Learner Driver Hub How to safely change lanes

8. LANE CHANGING

Negotiating through heavy traffic on a multi-lane road is a difficult task even for experienced drivers. It can be daunting for beginners, especially when driving on unfamiliar roads, to choose the correct lane to drive on. The key is to plan the route (Point 1 in the System of Car Control) and select the correct lane early.

Here are 5 steps to safely change lanes:

1. Check rear view mirror, the key to safely change lanes!	Observe traffic behind early, carefully. Ask, who is where, doing what, moving how fast?
2. Indicate well in advance. You are communicating to other traffic, including pedestrians, what you intend to do, not already doing!	Check for a natural gap in traffic, indicate in good timing. In real heavy traffic indicate regardless, keep watch for a driver that facilitates your move, i.e. wants to let you in.
3. Maintain or adjust speed. Slowing or speeding up may be in order.	Avoid slowing, unless necessary or there's no traffic behind. It may be necessary to increase speed, if there a gap further ahead. No breaking the speed limit, of course.
4. Check your Blindspot! (See separate chapter)	The rear-view mirror mostly shows who is directly behind. A vehicle, or motorcyclist, can be hidden beside/behind you.
5. Make the move.	Don’t turn the wheel rapidly or very much. It only takes a very minor adjustment, leaning onto the steering wheel, to smoothly change lanes.

Interacting with other traffic requires correctly adjusted mirrors.

This side mirror needs adjusting to show more of the road beside the vehicle, not the rear door.

After indicating to change lanes, watch for other motorists who are prepared to provide space for you. They many flash headlights, give a wave or simply hold back to create a gap for you! To indicate a lane change, but then to ignore a courteous driver, who wants to let you in, creates frustration for everyone! Misunderstandings may lead to mishaps!

Do not change lanes...

... approaching intersections or junctions. >>>
... at traffic lights. If the light turns red you may find yourself halfway between lanes.

... within a roundabout. Select correct lane early, especially when exiting. (More details Section 10).

Entering traffic about to collide.

It is legal to change two or more lanes at once. Follow the above procedure. Ensure it's safe to do so.
Extra caution is required when changing to the centre lane on a three-lane road! Do not forget there is a third lane, where another motorist may appear from!

<<< No safety margin!

If the van slows unexpectedly, a rear end collision may occur! Leave a safety cushion all around your vehicle.

How often should you look in the mirror?

As a general guide check the rear-view mirrors every time before...

1. Changing speed (slowing or speeding up)

2. Changing direction (diverging around obstacles, lane changing)

3. Indicating (correct timing of mirror and indicator is vital)

4. Any hazard (approaching any real or potential danger).

In heavy traffic the mirrors obviously need to be checked more often than on a quiet country road; driving through a busy city centre every 3-5 seconds is advisable.
Danger often comes from behind!

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Our information could vary in your part of the world. We recommend you use above information in conjunction with a professional driving instructor.

Road Safety by Dieter Fischer - Learner Driver Hub 2020.