Emerging from Junctions
Emerging from junctions
This printable post is for parents and friends of learner drivers to help guide them learn how to emerge from junctions. Emerging is travelling from the minor road into the major. A more detailed explanation on emerging left and right can be found here on our free online driving tutorials. We'll assume you know POM and MSM by now. If not, go back and look it up on previous posts.
Turning left
Emerging at junctions has similarities with stopping at the side of the road. It's the MSM routine we'll be using. To begin with, assume you;re stopping at the end of the road. When more proficient, you can start to look to emerge without stopping at give way lines, as ling as it's safe.
When told to turn left at the end of the road you'll first check your mirrors. Interior for cars, then the left door mirror for cyclists. Secondly you'll signal to the left. Not too early or too late. Thirdly we'll manouevre. Start to reduce the cars speed. As soon as you feel like you can make it to the end of the road with the momentum you have, dip the clutch to the floor. Keep it down.
You'll have time now to put the car into 1st gear, hand back to the wheel. Resist the urge to look to the right too soon. You'll not be able to see any traffic, focus on the end of the street and adding the turn needed to follow the kerb. It's essential to be in a good position at the end of the street, following the contour of the pavement, wheels facing to the left.
If you're too straight, when you emerge, you risk ballooning onto the other side of the road and slowing down oncoming traffic.
Stop at the line. Here the clutch and brake should both still be down. Look both ways as many times as is needed to make sure it's safe and when happy, emerge. Do this by coming off the brake, setting some gas and finding the bite. The car should start to move. Follow the pavement around and make progress in the new road as you straighten up.
Turning right
Emerging right at a junction is the same as to the left, just with a twist. The approach should be easier, however, the decision to emerge at the end is more challenging.
Check the interior and right door mirror for things overtaking you. Apply the right indicator at the correct time. There is some scope for movement here. Position yourself along side the hazard lines down the centre of the street. When you feel like you can make it to the end, off the gas and dip the clutch. Change to first gear and stay on the clutch like your stopping.
Brake as much or as little as you need to to make it to the give way lines. Try to be at walking speed by the time you're a few meters away. Avoid looking to the right too soon. Focus on getting to the line to make emerging easier in terms of visibility.
Stop at the markings. You should have a straight car with straight wheels at this point.
Look right and left as many times as you need to and when you're not going to make anyone slow down for you, emerge. Trying to get onto your side and into your normal drive position ASAP.
