Step 6: Steering and Manoeuvring

THIS SECTION COVERS THE FOLLOWING
Manoeuvres: Practice essential driving manoeuvres such as turning, parking, and reversing.
OSM Routine: Follow the Observation-Signal-Manoeuvre routine to ensure safe and effective driving.
Coasting: Understand the risks of coasting and how to avoid it.
Skidding: Learn how to control your vehicle in the event of a skid.
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Steering and Manoeuvring: Essential Skills for South London Drivers

Mastering steering and manoeuvring is crucial for navigating the busy streets of South London. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you develop these essential driving skills.

THE BASICS OF GOOD STEERING
To maintain good steering control:

• Keep Both Hands on the Wheel: Always keep both hands on the wheel, except when changing gear or operating other controls. Return your hand to the wheel as soon as possible to maintain control.
• Avoid Resting Your Arm on the Door: This restricts your movement and can compromise your control.
• Firm but Relaxed Grip: Grip the wheel firmly but not too tightly, allowing you to turn it easily when the vehicle is moving.

EFFECTIVE MANOEUVRING
Before you start any manoeuvre, ensure it is:

• Safe: Check that there is enough room and that you can see where you’re going.
• Legal: Confirm that the manoeuvre is permitted in the area.
• Convenient: Ensure you’re not causing other road users to slow down or change direction unnecessarily.

SAFETY CHECKS
When manoeuvring, always:

• Position Your Vehicle Correctly: Ensure your vehicle is in the right position to manoeuvre safely.
• Use Mirrors and Check Blind Spots: Always check your mirrors and look behind you to cover blind spots before starting.
• Signal Appropriately: Use signals to inform other road users of your intentions.
• Stay Alert: Keep looking ahead and around for potential dangers such as pedestrians and other vehicles.
• Pause if Necessary: If it’s not safe, pause and wait until it is.

Note: Avoid turning the steering wheel while the vehicle is stationary to prevent tyre wear and potential damage to the steering mechanism.

USING REVERSING AIDS
If your vehicle is equipped with reversing aids like cameras or proximity sensors:
Supplement, Don’t Replace: These aids are helpful but should not replace normal visual checks. Always check all around before and during a manoeuvre.

STOPPING PARKING AND REVERSING
When stopping, parking, or reversing:

• Smooth Controls: Avoid sudden or harsh use of the accelerator, brakes, and steering.
• Maintain a Steady Speed: Keep a slow and steady speed to maintain control.
• Limit Reversing Distance: Only reverse as far as necessary.
• Practice Reversing: Remember that when reversing, the steered wheels are effectively at the back, making the vehicle highly manoeuvrable but requiring accurate steering.

SPECIFIC TIPS FOR SOUTH LONDON 

• Narrow Streets and Tight Corners: Practice manoeuvring in narrow streets and around tight corners, common in areas like Clapham and Brixton.
• Busy Intersections: Develop skills to handle busy intersections and roundabouts, such as those found at Elephant and Castle.
• Parking Challenges: Get comfortable with parallel parking and reversing into tight spots, essential for South London's crowded streets.

By mastering these steering and manoeuvring techniques, you’ll be well-prepared to handle the unique challenges of driving in South London.

For personalized lessons on steering and manoeuvring, contact us 

Stay safe and confident on the roads!

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NEXT SECTION: Driving an Automatic VehiclE

CLICK TO READ NEXT

• Using the Gear Selector: Familiarize yourself with the gear selector in an automatic vehicle.
• Safe Acceleration: Practice safe acceleration techniques to maintain control and ensure passenger comfort.

Junctions

​Junction Types:

1. T-junctions and Y-junctions
2. Crossroads and slip roads
3. Marked and unmarked junctions
4. One-way streets
5. Urban, rural and dual carriageways​

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Underpinning knowledge:

• MSM and PSL
• Turning, entering and emerging
• Advance warning signs and road markings
• Zones of vision
• Priorities

Roundabouts

​Areas to learn:

1. Mini and major
2. Multiple and satellite
3. Traffic light controlled
4. Approaching and entering
5. Leaving and turning
6. Straight ahead​

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Underpinning knowledge:

• MSM and PSL
• Lane discipline
• Correct position
• Zones of vision
• Observation
• Priorities​

Signals

​Types of signal:

1. By arm and by indicators
2. Brake
3. Reversing
4. Hazard lights
5. By other road users
6. Traffic controllers

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​Underpinning knowledge:

• Why signals are necessary
• When and how to signal
• Unnecessary signals
• Confusing signals
• Dangerous signals and why

Driving School NEWS AND BLOG

Follow Driving Schools in South London latest news blog where we share helpful driving tips and advice.
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Practice Makes Perfect
New drivers are encouraged to practice frequently to build confidence and improve their skills. The DVSA recommends at least 22 hours of private practice before taking the driving test.
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Stay Calm and Focused
Anxiety can lead to mistakes during the driving test. New drivers are advised to practice techniques to manage nerves, such as deep breathing and staying composed at junctions and roundabouts.
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Highway Code Changes
An article detailing key updates to the Highway Code that took effect in 2022. It covers changes aimed at improving safety for vulnerable road users and how these updates may impact driving tests. 

Be Prepared for Traffic
​ It's important for new drivers to familiarise themselves with driving in heavy traffic, especially during rush hours. This includes learning to navigate busy intersections and roundabouts.
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Road Signs and Rules
Familiarity with the Highway Code and understanding road signs is crucial for safe driving and passing the driving test specifically the Theory test element of the driving test. See our traffic sign guide

Car Insurance for Learners
This article explains the importance of learner driver insurance and how it allows for practice with an accompanying driver. It provides insights into the benefits of such insurance and how it works.

Master Observation Techniques
New drivers should focus on observation skills, particularly when changing lanes or joining traffic. Proper observation is key to driving and can prevent major faults during the driving test.
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Utilise Mock Driving Tests
Conducting a mock driving test with an unfamiliar instructor can help new drivers pass their test by making them more comfortable and familiar with the driving test process.
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How To Master Roundabouts
This page looks at roundabouts and how to become a roundabout master. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about roundabout layouts and how to approach them

These tips aim to equip new drivers with the necessary skills and confidence to navigate the roads safely and successfully. For more detailed information, you can explore the latest news and blog posts directly on the Driving Schools in South London website.