Question

Difficulty: EasyLane Discipline and Positioning

You are driving in the left-hand lane of a dual carriageway and intend to move into the right-hand lane to overtake a slower-moving vehicle. In what sequence should you carry out these actions to safely change lanes? Arrange the steps in the correct order from first to last.

  1. 1Check your interior mirror and right-hand door mirror.
  2. 2Signal right in good time to indicate your intention.
  3. 3Check your right blind spot with a brief glance over your shoulder.
  4. 4Move smoothly into the right-hand lane.

Answer

The correct sequence follows the Mirrors-Signal-Manoeuvre (MSM) routine: first check the interior and right-hand mirrors, next signal right in good time, then check the right blind spot, and finally move smoothly into the right-hand lane.
Safe lane discipline requires strict adherence to the Highway Code's Mirrors-Signal-Manoeuvre (MSM) routine: assess rear and side mirrors first, signal your intention clearly, confirm the right blind spot is clear, and steer smoothly into the target lane.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Check the interior mirror and right door mirror.
Identifies the position and closing speed of following vehicles in both lanes.
You must ensure there is sufficient space and no rapidly approaching vehicle in the target lane before indicating.
2
Signal right in good time.
Informs traffic ahead and behind of your intention to change lanes.
Signalling in advance gives surrounding road users sufficient notice to react safely.
3
Check the right blind spot over your right shoulder.
Detects any road users that are hidden from your mirrors.
Mirrors have blind areas that must be visually verified immediately before beginning the lateral move.
4
Steer smoothly into the right-hand lane.
Adopts the new lane position to begin overtaking.
Smooth steering maintains vehicle stability and prevents startling other road users.

Key Concept

Applying the Mirrors-Signal-Manoeuvre (MSM) routine and blind spot checks during lane changes on multi-lane roads.
Estimated Time:45s
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