Good driving habits
Good driving habits, once learned, have many advantages.
Importantly, they allow you to drive well on an automatic basis,
freeing your mind to concentrate on the situation at hand.
Below is a short list of driving actions that form the basis
of good driving habits.
Opinions differ on what's 'correct' when it comes to driving
habits. This list conforms to what most professional driving
instructors teach.
Keep in mind, though, that these are only a few basic good
driving habits for general driving situations. There are many more
you will learn as you become a good driver.
Preparing to drive
- Adjust the seat for effective control and comfort
- Adjust all three mirrors for the best view
- Fit and adjust your seat belt and head restraint
- Check your passengers are safely seated
Letting people know what you are going to
do
- Indicate for at least five seconds before you pull out from the
kerb
- Indicate for at least three seconds before turning
- Indicate for at least two seconds before beginning to change
lanes
- Indicate before you steer off roundabouts (wherever
practical)
Using mirrors, indicators, and brakes in a useful
order
- Look in your mirror before you indicate
- Look in your mirror before you put your foot on the brake
- Indicate before you brake
Looking around you
- Slow down if you can't see what's happening five vehicles in
front of you
- Slow down at intersections and look for other cars even if you
have right of way
- Look into intersections regardless of having right of way
- Keep your eyes scanning the situation all around you
- Look over your shoulder (headcheck) before beginning
to change lanes and in other situations where vehicles could be in
your blind spot