At Geoff Capes Driving School our instructors teach people how to drive safely, so they can safely and confidently drive on all types of roads from quieter residential or rural areas to busier town centres.
All drivers need to know how and when to change lanes, this might seem very straightforward, but most learner drivers have questions about how to do this process safely and what techniques they should use.
When to change lanes
When you are driving there can be many different situations where you will need to change lane. Knowing how to identify when you will need to perform a lane change will help you prepare for the manoeuvre and complete it safely and successfully.
You will need to consider changing lanes when you overtake a vehicle, exit dual carriageways or motorways, roundabouts or when you are approaching junctions.
Whatever happens, if you are in the wrong lane don’t panic! Every driver will be in the wrong lane at times, if you can’t safely move into the correct lane, take the safest option which is to continue ahead safely until you find another junction or exit where you then return to the right direction.
Whenever you drive a car you should always ensure that your mirrors are correctly adjusted so you have maximum visibility and can see other road users properly.
Step by step guide on How to change lanes properly
Every time you need to change lanes safety is paramount, and the standard method you should use is know as the MSM routine, this stands for mirrors, signal and manoeuvre.
- Prepare to change lane – whatever the reason for changing lanes you need to think ahead and plan. Ideally, if you are approaching a roundabout or junction, overtaking or taking an exit you will want to be in the correct lane as early as possible. Look for traffic signs and road markings which indicate which lane you need to be in. If you are driving an unfamiliar route it’s a good idea to plan ahead if you can and look at the map so you can plan your route, or a sat-nav will tell you when to change lanes, however, remember this can only guide you and you are responsible for your decisions and safety. Changing lanes at the last second when you are rushed can be hazardous and you are far more likely to make a mistake and have a collision.
- Once you have prepared to change lanes you should now check all your mirrors and glance over your shoulder to ensure that there are no vehicles in your blind spot. Be extra careful to check for cyclists and motorcyclists as these are harder to spot. Once you have checked your mirrors you should decide if it is safe for you and that it will not cause other drivers to have to brake suddenly or swerve to avoid you.
- After checking your mirrors and blind spots and you have decided you have enough space, it is safe for you and others for you to continue then you should signal your intention to change lane by using your indicator. This does not mean that you have right of way over other road users so you should still only move if it’s safe and legal to do so. If you need to abandon your lane change due to a potential hazard then you should cancel you indicator and perform your checks again before turning on your indicator and attempting the move again.
- To change lane you should maintain your speed as you carefully and calmly steer your vehicle into the correct lane. Changing your speed could disrupt other road users. You do not need to rush the move and should steer smoothly. Once you are in the correct position in the new lane turn off your indicator to let other road users know that you have completed your manoeuvre.
Remember to be patient and always choose safety first!