Lesson 9: Changing direction 2

By the end of this topic you can

• You can observe properly when turning left and right in busy traffic
• You can deal with complex junctions and roundabouts
• You can change course safely while obeying traffic controls
• You can yield to other road users and still make appropriate progress
• You can use the MSMM routine without prompting

What you need to know and understand

• Lesson 9 can only be taken after lessons 1 to 8 are completed.
• Traffic controls include signs, road markings and traffic lights; you must follow them when changing direction.
• On multi-lane roundabouts, use the signs and lane markings to pick the right lane early.
• Turning right across oncoming traffic needs a safe gap that does not make anyone slow down or swerve, even when your light is green.
• Dual carriageways can have high speeds; join and leave them with good mirror checks and safe gaps.
• Lesson 9 is part of reduced EDT.

Where your ADI will take you

Expect busy roads with plenty of interaction with other road users. Where available, your ADI should use dual carriageways. Some of the route may involve you making your own decisions about which way to go, guided by signs.

The RSA booklet frames the session around careful observation when turning left and right, handling junctions, and changing direction in more demanding situations.

Turning right at a busy junction

1. Check mirrors early and signal right in good time.
2. Position just left of the centre line or in the right-turn lane, as the markings show.
3. Slow down and look for oncoming traffic, pedestrians crossing the road you are entering, and cyclists.
4. Wait for a gap that will not make anyone slow down or swerve.
5. Take a final look, then turn without cutting the corner.

Outcomes for lesson 9

Before your next session the RSA suggests about three hours of practice using these observation techniques in more complex situations.

• Change course safely with due regard for traffic controls
• Change course safely with due regard for other road users
• Yield to other road users and progress appropriately
• Change course safely using the MSMM routine without prompting

Common mistakes

• Waiting for your ADI to remind you about mirrors. By lesson 9 the routine should come naturally.
• Cutting the corner when turning right. Turn when you reach the correct point.
• Choosing a lane too late at a large roundabout. Read the advance signs.
• Pulling onto a dual carriageway without a big enough gap. Build speed on the slip road and merge safely.

Test yourself: Lesson 9: Changing direction 2

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

Go deeper

• EDT Lesson by Lesson