Defensive driving
Defensive driving means driving in a way that keeps you safe even when other people make mistakes. You cannot control what other drivers do, but you can control your speed, space, position and attitude.
Newly qualified drivers are at higher risk in their first year. The Highway Code says as many as one new driver in five has some kind of collision in their first year, so these habits really matter.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can keep a safe space around your car in front, behind and to the sides.
- You can plan an escape route in case something goes wrong.
- You can stay calm and avoid getting drawn into conflict with other drivers.
- You can recognise when you are not fit to drive because of tiredness, alcohol, drugs or stress.
- You can expect and allow for other people's mistakes.
What you need to know and understand
- Keep at least a two-second gap on faster roads in good conditions, at least double that in the wet and up to ten times more on ice (Highway Code rule 126).
- Be patient and understanding: other road users may be inexperienced or lost. Do not get involved if someone behaves badly. Pull over and calm down if needed (rule 147).
- If someone pulls out in front of you, slow down and hold back. Do not over-react by driving close behind them (rule 147).
- Do not begin a journey if you are tired. A break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving is recommended (rule 91).
- Any amount of alcohol affects your driving. The safest choice is not to drink at all if you plan to drive (rule 95).
- Those who can cause the greatest harm have the greatest responsibility to reduce danger (rule H1).
- Between midnight and 6 am is a high-risk time for new drivers (Highway Code annex 8).
Space is your safety margin
Space gives you time. Keep a good gap in front, and if someone is too close behind, increase the gap in front so you can brake gently. Avoid driving alongside other vehicles for long periods, especially in their blind spots. In queues, stop where you can still see the tyres of the car in front touching the road, which leaves room to steer round it if it breaks down.
Always have an escape route in mind: a gap you could steer into if the car ahead stops suddenly or something comes out of a side road.
Expecting the unexpected
Defensive drivers ask "what if?" all the time. What if that car pulls out? What if that door opens? What if that cyclist swerves round a pothole? Then they adjust speed and position before it happens.
- Do not assume an indicator means a car will turn.
- Do not assume a driver at a junction has seen you.
- Cover the brake when a hazard is developing.
- Slow down where children, cyclists or horses are about.
- Leave extra room for vulnerable road users, who may need to move suddenly (rule 213).
Attitude and fitness to drive
Anger, stress, tiredness and showing off all make collisions more likely. If another driver is rude or aggressive, do not respond. Let them go, and if you feel wound up, stop somewhere safe and take a break.
Before every drive, ask yourself whether you are fit: rested, sober, free of drugs and not taking medicine that could affect you. Keep passengers from distracting you or encouraging risks. Being a calm, patient driver is a strength, not a weakness.
Common mistakes
- Following too closely in busy traffic. Keep your gap even when others close up.
- Reacting to aggressive drivers. Ignore them and let them go.
- Driving when tired to finish a journey. Stop and rest.
- Assuming you have been seen. Make eye contact where you can and leave room anyway.
- Showing off to passengers. Your job is to get everyone there safely.
Test yourself: Defensive driving
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
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Sources: Highway Code rules 91, 95, 126, 147 and 213 (gov.uk); Highway Code introduction, rule H1 (gov.uk); Highway Code annex 8: Safety code for new drivers (gov.uk); DVSA car and light van driving syllabus, Unit 4 (gov.uk). Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with the DVSA.