Lesson 3: Changing direction 1

By the end of this topic you can

• You can use your mirrors at the right moments
• You can carry out the MSMM routine correctly
• You can take a safety glance when moving off, turning, at junctions and at roundabouts
• You can explain where your blind spots are and how to cover them

What you need to know and understand

• MSMM stands for Mirror, Signal, Mirror, Manoeuvre.
• A blind spot is an area around the car that your mirrors do not show.
• A safety glance is a quick look over your shoulder to check a blind spot before you move.
• Signals should be given in good time and cancelled after use.
• A signal does not give you the right to move; you still need a safe gap.
• Inadequate observation at junctions, roundabouts and when moving off is one of the most common reasons for failing the driving test.

The MSMM routine step by step

1. Mirror: check the interior mirror and the door mirror on the side you are turning to.
2. Signal: if anyone could benefit, signal clearly and in good time.
3. Mirror: check again, including a safety glance where needed, in case things have changed.
4. Manoeuvre: adjust your position and speed, look into the new road, and turn when it is safe.

Blind spots and safety glances

Even well-set mirrors leave gaps, usually just behind your shoulders. A cyclist or car can sit there without showing in any mirror. Before moving off from the kerb, and before some turns and lane changes, a short look over the relevant shoulder fills that gap.

Keep the glance quick. A long look over your shoulder takes your eyes off the road ahead.

Scanning at junctions and roundabouts

As you approach a junction, look early for signs, road markings and other traffic. At the line, look right, left and right again, and keep looking as you emerge. At roundabouts, check the traffic coming from your right and watch for cyclists and motorcyclists, who are easy to miss.

After this lesson the RSA suggests about three hours of practice on these observation habits and reading the Rules of the Road on junctions, observation and changing direction.

Common mistakes

• Signalling before checking the mirror. Look first, then signal.
• Forgetting the second mirror check. Traffic can change in a few seconds.
• Pulling out from the kerb without a safety glance. A cyclist may be in your blind spot.
• Leaving the indicator on after a turn. Check it has cancelled.

Test yourself: Lesson 3: Changing direction 1

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

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