A Comprehensive Guide to Steering and Clearance When Driving in Great Britain

1. Steering Techniques

Proper steering control ensures safety and smooth manoeuvring.

Hand Position (Pull-Push Technique)

Recommended Method

The pull-push (or shuffle) technique is recommended in the UK, where your hands do not cross over.

Hand Position

Keep your hands at "10 and 2" or "9 and 3" (clock positions) for optimal control.

Avoid Crossing

Avoid crossing hands excessively to maintain stability and smoother steering.

Steering for Different Situations

Normal Driving: Small, smooth adjustments to maintain lane position.

Sharp Turns (e.g., roundabouts, bends): Use the pull-push method to turn the wheel while maintaining grip and control.

Parking & Low-Speed Manoeuvres: Hand-over-hand steering can be used, but return to pull-push for better control at higher speeds.

One-Hand Steering

Only use one hand briefly when necessary (e.g., operating gears or indicators).
Return to two-handed steering as soon as the other hand is free.

2. Maintaining Safe Clearance

Keeping proper clearance from other vehicles, cyclists, and obstacles prevents collisions.

Lateral (Side) Clearance

Cyclists & Motorcyclists: Leave at least 1.5 metres (5 feet) when overtaking to ensure their safety.
Parked Cars: Maintain about 1 metre to avoid collisions with opening doors or pedestrians stepping out.
Narrow Roads: Slow down significantly and be prepared to stop if the lateral clearance is tight.

Following Distance (Front & Rear)

Condition	Following Distance
Dry Conditions	At least 2 seconds behind the vehicle in front.
Wet Weather	Double to 4 seconds.
Ice/Snow	Allow 10 seconds or more.

Safe Overtaking

Necessity & Legality: Only overtake when necessary and legal (check for solid white lines and "no overtaking" signs).

Visibility & Space: Ensure you have clear visibility of the road ahead and enough space to overtake safely and pull back in without impeding the overtaken vehicle.

Motorways: Always check blind spots and signal clearly before moving out and back into lanes.

Clearance at Junctions & Roundabouts

Traffic Lights: Always stop behind the white line when the lights are red.

Box Junctions: Avoid entering box junctions (marked with yellow criss-cross lines) unless your exit is clear.

Roundabouts: Give way to traffic approaching from the right and only enter the roundabout when it is safe to do so without causing other vehicles to change speed or direction.

Height & Width Clearance

Low Bridges: Always watch for and adhere to signs indicating low bridge height restrictions.

Large Vehicles: Be aware that large vehicles (e.g., lorries, buses)need extra space for turning and manoeuvring—avoid trying to squeeze past them in tight situations.

3. Special Considerations for UK Roads

Narrow Country Lanes: Be prepared to use passing places to allow other vehicles to pass. Give way to larger vehicles as they may have less room to manoeuvre.
Urban Areas: Exercise extra caution for pedestrians, cyclists, buses, and other road users. Maintain lower speeds and be ready to stop.
Motorways: Keep to the left-hand lane unless you are overtaking. Maintain a safe following distance, especially from large goods vehicles. Be aware of lane markings and overhead signs.

4. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Tailgating: Driving too close to the vehicle in front significantly reduces reaction time and increases the risk of rear-end collisions.
Poor Lane Positioning: Drifting too close to kerbs or parked cars can lead to collisions or damage to your vehicle. Maintain a consistent and safe lane position.
Not Checking Blind Spots: Failing to check blind spots before changing lanes or turning can result in collisions with vehicles, cyclists, or motorcyclists you may not have seen in your mirrors.

5. Key UK Highway Code Rules

Rule 126: You MUST NOT drive so close to another vehicle that your combined stopping distances would be less than that shown in the table below (referring to the Highway Code's stopping distances).
Rule 163: Overtake only when it is safe and legal to do so. Ensure that you have enough clear road ahead to complete your overtaking manoeuvre safely and without causing inconvenience to other road users.
Rule 212: When passing pedestrians or cyclists, give them plenty of room (at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists).

Final Tips

✅ Stay Alert: Pay constant attention to your surroundings and anticipate potential hazards early.
✅ Adjust Speed: Modify your speed according to road conditions, weather, and traffic flow.
✅ Use Mirrors and Shoulder Checks: Regularly check your mirrors and perform shoulder checks before changing lanes, turning, or opening your door.

By diligently applying these steering and clearance techniques and adhering to the Highway Code, you will contribute to safer roads for everyone in Great Britain.