Practical Driving Test Tips - Approaching Junctions
| Problem | Reason | Solution |
| In the new road, you didn’t cancel the signal | Because you thought it would always self-cancel | Cancel the signal as soon as the manoeuvre is completed. Some turns will not be sharp enough to cause it to self-cancel |
| The car laboured / shuddered when you changed gear | Because you selected the lower gear at too low-a speed - | Select the most appropriate gear for the speed - consider the speed range for each gear |
| The car laboured / shuddered when you changed gear | Because you forgot which gear you were in and went from 2nd to 2nd | Listen to the engine noise to help you identify which gear you are currently in |
| The car lurched / jolted when you changed gear | Because you selected the lower gear at too high a speed - | Reduce the speed with the brakes first and then select the gear |
| Turning right, you cut the corner | Because you turned too early | Turn later, say, half a bonnet length, when the front of the car is level with the middle of the road you’re turning into |
| Turning right, you cut the corner | Because you took a chance and rushed across | Approach at such a speed that you give yourself time to check ahead and into the new road clearly and effectively, before turning |
| Turning right, you cut the corner | Because you thought it was clear | Turn at the correct point every time. Cutting the corner-could become a dangerous habit. Although it might appear to be clear there could be hidden dangers. Also, at night and in adverse weather you could not be 100% certain that there weren’t pedestrians |
| You accelerated too early in the new road, putting you on the other side of the road | Because you were unaware of the correct procedure | Accelerate in the new road only when the wheels are straight and once you’ve checked your mirrors |
| You alarmed the pedestrians crossing the road | Because you didn’t give way to them | Give way to pedestrians who are crossing the road you’re going to enter |
| You alarmed the pedestrians waiting to cross the road | Because you approached the corner too fast | Reduce your speed (by 5mph) so that you could stop safely if necessary |
| You braked insufficiently | Because you didn’t put enough pressure on the brake pedal | Use (30%) more pressure, using the pedal progressively |
| You braked too early / late | Because you were unsure about when to start braking | Assess the corner, your speed, the gradient and the behaviour of following traffic and then decide when to start braking. The braking part of MSPSL is flexible (advise) |
| You braked too harshly | Because you stamped on the brake pedal | Begin braking with light pressure and then increase finally easing off before changing gear |
| You clipped the kerb with the rear wheels when turning left | You didn’t realise that the rear wheels would cut in | Turn slightly later, say, 1 m. The rear wheels take a different route to the front wheels (explain) |
| You coasted as you turned the corner | Because you pushed the clutch pedal down as you turned | Leave the clutch pedal alone once you’ve selected the appropriate gear |
| You coasted on approach | Because you kept the clutch down after changing gear | Bring the clutch up fully and smoothly once you’ve selected the new gear |
| You coasted on approach | Because you put the gear lever in neutral | Keep the gear lever engaged in gear all the time the car is moving. Coasting should always be avoided (explain) |
| You crawled up to the junction | Because you thought it was safer | Regulate your speed on approach to fit in with others’ expectations. Crawling up would confuse and alarm others |
| You crawled up to the junction | Because you weren’t sure where the junction was | Scan the road ahead and look for clues: breaks in houses / buildings, traffic emerging, white lines and so on |
| You crossed approaching traffic unsafely | Because you misjudged its speed and distance | Use the guideline: if you could walk across, you could drive across |
| You crossed approaching traffic unsafely | Advise pupils to consider the gradient of the road and width / sight lines / speed limits and so on | Complete the turn and have the back of your car completely in the new road by the time any traffic drives by on the major road |
| You crossed approaching traffic unsafely | Because you misjudged its speed and distance | Consider the type of vehicle: m/cycle/ sports car / LGV/ PCV and so on. It’s also more difficult to judge speed and distance at night and in adverse weather conditions |
| You didn’t check the door mirrors before turning | Because you didn’t realise the importance of doing so | Check your door mirrors at least twice before turning. You’ll then be aware of vehicles driving up on the inside / outside |
| You didn’t check the door mirrors before turning | Because you’ve been driving a car without door mirrors | Use this routine: Interior mirror and door mirror, saying it out loud, or in your mind. Use mirrors in pairs |
| You didn’t check the door mirrors before turning | Because you didn’t think there was time | Start the MSM routine earlier, say 2 seconds, to give yourself more time |
| You didn’t check your door mirrors before signalling | Because you forgot / weren’t concentrating / were looking at the road | Use the MSM sequence to help you remember the routine for approaching junctions |
| You didn’t use your brakes at all | Because you weren’t aware of the reasons / need to | ‘Using the footbrake alerts others to your intentions |
| You didn’t use your brakes at all | Because you slowed the car down with the gears instead | Use the footbrake to reduce speed - it’s more efficient, more controllable and helps others |
| You didn’t use your mirrors effectively | Because, although you looked in them you didn’t act on what you saw | Act sensibly on the information you receive |
| You didn’t use your mirrors effectively | Because you glanced at them too quickly | Take longer, say twice as long, and consider how you could act to help others: brake earlier, signal earlier, and so on |
| You didn’t use your mirrors when in the new road | Because you’re probably unaware-of /forgot the need to do it | Check your mirrors as soon as you’re straight in the new road and before you accelerate |
| You overshot the junction, turning right | Because you were staring ahead / edging forward | Use quick glances ahead and into the new road. If waiting, don’t let the car ‘creep’ forward |
| You rushed up to the junction | Because you didn’t brake early enough | Brake earlier, say, 3 car lengths |
| You rushed up to the junction | Because you misjudged the corner | Adjust the speed to suit the corner: the sharper it is, or the less you can see, the slower you need to go |
| You rushed up to the junction | Because you started the MSM routine too late | Start the sequence earlier, say, 2 seconds earlier. This will give you time to fit everything in |
| You rushed up to the junction | Because you were unaware of the hazards / risks | Regulate your speed on approach to fit in with others’ expectations. Excessive speed will alarm and frighten others, especially pedestrians |
| You selected the wrong gear | Because you didn’t have the correct hand position on the lever | Position your palm away from you when changing from 3rd to 2nd |
| You signalled the wrong way | Because you weren’t concentrating | Move the indicator stalk in the direction you intend to go and think it through before doing so |
| You signalled too-early / late | Because you were unsure about when to signal | Signal about 6 - 7 car lengths from the junction, as a general guideline, in a 30mph limit |
| You waved pedestrians across at the junction | Because you thought it was helpful | Make eye contact and let them make their own decision about when it’s safe to cross |
| You were incorrectly positioned before turning left | You veered in towards / away from the kerb before turning | Position the car in the normal driving position (1 m from kerb) before turning left |
| You were incorrectly positioned before turning right | Because you maintained position / moved too close to middle / were on the wrong side of the road | Position the car-just left of centre before turning right. Don’t stare into the new road |
| Your signal cancelled and you didn’t re-apply it | Because you weren’t aware that it had cancelled | Listen for the clicking noise and be aware of the indicator light within your peripheral vision. Consider situations when this would happen (advise). If it cancels itself, re-apply immediately |