Lesson 2: Correct positioning 1

By the end of this topic you can

• You can keep a safe, steady position on the straight and on bends
• You can position correctly when turning left and right
• You can pick and keep to the correct traffic lane
• You can approach and leave roundabouts and junctions in a sensible position
• You can keep a safe braking distance from the vehicle in front

What you need to know and understand

• On a normal two-way road you keep to the left, at a sensible distance from the kerb, allowing for the road's width, parked cars and other hazards.
• Weaving in and out between parked cars confuses other road users; hold a steady line where you can.
• A safe following gap on a dry road is at least two seconds; leave at least double that in the wet.
• Road markings and lane arrows tell you which lane to use for where you are going.
• Your position should match your signal, so others can read your plan.
• Learner permit holders must not drive on motorways.

Where your ADI will take you

Expect a route with straight roads, bends, a few traffic lanes, roundabouts and junctions where you approach and pull out. The aim is plenty of chances to practise position without heavy traffic.

Your ADI may also show you how to enter and leave slip roads and how to change lanes calmly.

Checking your gap: the two-second rule

1. Pick a fixed point ahead, such as a lamp post or sign.
2. When the vehicle in front passes it, start counting two seconds.
3. If you reach the point before you finish counting, you are too close. Ease off and let the gap grow.
4. In rain, double the gap at least. In ice or snow, leave much more.

Outcomes for lesson 2

By the end of the session the RSA expects you to show that you generally keep a safe position on the road, always keep a safe braking distance from other vehicles, and use the available road space appropriately and safely.

Afterwards, the RSA suggests around three hours of practice on these positions, plus reading the Rules of the Road on correct positioning before your next lesson.

• Do: keep a steady line and look well ahead, not at the bonnet
• Do: choose your lane early
• Do not: hug the centre line or drift towards the kerb on bends
• Do not: close up on the car in front in slow traffic

Common mistakes

• Looking just in front of the bonnet, which causes wandering. Look far ahead to where you want to go.
• Cutting right-hand bends or swinging wide on left ones. Slow before the bend and keep left.
• Changing lane late at roundabouts. Read the signs and lane markings early.
• Tailgating in queues. Leave room to see past the car ahead and to stop.

Test yourself: Lesson 2: Correct positioning 1

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

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