dual carriageways by hawkwell driving school hockley

Entering the main road check that there is nothing parked at the end of the slip road, then accelerate to match your speed with the main road traffic. Keep with the kerb and use the whole length of the slip road to minimise the angle of approach to the main road and hence minimise your blindspot.

Check your blind spot 3 times (don’t twist your shoulders).

When leaving the main dual-carriageway you may need to be careful when you indicate because of other turnings. An example is when turning off from Queensway (Southend- when heading away from the TOTS roundabout). A few metres before the beginning of the slip road there is a small side turning. If you indicate too early you may cause someone emerging from that turning to pull-out in front of you, because they think that you are turning into it. In this situation you still need to indicate, but do it late so that your indication is not misinterpreted. On this slip road it is appropriate to indicate just as you get alongside the speed camera.

Overtaking on Dual-Carriageways

When overtaking look for vehicles closing up gaps between them, this shows that they are going to pull out. Try never to drive in another’s blind-spot as they may change lanes without seeing you. On three lane sections never pull into someone’s blind-spot. Always glance sideways before changing lanes – the blind-spot on 3 lane sections is very large and could hide a bus. If someone moves towards you, or might, use your horn to warn them. Never change 2 lanes at once – always do them one at a time.

If someone is moving at well under the speed limit in front of you - overtake it as soon as possible. If you hesitate it will be more difficult. If the vehicle is slow and just exiting a roundabout try to overtake if possible while it is accelerating. You can overtake through a roundabout if you have to.

On dual carriageways be confident driving at 70 mph when the road is clear.

Lane Changing

Should be done smoothly and gradually with 4 flashes of the indicator before you start the move. Use the door mirror and a sideways glance to check alongside before moving. The move across lanes should take about 5 seconds to complete and is usually achieved by using acceleration.

In light traffic indicate when there is a gap and try to keep ahead of any vehicle already in the lane you want.

In heavy traffic check the mirror and indicate even if there is not a gap, then wait for a reaction from the following vehicle. If you are doubtful as the whether the car behind on your right is going to let you across - Accelerate in your lane to change position relative to the following vehicle. If you can distance yourself from him then you know it is safe to move across.