Road positioning refers to where your vehicle is placed on the road in relation to other road users, lanes, and obstacles. Proper road positioning is essential for safety, efficiency, and smooth driving. As a learner driver, understanding and practicing good road positioning will help you stay in control, avoid hazards, and communicate your intentions to other road users. Below is a learner-friendly explanation of road positioning.
When driving, you should aim to:
Here’s how to position your car in different scenarios:
Position: Stay in the center of your lane.
Why: This keeps you at a safe distance from oncoming traffic and roadside hazards (e.g., parked cars, curbs).
Tip: Use the lane markings as a guide to stay centered.
Left Turn:
Position your car slightly to the left side of your lane as you approach the turn. This gives you a better view of the road you’re turning into and prevents cutting the corner.
Right Turn:
Position your car slightly to the right side of your lane as you approach the turn. This helps you make a smooth turn without swinging wide into the next lane.
Position: Adjust your position to follow the curve smoothly.
Tip: Slow down before entering the curve and accelerate gently as you exit.
Position: Move to the right side of your lane (in left-hand drive countries) to prepare for overtaking.
Why: This gives you a better view of the road ahead and signals your intention to overtake.
Important: Only overtake when it’s safe and legal.
Position: Give cyclists and pedestrians plenty of space (at least 1 meter in urban areas, more at higher speeds).
Why: This reduces the risk of collisions and ensures their safety.
As you gain experience, you’ll need to adapt your positioning for more complex situations:
Approach: Position your car based on your exit:
Exit: Signal and position your car correctly as you leave the roundabout.
Position: Stay closer to the center of the road to avoid roadside hazards (e.g., ditches, parked cars).
Oncoming Traffic: Move slightly to the left (in left-hand drive countries) to give the other vehicle space.
Parallel Parking: Position your car parallel to the curb, about 30 cm away.
Bay Parking: Center your car in the parking space, leaving equal space on both sides.
Here’s how to practice and improve your road positioning:
Road positioning is a fundamental skill that affects every aspect of driving. By staying centered, adapting to different situations, and communicating your intentions, you’ll become a safer and more confident driver. Remember: good road positioning is about being in the right place at the right time.