Driving Lesson Notes #11: How to drive on the road pt 1 (minor, narrow, dual carriageway, motorway & country road)

To begin, I would advise you to first read the basic understanding of the road that explains about road systems (one-way & two-way roads), road categories and road signs & markings. Here, we will cover the difference between driving in urban vs. rural areas. We will also cover driving on specific types of roads, namely, narrow roads, dual carriageways and motorways

Urban minor roads:

A minor road is typically defined as a road of less importance to the one it is joining. It could be referred to as a ‘B’ road or a ‘side’ road. The occasional minor road may in fact be so minor that it remains uncategorised and may not appear on certain road maps.

‘B’ roads are often narrower than ‘A’ roads, are usually less busy and are used to interconnect towns and villages. Speed limits vary from 20 mph often in residential areas, and in rural locations up to a maximum of 60 mph. Non-primary routes will have the prefix letter ‘B’ followed by a number; for example the B1264. On rare occasions, a ‘B’ road is categorised as a primary route.

a) Urban (built-up) areas:

(i) What to expect driving in urban areas:

• The national speed limit in built-up areas is 30mph but more zones are being introduced to 20mph limit.
• Traffic-calming measures: These features such as road humps, chicanes and narrowings that are intended to slow you down. You should not overtake other moving road users while in these areas.
• Heavy traffic and many pedestrians: especially in rush hours, you will find yourself in traffic alongside taxis, buses, and cyclists. You will have to be alert and constantly check your mirrors and blind spots.
• Signs & marking: city roads have signs almost everywhere to guide drivers on what to do and where to go makings it easier to navigate city roads.
• Complex road system: there are complex road systems such as one-way streets and low-emission zones.

(ii) Areas to be cautious:

Some area requires more caution. It usually has a speed limit of 20mph. What to be cautious of:

• vehicles emerging from junctions or driveways
• vehicles moving off
• car doors opening
• pedestrians
• children running out from between parked cars
• cyclists and motorcyclists.

(iii) Watch out for vulnerable road users:

Here are the vulnerable users you have to watch out for:

1. Pedestrians: Pedestrians who can be easily distracted by music or mobile phones. Elderly pedestrians may have restricted mobility, taking them longer to cross roads, whereas young pedestrians may step out without looking properly first.
2. Cyclists: many people cycle to work in the city. They can be difficult to see, especially at junctions and at roundabouts where they are particularly vulnerable.
3. Motorcyclists: motorcyclists are often moving quickly through city traffic, particularly if there is congestion. They can be difficult to see especially when they pull out at junctions.

 

b. Two-way minor road:

A two-way road system is more common than a one-way road system. These roads include minor roads and single-carriageways.

Rules:

• Stay on the left side of the road: stay on the left lane (or left side of one lane).
• Understand priority: understand which side has priority on narrow roads i.e. side with no obstruction has priority etc…

 

c. One-way minor road:

One way road system was developed because some road is too narrow for traffic going both direction. It also serves the function of increasing the flow of traffic, reducing congestion and making it easier for pedestrians to cross the streets as they only have to look one way.

Signs and road markings to know:

(i) Signs to know:

• One-way traffic: found at the start of the road and regularly reminders on lamp posts.
• Directional instruction:
  1. Turn left/right (ahead): to ensure they follow the right direction on the one-way road system.
  2. No left/right turn: ensure we don’t go the wrong way in one-way system.
  3. No entry: at the exit of the one-way system to prevent entering in the wrong direction.
• Two-way traffic:
  1. Two-way traffic crosses one-way road (horizontal arrows): indicates the current one-way road will meet a two-way road ahead.
  2. Two-way traffic straight ahead (vertical arrows): vehicles should keep to the left hand side and be alerted about oncoming traffic.

(ii) Road marking:

• Give way line (double dash): this will cover all with of the road. NB: give way line will only be on half of the road (left lane) on two-way roads.
• Turn right arrow: a reminder that we can use the right lane to turn right at the junction.
• An up-side-down “no entry” that is intended to warn drivers from the opposite direction.

(iii) Other clues you are in a one-way road system:

• All the parked vehicles are facing in the same direction.

Rules:

• Follow the one-way direction instruction
• You can undertake: using the left lane to overtake vehicles on the right lane.
• Contraflow lanes are separate lanes for cyclists or buses to travel in the opposite direction from the one-way road direction. Stay on your lane.
• Right lane is for turning right and left lane is for turning left (unless instructed otherwise). The white arrow on the road marking also gives instructions on which lanes to be on.

How to drive on one-way road system:

1. Always look at the signs before turning into any new roads. One way road will have the one way arrow sign. There are also reminder signs attached to the lamp post.
2. You can use all the lanes.
3. You can undertake: using the left lane to overtake vehicles on the right lane.
4. Follow the one-way direction instruction: know which direction to go and which is prohibited to enter.
5. Get into the correct lane (or road positioning) as you approach the junction. The white arrow marking also gives instruction on which lane you need to be on. i.e. right lane (or right positioned) is for turning right. NB: get into the correct lane early to avoid changing lanes at the last moment which can be more risky.

Common mistakes:

• People fail their driving test if they get into the wrong lane (or road positioning) when turning. Make sure you get into the correct lane as you approach the junction. Stay on the right lane (or right road position) when turning right, and stay on the left lane (or left road position) when turning left – unless instructed otherwise.

 

Narrow roads:

Narrow roads are usually found in residential areas, tunnels, bridges, traffic calming measures and where there’s road work.

Rules:

• Adjust speed & according to space: The speed that we drive will depend on the adequate clearance (space between you and the parked vehicle or oncoming traffic). Aim for 20mph for adequate clearance space of 1m (3 ft or car door width). Go slower as the space becomes more tighter.
• Aim to be in the middle of available road space: When there is no oncoming traffic, aim to be in the centre of the available road space instead of in the centre line. This will provide space for adequate clearance.
• Understand who has priority: know who has priority when there is oncoming traffic. Read here.
• Be extra careful of doors opening, pedestrians and cyclists: Be extra careful of doors unexpectedly open, pedestrians coming out from behind parked cars and cyclists (usually on your left).

Skills to develop:

1. Steering skills: know how to steer on a narrow road, not holding it tightly
2. Do not reactively steer. Steering to one side because of reacting to another side: React to other drivers by steering away from them and hitting the kerb because being fixated on one side. Instead, slow down or stop the car.
3. Spacial/distance judgement:
   • Space to pass through: Assess whether you can fit through space on narrow roads along with oncoming traffic and parked vehicles. Use your visualisation to see if another vehicle (similar size as the vehicle you see ahead) can fit in the available road space along with reasonable safety space (adequate clearance). Imagine if another clone vehicle can fit beside the existing vehicle ahead.
   • Width distance between vehicles: It is important to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles (adequate clearance). For instance, ideally, you should provide a 1m distance for a parked vehicle so they can safely open their doors. You can assess distance with other vehicles (parked and moving) with by using a reference point marker i.e. how much of the parked vehicle’s door handle you will see from your rear window. Only use a reference marker when you are slow because it will take your eyes off the road.
4. Speed control: you will need to know how to move slowly and creep in narrow spaces. Work on your clutch control skills when using a manual car.
5. Use the available road space: When there is no oncoming traffic: you can use the middle of the available road space rather than the centre line. This allows you to have adequate clearance space between you and other vehicles. You do not need to stay on the left lane and keep on passing around when there is no oncoming traffic.
6. Moving aside (giving way) skills: moving aside to create space for oncoming traffic to pass. Read here.
7. Passing skills: Know how to pass parked vehicles and obstructions. Read here.
8. Meeting oncoming traffic skills: Read here.
9. Understand who has priority: know who has priority when there is oncoming traffic. Read here.
10. Be good at reversing: If necessary, reverse until you reach a passing place to let the other vehicle pass. Read here.
11. Reference marker: use the front window as a marker of how close you are to the left & right kerb. NB: reference point are only for parking or very slow manoeuver.

How to drive on narrow roads (with oncoming traffic):

(i) Perspective & attitude to have:

• It is worth planning: it is worth putting the effort to look ahead & plan otherwise you will get stuck on meeting traffic and may have to reverse which is a waste of time and can be risky & tricky.
• Don’t rush into situation. When approaching anything difficult, then remember to slow down. It will give you more thinking time and makes it less stressful.
• Be ready to stop but also ready to go again: others might stop for you
• Give way: (…)
• Avoid getting into a stand-off: (…)

(ii) Understanding the driving body language:

• When you have priority: stay in the centre of the gap. This sends a message to other vehicles to give way and wait. Being on the left will encourage others to squeeze through.
• When you intend to give way: slow down and move to the side
• When you want others to give way to you: move a little closer to the oncoming vehicle but don’t go head-on with them. If they comply then you can pass. If they don’t comply, then just wait until they pass.
• NB: Even if oncoming traffic flash their lights, be aware that it may not be for you.

(iii) How to stop on gaps:

Ideally, you should stop in a position that does not slow or change the direction of the oncoming traffic. Also not be too close to the parked vehicles. Create a gap by moving aside for oncoming traffic, Here are some tips to stop at the gaps:

• If possible don’t stop too close to the kerbs otherwise people may think you are parking. It will be more difficult to move out and the traffic behind may overtake.
• Avoid using left signal lights if possible to avoid others thinking you are parking.
• Be safely positioned outward so you can be ready to move back out.
• Avoid stopping near a parked car if possible, otherwise it will be more difficult to move back out.
• Waiting on 2nd gear isn’t ideal. Always prepare to go in 1st gear.

(iv) How to handle meeting oncoming traffic:

Here are steps on how to drive on narrow roads & stopping to make space for oncoming traffic using the MSM routine on approach.

1. Always look ahead, imagine scenarios & plan: Look ahead for oncoming traffic and gaps to stop by (including gaps on the oncoming traffic side too). Imagine where you would stop if there is an oncoming traffic.
2. Go slowly: go slowly on the centre of the gap, be ready to react to unexpected pedestrians entering the road and have time to think & plan ahead. Usually stay in 2nd gear at around 15-20mph. Go slower in narrower gaps and you are closer to the parked car.
3. When seeing oncoming traffic approaching:
   • Don’t proceed if there is no gaps: A good place to assess oncoming traffic is the gap at the start of the road. If you can’t see any gaps ahead then wait for the oncoming traffic to pass. This will save you from reversing.
   • Going slow is preferred over stopping (if possible): If possible, move slowly so you do not need to stop.
   • Reverse is an option if no gaps ahead: You may need to reverse if there is no gap ahead
   • If there is a gap, then follow the step below:
4. How to give way to an oncoming traffic (including cyclists & motorcyclists):
   • Check (mirrors): watch out for cyclists or motorcyclists overtaking and the traffic behind.
   • Stop in the gap: the gap space includes parking space, opposite of oncoming traffic parking space and near connected roads. Be positioned not too close to the kerb and face outward being ready to move back out.  See above on how to stop the gaps and moving aside.
   • Check if adjustment is needed: Check the mirrors to see if you need to make any adjustments. i.e. move slightly forward if there is a blockage behind you.
   • Check mirror & manoeuver: After the oncoming traffic passes, check (mirrors) and move back out.
5. You can thank the drivers for giving way with hand gestures. However, only do so if you feel it is safe to do so.
6. NB: You may need to reverse if there is no gap to stop.

The key point is:

• Always look ahead and plan.
• If possible, when oncoming traffic approaches move slowly so you do not need to stop.
• Stop in the position not too close to the kerb and facing outwards.
• Check mirrors before and after you come in and out of space (gaps & lanes).

(vi) Complicated situations:

• Trickier when there are more vehicles involved.

(v) Tips for wider gaps (for 2 vehicles):

• Slow down as it gets more narrow: Slow down if you are getting closer to the park car move that one car door width away.
• Create more space for oncoming traffic: Move slower and slightly left to create more space for the oncoming traffic. But not close enough that would scrap the parked car.
• Decide if it is worth squeezing through a narrow gap: you may decide to squeeze pass if there is traffic flow. But if it is just a few vehicles then you may stop and wait for them to pass without risking passing narrow gaps.

 

Dual carriageway:

Dual carriageway has a solid separation between the left and the right side of the road which goes in opposite directions. There are usually 2 lanes on each side of the road.

Rules:

• National speed limit: 70mph (however follow the speed limit instructed on the sign for situations such as road works). If the speed limit has a circle around it, it is compulsory. If it doesn’t have a circle around it, it is advisary.
• Stay on the left lane unless overtaking or turning right at a coming junction.
• Road markers:
  • Small lines means lower hazard, longer means higher hazard and solid means you can’t cross them
  • Cat eyes (reflectors): white for lane dividers, red for edge of carriageway, orange for central reservation and green when you can pass.
• Only use the hard shoulders for emergencies. NB: unless there is a sign that allows you to use it.
• Don’t undertake (going faster on the left lane) as it makes it difficult for other vehicles in the middle lane to access the hard shoulders on the left in case of emergencies. Except when there is traffic in the right lane.
• Avoid staying next to someone over an extended period of time in case they suddenly change lanes.
• Slow down when the road is wet and at night.

How to drive safely (defensive driving):

Although accidents are less likely to happen on high-speed roads, such as dual carriageways or motorways, but when it does happen it become fatal.  Therefore, it is vital to drive safely with defensive driving approach. Defensive driving is a set of skills that defends drivers against dangerous situations. It involved observing ahead, predicting potential hazards and being prepared to react immediately & appropriately. Also, it involves driving safely. Below explain the aspects of how to drive defensively which I’ve categorise it as (i) awareness, planning & responding safely and (ii) driving safely:

Awareness, planning & responding safely:

1. Be focused & ready to react immediately: Focus on the road and do not distract yourself, i.e. don’t check your phone etc… Losing awareness for even a second on the road can lead to an accident. Anticipate any dangerous situation at moment such as a vehicle suddenly swerving, suddenly braking harshly, something unexpectedly enter the road, tailgating etc…
2. Awareness (look far ahead & mirrors/blindspots check) and see potential hazards: It’s important to be aware of the situation around and ahead of you so that you can see any potential hazard ahead and plan what to do in such situation. See a few cars ahead and regularly check the mirrors. The vehicle next to you will respond to situations that is ahead of you or 2 lanes away from you. Understanding the situation will help us plan and respond safely. i.e. when approaching junctions, roadworks, slow traffic ahead, other vehicles changing lanes, changing of position/speed, tailgating, etc…
3. Planning how to respond in advance: Once we can see a potential hazard ahead, we can begin to think how to respond if the hazards are to develop. How would we respond? Slowing down, significant braking (with hazard lights on) or stopping? How to position safely? Alert other vehicles with hazard lights?
4. Expect mistakes and leave room for it: Do not trust other drivers and expect them to make mistakes, especially when approaching complicated junctions. i.e. some drivers might be in the wrong lane & scramble to change at the last moment or some might leave a lane & then come back to it due to confusion etc… Therefore it is important to leave room and not speed up until things are more clear such as after passing the junction (exit slip road or drop road).

Driving safely:

1. Keep a safe speed, distance & position: It is important to keep a safe speed, distance and position consistently to avoid any risk to begin with:
   • Keep safe speed: Maintain the traffic speed
   • Keep a safe distance: Have at least 2 seconds in dry road conditions and at least 4 seconds in wet road conditions. Adjust our speed to create a safe gap. Avoid tailgating.
   • Keep a safe position: Avoid staying beside someone over an extended period of time in case they suddenly change lanes. Try to be in a diagonal position to nearby traffic in other lanes as driving alongside other vehicles can put us in danger i.e. when other cars try to change lanes without warning and may hit our car.
2. Make yourself visible: Accident happens when drivers don’t see other vehicles. Larger vehicles such as trucks has a lot of blind spots. So always act as though other drivers may not see you and make it clear to them when you are going to change lanes, make a turn, braking etc… So use your signal indicators, headlights, brake lights and hazard lights. Also driving is suggestive: position yourself on the lane to show you are intending to turn, consider the angle of your car, avoid abrupt changes & move gradually so others can have time to see and make adjustments etc…
3. Using hazard light: Use the hazard lights when slowing down significantly. This will alert the driver of the significant change of speed.
4. Adjust to the environmental conditions: adjust the speed, distance & use certain lights in circumstances when there is a change of conditions such as driving at night, in fog, on wet or icy roads etc…
5. Don’t drive when tired: Research have found that 20% of accidents on motorways is due to fatigue as driving can become monotonous. You should have at least 15min break at least every 2 hours of driving. If you start to feel drowsy, open the window until you reach the next service area.

How to drive on dual carriageway:

i) Entering (via accelerating on the slip road):

Likely to enter through a slip road. Slip roads help drivers to accelerate and match the speed of the traffic which will help you merge with the road later. This way you won’t affect other drivers. It is dangerous to drive into the main road quickly as other drivers might not notice you. Use as much slip road as possible so you can match the speed and the traffic will notice you and create space for you. Also, most drivers follow the unwritten rule that what is ahead of you stays ahead and what is behind you stays behind regarding the relationship between vehicle in the slip roads and the main road traffic.

The speed at which you accelerate depends on the length of the slip road.

• Short slip road: In a shorter slip road you need to go slower in case you need to stop. You will need to accelerate up with the speed of the traffic promptly. Be on 2nd gear and it allows good acceleration when we spot a gap to merge into.
• Long slip road: On longer slip road, accelerate up to 4th gear and up to 50mph.

Here are the steps:

1. Assess how long the slip road is
2. Be on the left lane on the slip road (unless overtaking slower traffic)
3. Look: check over our shoulders to see where the emerging traffic (as it won’t be visible in our mirror yet). Check the speed and position of other vehicles to know where to emerge with the traffic flow. Be careful of other cars moving from the right lane to you the left lane you intend to join. NB: It is important to do the blind spot shoulder glance check as the mirrors don’t won’t be able to see the car coming from the 3rd lane.
4. Decide: decide where to merge
5. Once we decide where to merge, we indicate to the right to make our car more visible.
6. Keep checking the mirrors before you merge.
7. Merge: as you merge,
8. Adjustment: If needed, adjust our speed.
9. Cancel the indicator
10. Change into 5th gear

NB: if traffic is heavy, we may need to stop and wait for a safe gap to merge into the traffic.

ii) How to change lanes & overtake:

To change lanes and overtake, please read here.

 

iii) Passing slip road junction:

As you approach a slip road junction, generally people follow the rule that whoever is behind you stays behind and who is ahead of you stays ahead. Be ready to create a safe gap for the merging vehicle to enter safely. You can also move to the right lane to create space for the merging vehicle.

iv) Turn right across a dual carriageway:

(…)

v) Cruise control:

NB: when using cruise control, make sure to turn it off when the traffic slows down

vi) Emergency:

If you have an emergency, park at the hard shoulder – never stop at the driving lane. Turn on the hazard lights, get out of the car and stay on the verge. Stay away from the car as the car might get hit by a moving traffic.

vii) Exit:

Exit via decelerating on the slip road:

• Plan & position: plan our exit and position ourselves on the correct exit lane earlier in good time (~1/2 mile of the exit). Countdown markers indicate how close the exit is. Sav nav can help. NB: if you miss your exit, just carry on until you can exit the next one.
• Sign: signal left in the 200 yard signs. NB: Don’t slow down on the dual carriageway.
• Enter the slip road: Usually be on the left lane. Be on the right lane if the slip road is short and when you plan to turn right at the junction.
• Cancel the indicator when you enter into the slip road
• Slow down: brake progressively through the slip road to avoid harsh braking. In shorter slip road you need to brake harder. As you approach a junction you need to slow down, using the block change to 2nd gear. See if you need to change lane (using the MSM routine).
• Be prepared for anything: As you are driving on the slip, look ahead, look for signs and be prepare for anything:
  • Short slip road: More harsh brakes on short slip road
  • Bends: If there is a bend, slow down and change gear earlier before steering to the left. This will keep the car balance and reduce the chance of losing control.
  • Change of speed limit
  • Any ready for anything: different types of junctions, traffic lights ahead, 2 way traffic or another dual carriageway.

Exit via a  whole lane:

Sometimes the whole lane exits the motorway. There will be an early warning, where the line on the left will be longer than the line on the right. Eventually the line turns into small dash lines before the lane leaves the motorway.

viii) Adjust to the slow speed after the exit:

Our perception/judgement of speed will be altered when we transition from fast to slower traffic, where it will feel extra slow, i.e. 40mph might feel like 20mph. So use the speedometer until our judgement becomes normal.

Motorway:

There are usually 3-4 lanes on each side of the road. The motorway is very similar to dual carriageway – read about the difference below

Rules:

Similar rules as dual carriageway.

• National speed limit: 70mph (however follow the speed limit instructed on the sign for situations such as road works). If the speed limit has a circle around it, it is compulsory. If it doesn’t have a circle around it, it is advisary.
• Stay on the left lane unless directed otherwise by the signs or road markings. The other 2 lanes on the centre and right are used for overtaking (or turning right at a coming junction?). Drivers can be fined and given penalty points if they hog the middle lane.
• Signs & road markers:
  • Lane lines: Lower hazard (small lines), higher hazard (longer lines), can’t cross (solid lines) and lane branching out (a lot of small dash lines & cat eyes are green)
  • Cat eyes (reflectors): white for lane dividers, red for edge of carriageway, orange for central reservation and green when you can pass.
  • Don’t drive on lanes that has a red x sign
• Only use the hard shoulders for emergencies. NB: unless there is a sign that allows you to use it.
• Don’t undertake (going faster on the left lane) as it makes it difficult for other vehicles in the middle lane to access the hard shoulders on the left in case of emergencies. Except when there is traffic in the right lane.
• Avoid staying next to someone over an extended period of time in case they suddenly change lanes.

Planning & safety check:

Planning:

It is also useful to plan the journey. Decide where to stop to have breaks, especially every 2 hours.

Safety check:

As travelling on motorways involves long distances, it is important to carry out safety checks prior driving. Here are things to check:

• Inside bonnet: oil filler level, engine coolant and windshield fluid level
• Exterior: tyres (pressure) and windows & mirrors are clean
• Check from inside the car: all exterior lights, warning screen lights, brakes and steering are working
• Have enough fuel for the journey
• Fit to drive and not tired!

Especially check the tyre pressure and fluid level under the bonnet. Also, bring a road map in case sav nav may stop working

How to drive safely:

See how to drive safely in the dual carriageway section above.

How to drive on a motorway:

i) Entering (via acceleration on the slip road):

Enter via acceleration on the slip road:

To enter the motorway, you will need to merge into it via a slip road. Read on the dual carriageway section on how to merge from a slip road above. NB: as motorway usually have 3-4 lanes so be aware than cars from other lanes can move into the lane you want to merge into.

Enter via dedicated lane (new lane):

Some slip road don’t merge into the motorway but form a new lane on the motor. There are also be different variations of this, i.e. the left lane of the slip road forms a new lane and the right lane of the slip road merges into the existing lane on the motorway. Another case is when both lanes on the slip road merge to form a new lane on the motorway. It is important to see the sign in advance to anticipate how to merge in the motorway.

ii) How to change lanes & overtake:

To change lanes and overtake, please read here.

iii) Right?

(…)

vi) Emergency breakdown:

In an emergency breakdown (i.e. when a tyre punctures or blows out), put your hazard light on and park on the hard shoulder and furthest away from the driving lane – never stop on a driving lane. Try to slow down on the hard shoulder and not on the driving lane. Try to park near the emergency phone to avoid walking if possible. Make sure the hazard lights are on, get everyone out of the car. If possible, get out of the vehicle from the passenger side (away from the driving lane side). Stay behind your vehicle on the verge in case it gets hit by moving traffic (where debris will go forward). There are marker posts that has designated number that indicates your location on the motorway and the direction to the nearest phone which is located about every mile. Make note of that number before making your way to the number. Do not attempt to repair the vehicle on yourself. After the emergency team repairs your vehicle, restart your journey by using the hard shoulder like a slip lane to build up speed before merging into the traffic on lane 1.

If there is no hard shoulders, there will be Emergency Refuge Areas (ERA) or SOS layby. These are located approxiately every 1.5 miles. As it is a small area, you will need to think about how much to slow down before entering it. If there is in used and there is no more space then use the next ERA.

Similarly to what to do in the hard shoulder. Have hazard lights on, get everyone out of the car, stay far away from the driving lane as possible in the barrier. Use the phone to contact emergency team. Under no circumstances should you leave the emergency refuge area as you need the emergency team to stop traffic on lane 1 to create a safe gap for you to merge into. They will close that lane with the sign “x”. There is no space in the ERA for you to build up speed and merge into traffic.

If you are unable to make it to the ERA: put your hazard lights on, park far to the left as possible, stay in your vehicle with seatbelts on and call 999.

v) Exit (via decelerating on the slip road):

See the dual carriage section above on how to exit via a slip road

vi) Cruise control:

NB: when using it, make sure to turn it off when the traffic slows down

vii) Adjust to the slow speed after the exit:

Our perception/judgement of speed will be altered when we transition from fast to slower traffic, where it will feel extra slow, i.e. 40mph might feel like 20mph. So use the speedometer until our judgement becomes normal.

Difference between dual carriageway & motorway:

Major difference:

• Motorway only allows motorised vehicle. This means no pedestrians and cyclist. Also no learner (unless with ADI) and tractors (and any other slow-moving vehicles.
• Motorway has hard shoulders but dual carriageway “generally” don’t.
• Motorway is sign starts with an “M”. For dual carriageway that got upgrade to a motorway, it is “(m)” at the end. Dual carriageway starts with an “A”

Subtle differences:

• Junctions on motorway are always numbered but not always on dual carriageway.
• Motorway signs are always blue but dual carriageway is green.
• Motorway right lane is only for overtaking, In dual carriageway you can use the right lane for turning right.
• Motorway exit almost always involves a slip road.
• Motorway rarely has roundabout & traffic light but is common in dual carriage.

 

Country (rural) road:

Driving on country areas can be pleasant but also dangerous. Rural areas of the UK are often characterised by narrow, winding roads. This means blind corners and tight spaces. Data from RoPSA shows country roads see fewer casualties, but accidents that occur in these areas are more likely to be fatal. In 2016, 51% of fatal crashes happened on non built-up roads. This is down to the speed cars are travelling at the point of collision. This section will give you advice on how to drive safely on the country road.

(i) Rules:

• The national speed limit is 60mph. This also applies to narrow country roads. But do not use it as target, only drive at a speed that you feel safe.
• If there are no street lamps the speed limit is 60mph but if there are street lamps the speed limit is 30mph.

(ii) Know the signs & road markers:

Be familiar with road signs found in the country road:

• Road: Chevron (bends ahead), narrow road ahead, low bridge etc..
• Speed: Speed limit in certain areas. When approaching built-up areas there would be a big 30mph limit followed by smaller signs as reminders.
• Wildlife & farm animals: animal crossings, horse riders,
• Farm vehicles:
• Obstructions ahead (i.e. hidden dips & fallen trees)

Road markers:

• Centre line: The longer centre line means there’s an increased risk of hazard ahead.

(iii) How to drive safely on the country road:

Here are some tips to keep safe on the country road:

1. Drive slower in risky areas: Don’t take the speed limit as a target (60mph), but drive at the speed that feels safe by assessing the situation. A lot of the time it is not safe to drive at 60mph. Constantly adjust your speed. Drive at a speed where you can stop at a distance you can see. Slow down at risky areas such as narrow roads, bends, blind bends (especially left bends), hills that block the view ahead, passing vehicles on narrow roads, approaching junctions, muddy road, being tailgated or where you see warning signs and road markers. The longer centre line means there’s an increased risk of hazard ahead.
2. Maintain awareness & be prepared (expect the unexpected): Driving on the country road can lead to a false sense of security with the empty road and nice relaxing scenery, however, do not be tricked as the varied terrain, potholes, cyclist and unpredictable wildlife at any moment can pose a danger. Maintain your awareness so you can react quickly and safely. Opening your window and turning off the radio will help with your awareness.
3. Overtake safely: When overtaking, do so safely and clearly with signals, positioning etc… Do not overtake if there’s poor visibility, at bends, approaching junctions or bad weather conditions. Do not overtake if there is a sign or road marking that prohibits it. Read more on how to overtake safely here.
4. Stay on your left on the bends: stay on your left and go around the bends on the outside of it, especially when turning right. This will give space for oncoming vehicles.
5. Position yourself for a better view: In narrow roads, when it is safe to do so (i.e. when no one is coming & not on bends), you can move over to the centre or the other lane for a better view where you can see better on your left side. This will also allow drivers at a distance to see you so that you both can judge the space and how much to slow down. If someone is coming, stay on the left, slow down and maybe stop.
6. Show your presence: In narrow roads when it is safe and no one is around, you can move over to the other lane to be seen by distant drivers. If needed to make your presence be noticed on blind bends, you can use your horns, dip lights during the daytime or flash your headlights in the dark.
7. Give enough room: slow down & give enough room for pedestrians and cyclists in case they fall over. Also, give enough room for big vehicles to pass and turn safely.
8. Be careful of the bad-conditioned side road: When traffic approaches, move to the left to make space. But don’t stay to the left when the traffic is clear as the side road may be in bad conditions and have ditches and potholes.
9. Do not startle animals: Do startle animals such as horses or farm herds. When you encounter them; slow down, turn down the speaker volume, do not rev the engine, do not use the horn, and do not speed up quickly behind them.

(iv) Things to be cautious of:

• Blind obstructed bends (& hills): bends might be obstructed by high hedges and trees. So drive slowly and cautiously on the blind bends. If needed, use your horn to alert of other potential road users of where you are.
• Narrow roads: as some road may be narrow, you will need to plan ahead & make way for passing or overtaking vehicle by pulling into a passing place on your left or wait opposite in a passing place on your right. If necessary, reverse until you reach a passing place to let the other vehicle pass. Give way to vehicles coming uphill.
• Road in bad conditions: roads might not be properly maintained, so expect potholes, ditches, cracks, cambers and muddy road.
• Lack of night lamps: lack of visibility is a problem at night. Drive more slowly and carefully at night. Be wary of full beam lights – you could be causing a crash ahead and distract other drivers from obstructions in the road.
• Large vehicles & agriculture machines: Large vehicles like trucks or lorries may obstruct your view and agriculture machines like tractors can randomly merge into the road. 
• Horse riders: Keep a watch out for signals from horse riders to slow down or stop. When overtaking horse riders, do so at a much slower speed and quietly. Turn down the volume of the speakers, do not rev the engine, do not honk your horn, and do not speed up quickly behind them as all these things can spook the horse and cause an accident.
• Wildlife & farm animals: Wildlife such as deer, otters, squirrels, ducks, hedgehogs, and more have been seen. It becomes dangerous if it darts into the road unexpectedly, so always be aware and alert on the road. You may also encounter herds of farm animals such as sheep, cattle, and other livestock. If a farmer is herding cattle across the road, it’s best to turn off your engine and wait. You will also see signs warning for these parts of the road.

(v) Driving on narrow roads:

• Steering to one side because of reacting to another side: React to other drivers by steering away from them and hitting the kerb because being fixated on one side. Instead, slow down or stop the car.
• Be careful on bad-condition side roads: When driving on the left, be aware of side roads that can be in bad conditions i.e. ditches, potholes, rocky and muddy (slippery).
• Position yourself for a better view: In narrow roads, when it is safe to do so (i.e. when no one is coming & not on bends), you can move over to the centre or the other lane for a better view where you can see better on your left side. This will also allow drivers at a distance to see you so that you both can judge the space and how much to slow down. If someone is coming, stay on the left, slow down and maybe stop.
• Giving way (pull over into a passing place): You will need to plan ahead & make way for passing or overtaking vehicle by pulling into a passing place on your left or wait opposite in a passing place on your right. Give way to vehicles coming uphill.
• Reverse is an important skill: If necessary, reverse until you reach a passing place to let the other vehicle pass.

See how to drive on narrow road above.

(vi) Common mistakes when driving on country roads:

1. Driving too fast and poor planning, or holding slowing traffic by not progressing to the speed limit when it is safe to do so.
2. Not looking at road signs warning.
3. React to other drivers by steering away from them and hitting the kerb, instead of slowing or stopping the car.