DVSA safe driving

This is a core part of the DVSA driving standard and the Highway Code guidance on safe driving observation routines.

Here’s the full breakdown 👇

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🪞 USING MIRRORS ON UK ROADS – THE COMPLETE GUIDE

1️⃣ Purpose

Your mirrors help you:

• See what’s behind and to the side of you.
• Judge when it’s safe to change speed or direction.
• Communicate your intentions safely before acting.

The DVSA expects you to use mirrors at the right time, in the right order, and make decisions based on what you see.

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🚗 THE MIRROR ROUTINE – MSM / MSPSL

MSM = Mirror – Signal – Manoeuvre

(The foundation routine taught to all UK learner drivers.)

Whenever you intend to:

• Turn left or right
• Change lanes
• Overtake
• Slow down or stop
• Pull out from the kerb or move off

You must always apply this sequence.

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🔁 MSPSL Routine (used at junctions)

1. Mirrors – Check interior first, then door mirror on the side you’re turning.
2. Signal – Give the correct signal to inform other road users.
3. Position – Move into the correct lane/road position.
4. Speed – Adjust speed smoothly (brake progressively).
5. Look – Assess the junction and decide when it’s safe to go.

This extended routine is essential at junctions, roundabouts, and turns.

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📏 DISTANCE BEFORE A JUNCTION TO APPLY MIRROR ROUTINE

There’s no single fixed distance in metres, because it depends on your speed and road type — but the key principle is “in good time, not too late or too early.”

Here’s a practical timing guide used by instructors:

Speed	When to Start MSM / MSPSL	Approx. Distance Before Junction
20–30 mph (urban area)	About 6 seconds before turning	~ 30–45 metres
40–50 mph (rural road)	About 8 seconds before turning	~ 60–80 metres
60–70 mph (dual carriageway)**	About 10 seconds before turning	~ 100+ metres

✅ Golden Rule:
Always complete mirror checks before signalling — otherwise your signal may confuse other drivers.

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🔍 WHICH MIRRORS TO USE AND WHEN

Driving Action	Mirrors to Check	Why
Moving off	Interior + right door	Check for approaching traffic or cyclists
Changing lanes	Interior + door mirror on side moving toward	Ensure lane is clear
Turning left	Interior + left door	Watch for cyclists/pedestrians
Turning right	Interior + right door	Check for overtaking vehicles
Slowing down	Interior mirror	See how close following traffic is
Overtaking	Interior + right door + quick shoulder check	Confirm blind spot and safe clearance
Stopping	Interior mirror	Avoid harsh braking if a car is close behind

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⚠️ COMMON TEST FAULTS

• Looking but not acting on what’s seen in mirrors.
• Checking too late (after signalling or braking).
• Missing door mirror checks before turning or overtaking.
• Over-reliance on one mirror (especially interior only).
• Failing to check mirrors after overtaking or changing lanes.

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🧭 INSTRUCTOR TIP

When approaching a junction or hazard:

“Mirrors before any change of speed, direction, or signal.”
That phrase is your safety anchor.
By ~30–40 metres before a typical 30 mph junction, your MSM routine should already be in progress.