16. Clearance/obstructions.
This is a small section, but still important. In the past, it was described as "adequate clearance," which sums up the aims quite well. It basically means that you should avoid driving too close to obstructions or parked cars if there is no need to. If there is sufficient room in the road and it is safe in every respect, you should allow about a metre clearance from the thing in your way.
You must keep this clearance where possible to the rear, the side and the front of parked car, or obstruction that you are passing. A lot of driving tests come to grief on this aspect of driving, as some roads are incredibly congested and most test routes will use these roads for a period.
If, for example you are in a narrow road, with vehicles parked both sides, it may be impossible to keep a metre clearance, so if you have to be closer, then keep your speed lower. The examiner will see what you are doing and will know that you have to be close, and will expect you to slow right down.
Be careful when emerging from behind a parked car, perhaps after a parallel park, that apart from full observation, you leave a metre clearance from the offside rear of the parked car, keep the distance from the cars side, and don't cut in sharply, as you pass the car.
Make things easy for yourself on your test, by giving way where necessary (let the other driver do the work) and positioning your car where it is easy to continue when things clear up.
Typical Faults Recorded In This Section.
- Drives too close to the rear of stationary vehicles before pulling out.
- Drives too close to the side of stationary vehicles while driving past.
- Cuts back to the left too soon after passing stationary vehicles.
Give us a call on 01452 614226 to arrange your lesson.
Warm Regards,
John Lowe.
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