The topic that has the most information attached to it has got to be crossroads. Major crossroads can be highly complex junctions with traffic moving in all directions. Direction signs and lane markings can be difficult to follow. Here we look at what driver trainers need to teach clients to prepare them adequately to deal with crossroads.
The main method for dealing with junctions should have been covered in previous lessons during turning and emerging at smaller junctions. Only the new information should be dealt with such as two vehicles both turning right from opposite directions. The methods for dealing with this are called the nearside and offside methods. The offside of the car is the side furthest from the kerb when parked. More often than not the cars will pass using the nearside method which leaves the most possible room for following vehicles to pass. Look at the size and layout of the crossroads before deciding which method to use.
Turning behind each other in the offside position leaves less room for traffic following the road ahead to pass. Offside turning occurs at major crossroads which have yellow turning boxes marked on the road. Be aware of unmarked crossroads. Learners barely even see these on approach so instructors need to make them aware of the junction and reduce speed.
Staggered junctions are crossroads whose roads do not line up symmetrically so more steering is involved when following the road ahead. If a junction is staggered to an excessive degree then it may have to be negotiated in two moves possibly waiting in the middle before turning right. This requires tight steering control and good observation of the main road. Pupils will require a full talk through on the first few attempts to handle staggered junctions.
There are many yellow box junctions which need to be covered during driver training. These crossroads are traffic light controlled and have yellow hatched markings on the road surface which prevent traffic from waiting in the middle and blocking traffic flow. Many now have surveillance cameras fitted which will photograph any vehicles blocking the junction resulting in a fine. Good forward planning during driving lessons will help prevent this occurring. Pupils naturally feel compelled to make progress feeling imagined pressure from the driver behind. This needs to be brought to the learner's awareness by the instructor so the driving school vehicle does not enter the junction until the exit is clear. It is permissible to wait in the yellow box when turning right, but be sure to clear the junction as soon as the traffic lights change. This can be a problem for learners who lack control skills to enable a quick move off so this skill needs to be mastered before negotiating crossroads.
Driving Instruction Check Test Criteria – Risk Management
The test of continued fitness to instruct is changing for driving instructors in order to take a more client centred approach. This replaces a system which placed importance on fault finding and demands more direct pupil involvement. Risk management is a main topic in the new version of the test so let's take a look at this.
Teaching Roundabouts on Driving Lessons
Today's roads feature some very busy and complex roundabouts. Multi lane roundabouts with multiple junctions and tight mini roundabouts occur in close proximity to each other. These environments demand a wide range of driving skills. Let's look at what driver trainers need to teach regarding roundabouts.
What are Traffic Light Workshop Schemes?
When a motorist fails to stop at a red light they may opt to take a traffic light workshop course. This replaces endorsement points and a fine. The course is designed to make motorists aware of the danger of failing to stop at red traffic lights and hopefully change driver behaviour.
