Junctions
Junctions are similar to roundabouts in the way of positioning. The same rules apply to position yourself correctly and indicate in plenty of time.
Junctions are similar to roundabouts in the way of positioning. The same rules apply to position yourself correctly and indicate in plenty of time.
To go left: position yourself to the left of the road if on a single road with no left lanes, otherwise position yourself in the left lane and indicate left- making sure it's safe and clear to go at the give way marking.
To go right: position yourself to the right of the road if on a single road with no right lanes, otherwise position yourself in the right lane and indicate right- making sure it's safe and clear to go at the give way marking.
At junctions always look left and right at least twice, have a final check to your right to make sure no other vehicle is coming and be especially cautious of motorbikes at junctions because they are small, fast and hard to see.
There two types of junctions, these are called 'open' and 'closed' junctions. An open junction is where from a fair distance on approaching a junction you can see what the traffic is doing ahead of you on the road you want to turn into. A closed junction on the other hand is where you cannot see the traffic at all. At closed junctions you will have to use first gear to pull away because you will have to stop to assess what the traffic is doing and if it's safe to go. Whereas in an open junction you can see the traffic and the gaps in it so you might not have to stop at all (but you still need a low gear such as one or two to merge into the traffic on the road you want to turn into).
There two types of junctions, these are called 'open' and 'closed' junctions. An open junction is where from a fair distance on approaching a junction you can see what the traffic is doing ahead of you on the road you want to turn into. A closed junction on the other hand is where you cannot see the traffic at all. At closed junctions you will have to use first gear to pull away because you will have to stop to assess what the traffic is doing and if it's safe to go. Whereas in an open junction you can see the traffic and the gaps in it so you might not have to stop at all (but you still need a low gear such as one or two to merge into the traffic on the road you want to turn into).
Creeping
Creeping is the term used when you are at for example the end of a junction and instead of putting your handbrake on and then preparing to go e.g. finding the biting point and then using the moving off routine, instead you simply use the clutch to roll the car forward and if it's safe to go you drive on.
To creep forward: Slow down, change into first (recommended) or second gear and bring the clutch up to the biting point of the car, let the car slowly move forwards and whilst doing this observe whether it's safe to go- (it's advisable to hover your right foot over the brake e.g. in case of rolling or needing to stop for another reason). If it isn't safe to go stop the car and put the handbrake on, then start the moving off routine.
Although creeping is a useful method to use in order to merge from a junction you have to use it with extreme caution because it can be dangerous, I would advise only to do this when your driving instructor thinks you are ready to- my tutor did this with me.
