Making progress and driving too slowly

By the end of this topic you can

• You can reach and hold a suitable speed for the road, up to the limit when conditions allow.
• You can take safe gaps at junctions and roundabouts without waiting for an empty road.
• You can get up to speed smoothly using the right gears.
• You can let faster traffic pass if you are holding people up.
• You can tell the difference between caution and hesitation.

What you need to know and understand

• Do not treat speed limits as a target, but do drive at a speed suitable for the road and traffic (Highway Code rule 146).
• Do not hold up a long queue of traffic. If needed, pull in where it is safe and let traffic pass (rule 169).
• If someone is overtaking you, keep a steady course and speed, slowing if necessary to let them pass. Never obstruct them (rule 168).
• A blue circular sign showing a number sets a minimum speed for that stretch of road. A red-bordered circle with a number shows the maximum.
• The DVSA syllabus expects you to understand how failing to make progress can lead to negative behaviour from other road users.
• Driving too slowly can frustrate others and tempt them into unsafe overtakes.

What good progress looks like

A driver making good progress keeps a steady speed close to what the road allows, without exceeding the limit or driving too fast for the conditions. They plan ahead, so they rarely have to stop completely, and they move off promptly once it is safe.

Progress is not about rushing. On a busy high street, 20 mph might be good progress. On an open national speed limit road in good weather, crawling at 35 mph would not be.

Caution versus hesitation

Caution is waiting because something really is unsafe. Hesitation is waiting when it is safe, often because you are unsure. Both feel the same from the inside, so practise judging gaps.

• At a roundabout, you can go when there is a safe gap. You do not need the whole roundabout to be empty.
• At a junction, if an approaching car is far enough away that you will not make it slow down or swerve, you can go.
• When the lights turn green, check the junction is clear and then move off without delay.
• If you have stopped, ask yourself: is there still a real reason to wait?

Getting up to speed

Use your gears to build speed smoothly. Changing up promptly as speed rises keeps the car flowing and saves fuel. On a fast road, use the length of the slip road or a long straight to reach a sensible speed rather than joining very slowly.

If you are driving a slower vehicle or are new to a road, check your mirrors. If a queue builds up behind you, pull in somewhere safe and let it pass.

Common mistakes

• Driving well under the limit on clear, open roads. Build up to a safe speed for the conditions.
• Waiting for a completely empty roundabout. Look for a safe gap instead.
• Staying in a low gear for too long. Change up as your speed rises.
• Slowing down far too early for hazards. Plan ahead, but keep moving until you need to slow.
• Speeding up when someone tries to overtake. Hold a steady speed and let them pass.

Test yourself: Making progress and driving too slowly

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