Rule 159: Checking Blind Spots Before Moving Off

Before moving off, you must:

1. Check all mirrors to ensure the road is clear.
2. Look around to check blind spots.
3. Signal if necessary before moving out.
4. Perform a final check before moving off.
5. Only move off when it is safe.

Rule 160: Safe Driving Practices

Once moving, you should:

1. Keep to the left unless road signs or conditions indicate otherwise.
2. Stay well to the left on right-hand bends for better visibility.
3. Drive with both hands on the wheel or handlebars where possible.
4. Be aware of cyclists and motorcyclists, especially those filtering through traffic.
5. Select a lower gear before long downhill slopes to control speed.
6. Be cautious when towing, as extra length affects overtaking, braking, and acceleration.

Rule 161: Effective Use of Mirrors

1. Use mirrors frequently to be aware of surrounding traffic.
2. Check mirrors before signaling, changing direction, or speed.
3. Remember that blind spots exist, so always look around before maneuvering.

Key Reminder: Mirrors – Signal – Manoeuvre

Rule 162: Pre-Overtaking Checks

Before overtaking, ensure:

1. The road ahead is clear.
2. No other road users are starting to overtake you.
3. There is a safe gap ahead of the vehicle you plan to overtake.

Rule 163: Safe Overtaking Guidelines

1. Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle you intend to overtake.
2. Use mirrors, signal, and check blind spots before moving out.
3. Do not assume it is safe just because the vehicle ahead is overtaking.
4. Overtake quickly and return to the left lane without cutting in.
5. Take extra care in poor visibility or at night.
6. Give way to oncoming vehicles before passing parked cars.
7. Only overtake on the left if the vehicle in front is turning right and there is room.
8. Leave sufficient space for vulnerable road users:
9. At least 1.5m for cyclists at speeds up to 30 mph.
10. At least 2m for horse riders, pedestrians, and horse-drawn vehicles.
11. Extra space in bad weather and at night.

Key Reminder: Mirrors – Signal – Manoeuvre

Rule 164: Overtaking Large Vehicles

1. Maintain extra distance behind large vehicles for a clear view.
2. Ensure you have enough space to overtake before committing.
3. Avoid following another vehicle overtaking a long vehicle.

Rule 165: Prohibited Overtaking

You MUST NOT overtake:

1. If it requires crossing a solid white line.
2. Near pedestrian crossings where a vehicle has stopped.
3. In bus, tram, or cycle lanes during operating hours.
4. After a 'No Overtaking' sign until the restriction is lifted.

Rule 166: Overtaking Restrictions Due to Visibility

Do NOT overtake when approaching:

1. A corner or bend.
2. A hump bridge.
3. The brow of a hill.

Rule 167: Overtaking Restrictions Due to Traffic Conflicts

Do NOT overtake where it may cause conflict, such as:

1. Near road junctions or narrowing roads.
2. When approaching school crossings or pedestrian islands.
3. In queuing traffic or near roadworks.
4. When another driver is indicating right.
5. Near level crossings or stationary trams at stops.

Rule 168: Being Overtaken

1. Maintain a steady speed and avoid obstructing overtaking vehicles.
2. Never increase speed when being overtaken.
3. If overtaken, drop back to maintain a safe two-second gap.

Rule 169: Avoiding Traffic Delays

1. Do not hold up long queues of traffic.
2. If necessary, pull in safely to let faster traffic pass.
3. Frequently check mirrors to monitor approaching traffic.

Rule 170 - Extra Care at Junctions

1. Watch out for cyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and mobility scooter users.
2. Give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross.
3. Remain behind cyclists, horse riders, and motorcyclists at junctions.
4. Watch for long vehicles needing extra space to turn.
5. Ensure a turning vehicle signaling left actually turns before assuming.
6. Look all around before emerging and only cross when safe.

Rule 171 - Stop Signs

1. MUST stop behind the solid white line at a ‘Stop’ sign.
2. Proceed only when a safe gap in traffic is available.

Rule 172 - Give Way Signs

1. MUST give way to traffic on the main road when emerging from a junction with broken white lines.

Rule 173 - Dual Carriageways

1. Check if the central reservation can accommodate your vehicle.
2. If it is deep enough, treat each half of the carriageway separately.
3. If not, cross both carriageways in one go when safe.

Rule 174 - Box Junctions

1. Do NOT enter unless the exit is clear.
2. Exception: You may enter if turning right and blocked by oncoming traffic.
3. At signaled roundabouts, only enter if you can fully cross.

Rule 175 - Stopping at Traffic Lights

1. MUST stop behind the white ‘Stop’ line unless the light is green.
2. Amber light: Proceed only if stopping would cause a collision.

Rule 176 - Red Lights

1. MUST NOT cross the stop line on red.
2. Proceed on green only if the junction is clear.
3. If lights fail, treat the junction as unmarked and proceed with caution.

Rule 177 - Green Filter Arrows

1. Only enter a filter lane if turning in the arrow’s direction.
2. Give time and space for cyclists to adjust.

Rule 178 - Advanced Stop Lines for Cyclists

1. MUST stop at the first white line if the light is red or amber.
2. Do not block or encroach on the marked cyclist waiting area.
3. Large vehicles must stop far enough back to see cyclists clearly.

Rule 179 - Preparing to Turn Right

1. Use mirrors to check traffic, signal right, and position near the road center.
2. Leave space for vehicles to pass on the left where possible.

Rule 180 - Executing a Right Turn

1. Wait for a safe gap before turning.
2. Check mirrors and blind spots before proceeding.
3. Do not cut corners.
4. Apply the "Mirrors – Signal – Manoeuvre" approach.

Rule 181 - Right Turns at Crossroads

1. Right side to right side (preferred): Turn behind the oncoming vehicle.
2. Left side to left side: Turn in front of the other vehicle, but this can block your view.

Rule 182 - Preparing to Turn Left

1. Check mirrors, signal left, and do not overtake just before turning.
2. Watch for traffic, especially cyclists, approaching from your left.

Rule 183 - Executing a Left Turn

1. Keep close to the left where safe.
2. Give way to vehicles in bus lanes, cycle lanes, and tramways.

Rule 184 - Approach to a Roundabout

1. Follow "Mirrors – Signal – Manoeuvre."
2. Choose the correct lane early.
3. Signal appropriately.
4. Adjust speed and position to fit traffic conditions.

Rule 185 - Entering a Roundabout

1. Give priority to traffic from the right unless otherwise directed.
2. Watch for road users already on the roundabout.
3. Look ahead to ensure the exit is clear before moving.

Rule 186 - Signaling and Positioning on a Roundabout

1. First exit (left): Signal left, keep to the left.
2. Right exit or full circle: Signal right, stay in the right lane, signal left after passing the previous exit.
3. Intermediate exits: Stay in the appropriate lane, signal left after passing the prior exit.

Rule 187: Give Space to Vulnerable Road Users

1. Watch out for and give room to:
2. Pedestrians crossing approach and exit roads.
3. Traffic crossing in front, especially those exiting.
4. Vehicles straddling lanes or positioned incorrectly.
5. Motorcyclists who may be harder to see.
6. Long vehicles/trailers that may take a wider path.

Rule 188: Mini-Roundabouts

1. Approach like normal roundabouts.
2. MUST pass around the central markings (except large vehicles that physically cannot).
3. Less space = less time to signal.
4. Avoid U-turns.
5. Beware of others making unexpected moves.

Rule 189: Double Mini-Roundabouts – Treat Each Separately

1. Each roundabout must be approached as a separate junction.
2. Give way to traffic from the right at each one.

Rule 190: Multiple Roundabouts – Stay Alert

1. Some junctions have a series of mini-roundabouts.
2. Treat each roundabout separately and follow the usual rules.

Rule 191: No Parking or Overtaking Near Crossings

1. Do NOT park on a pedestrian crossing or in the zig-zag area.
2. Do NOT overtake the nearest moving/stopped vehicle at the crossing.

Rule 192: Keep the Crossing Clear

1. In slow-moving traffic, do not block pedestrian crossings.
2. Avoid stopping on advanced stop lines meant for cyclists.

Rule 193: Beware of Hidden Pedestrians

1. Extra care needed if the crossing view is blocked by queuing or parked vehicles.

Rule 194: Be Patient with Pedestrians

1. Do NOT rev your engine or edge forward while waiting.
2. Give pedestrians enough time to cross.

Rule 195: Zebra & Parallel Crossings

1. Look for pedestrians waiting to cross and slow down.
2. MUST stop if a pedestrian has stepped onto the crossing.
3. Be patient—no horn or revving.
4. Do not wave or flash lights to invite people across (could be dangerous).
5. Parallel crossings include a cycle lane alongside the zebra markings.

Rule 196: Pelican Crossings

1. STOP on red.
2. Flashing amber? Give way to pedestrians, but proceed if clear.

Rule 197: Central Islands

1. If a pelican crossing goes straight across with a central island, it counts as one crossing.
2. MUST wait for pedestrians still crossing.

Rule 198: Let Pedestrians Finish Crossing

1. Even if the green light appears, let pedestrians finish crossing.

Rule 199: Toucan, Puffin & Equestrian Crossings

1. These crossings have no flashing amber phase—just normal traffic light sequences.
2. If signals are broken, approach with extreme caution and do not block the crossing.

Rule 200: Choose a Safe Place to Reverse

1. Avoid reversing on busy roads.
2. Use quiet side streets or drive around a block instead.

Rule 201: Do Not Reverse from a Side Road into a Main Road

1. When using a driveway, reverse in and drive out if possible.

Rule 202: Check All Around When Reversing

1. Use mirrors and check blind spots.
2. Watch for pedestrians, cyclists, and obstacles.
3. Reverse slowly.
4. Get a guide if visibility is poor.

Rule 203: Reverse Only When Necessary

1. Do not reverse further than needed.