OVERCOMING HESITATION AND MAKING PROGRESS
A comprehensive guide for learner drivers on building confidence and avoiding dangerous hesitation.
WHY HESITATION IS DANGEROUS
DANGERS OF HESITATION
- Creates confusion for other road users
- Increases risk of rear-end collisions
- Can lead to rushed, unsafe decisions
- Causes traffic congestion
- May result in test failures
Hesitation typically occurs at junctions, roundabouts, and when meeting oncoming traffic. The key is to develop systematic observation and decision-making skills.
STEP-BY-STEP PROGRESS GUIDE
STEP 1: OBSERVATION
Use the MSM (Mirror-Signal-Manoeuvre) routine:
- Check interior and relevant door mirror
- Glance over shoulder for blind spots
- Assess traffic speed and gaps
STEP 2: DECISION MAKING
- Identify a safe gap (longer than you think you need)
- Remember: It's better to wait for another gap than to go unsafely
- If unsure, apply the handbrake and reassess
STEP 3: COMMITTING TO ACTION
- Prepare the car (select correct gear, set gas)
- Final all-round check
- Move promptly when safe
- Maintain steady speed once committed
PRACTICAL EXERCISES TO BUILD CONFIDENCE
QUIET JUNCTION PRACTICE
Find a quiet residential area with T-junctions. Practice approaching, stopping if necessary, then moving off decisively when safe.
GAP JUDGEMENT DRILL
With your instructor, practice judging safe gaps by counting seconds between vehicles (minimum 4 seconds for turns).
EMERGENCY STOP RECOVERY
Practice moving off quickly but safely after simulated emergency stops to overcome fear of rapid acceleration.
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID
- Over-cautiousness: Taking excessively large gaps disrupts traffic flow
- Last-minute braking: Better to slow early and maintain momentum
- Stalling: Practice clutch control to prevent hesitation after stalling
- Ignoring priority: Remember who has right of way in each situation