Road Ready Rangatahi’s top tips for Restricted Licence (part 1)
So you’ve got your Learner Licence and you’re keen to start putting all that Road Code theory in to practice. If you have access to a road legal vehicle and a supervisor (who’s had their Full Licence for 2yrs +) then we have some top tips for you.
These are common things we work on with our students which are essential for safe driving and that all important Restricted licence test pass.
Mirror checks
Your mirrors are like extra eyes on the road. Your testing office will be checking to make sure you are regularly checking your mirrors. You should know what is in front, behind, and either side of you at all times. You should check your rear view mirror and speedometer every 8-10 seconds. If it sounds like a lot – it is! Things can change quickly in your immediate environment while driving so you need to be ready to respond at all times. Your mirrors are there to help you see what’s going on without craning your neck.
Indicating
Most people know they need to indicate if turning left or right or changing lanes but did you know you MUST indicate left out of a roundabout to signal the exit you are taking – even if you are continuing straight through the roundabout?
Top tip: You must always indicate for at least 3 seconds (you will likely hear it clicking, wait for 3 clicks before you switch it off). If the indicator flicks off itself before 3 seconds (or before you have completed the turn, lane change, or other manoeuvre) put it back on.
Blindspot checks
Your blindspot check means a full chin to shoulder turn to make sure there is nothing in the immediate area that you could collide with when you change road positioning. You look over your shoulder (left shoulder if turning left, right shoulder if turning right) to make sure the road is clear where you intend to go.
Blindspot checks are super important every time you turn into a new road, change or merge lanes, and enter flush medians or filter lanes.
Why? Blindspot checks are your "fail safe" to make sure there are no pedestrians, cyclists, or motorbikes (or roaming dogs, children, or footballs) that you might squish.
Now practice putting those three together. Think of Men In Black...
M for mirrors, I for indicate, B for blindspot check (MIBs).
Every time you turn left or right, are changing lanes etc. You must check your mirrors to see if it’s clear, indicate to let other people know what you plan to do, and blindspot check – is it really safe to do this? Do this consistently and you will be well on track towards being safe on the roads.
Top tip: Make your blindspot checks really clear. Do not leave any doubt in the testing officer’s mind. A half-hearted head turn onto a flush median could be a critical error so if it feels like you are over exaggerating your blindspot checks, you are probably doing them right (as long as you are actually looking to make sure it is clear).
Still not quite sure what blindspot checks are or when to check them? Check out this Drive video