Good driving habits
Here is a 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.
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.
Indicating
- 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).
- Look in your mirror before you indicate.
- Look in your mirror before you put your foot on the brake.
- Indicate before you brake.
Look 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.
Don’t bend the rules
- Come to a complete stop (no rolling) at stop signs.
- Ensure your maximum speed is always slightly under the speed limit.
- Stop for green lights when traffic in front of you is not leaving the intersection.
- Stop for amber lights unless it is not safe.
Be a careful driver
- Stay at least three seconds travel time behind the car immediately in front of you.
- Leave a space, when stopping behind a vehicle, to drive around it if you have to.
- Change lanes as little as possible.
- Slow down when approaching green traffic lights and check to make sure no one is running a red light.
