Driving Tips - Anticipation
Guidance reviewed: 25 September 2026. Use these prompts with professional instruction and the handbook for the vehicle you drive.
Accelerator
Anticipation
Approaching Junctions
Brake
Clearance
Clutch
Crossing Other Traffic
Crossroads
Emergency Stop
Exterior Mirrors
Gear Lever
Gears
General
Handbrake
Head Restraint
Indicators
Interior Mirror
Making Progress
Meeting Approaching Traffic
Mirrors
Moving Away
Moving Off
Overtaking
Pedestrian Crossings
Reverse Parking
Reversing
Road Positioning
Safe Distance
Safety Routine
Seat
Seat Belts
Signals
Steering
Steering Wheel
Stopping
T-Junctions
The Engine
Turning the Car Around
Practical Driving Test Tips — Anticipation
| Problem | Reason | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Another road user's actions surprise you | Their possible next action was not considered. | Look for clues such as road position, speed, wheels, signals, eye contact and nearby hazards, but never assume that another person's signal guarantees what they will do. |
| You feel rushed by traffic behind | Pressure from another driver is affecting your decisions. | Keep making safe, lawful decisions. Do not enter a junction, overtake or increase speed unless you have a safe view and sufficient space. |
| You react late to developing hazards | Your attention is fixed too close to the front of the car. | Scan well ahead and to the sides, then use mirrors regularly so that you can respond early to junctions, crossings and changing traffic. |