grip the seat or go quiet at a certain point, that situation needs more practice.

After each drive, talk about how it went. Feedback can sting, but you cannot improve on something nobody points out.

Common mistakes

• Moving off from the kerb without a head check. Mirrors miss the blind spot, so always look over your shoulder too.
• Driving right on the speed limit in poor conditions. Slow down when it is wet, dark or there is a lot going on.
• Rolling through stop signs. Come to a complete stop at the line, then check before you go.
• Driving too close to parked cars. Leave room for a door opening or a child stepping out.
• Moving onto busy roads before night and wet weather goals are done. Finish the full Stage 2 list first.

Test yourself: Stage 2: Driving on quiet low speed roads

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.