Road Procedure Flashcards

As an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI), when should you teach a learner driver to use the MSM (Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre) routine?

Answer: Before any change of speed or direction, including lane changes, overtaking, stopping, and turning

The MSM routine should be applied before any change of speed or direction. This includes turning, overtaking, changing lanes, stopping, pulling away, and any other manoeuvre. It is a fundamental driving routine that must become habitual.

According to the Highway Code, what is the correct procedure for a learner driver approaching a green traffic light that has been green for some time?

Answer: Be prepared to stop as the light may change, check mirrors, and be ready to respond safely to a change to amber

A green light that has been showing for some time is likely to change soon. The driver should be prepared to stop by checking mirrors and being ready to brake smoothly if it changes to amber, rather than accelerating to 'beat' the light.

When teaching lane discipline on a dual carriageway, which lane should the learner normally use?

Answer: The left-hand lane unless overtaking or turning right

The Highway Code states that drivers should keep to the left-hand lane unless overtaking. Middle-lane hogging is an offence and can result in a fixed penalty notice. The right-hand lane is for overtaking only.

A learner driver approaches a pelican crossing where the amber light is flashing. What should they do?

Answer: Give way to any pedestrians still on the crossing, but proceed if the crossing is clear

At a pelican crossing, the flashing amber phase means drivers must give way to pedestrians already on the crossing but may proceed if the crossing is clear. This phase follows the red light and precedes the green light for drivers.

What is the two-second rule and when should an ADI teach it?

Answer: A method for maintaining a safe following distance in dry conditions — the gap between you and the vehicle ahead should be at least 2 seconds

The two-second rule helps maintain a safe following distance in dry conditions. The driver picks a fixed reference point that the vehicle ahead passes, and counts 'only a fool breaks the two-second rule.' In wet conditions, this should be doubled to four seconds.

When approaching a roundabout to turn right, which lane should the driver normally select?

Answer: The right-hand lane, signalling right on approach and changing signal to left after passing the exit before theirs

When turning right at a roundabout, the driver should approach in the right-hand lane, signal right on approach, keep to the right on the roundabout, and then signal left after passing the exit before the one they wish to take.