Full G road test · Lesson 3 of 6
Highway Speed and Space
At highway speed, a small lapse in attention covers a lot of road. A steady pace and a useful space cushion give you time to notice changes before they become urgent.
Keep speed controlled
Read the posted limit rather than assuming every highway has the same one. Check the speedometer briefly and return your eyes to the road. Use small accelerator adjustments to avoid repeatedly speeding up and slowing down.
The speed limit is a maximum for suitable conditions. Rain, snow, poor visibility, a queue or roadworks may require a lower speed. Do not exceed the limit because another driver is close behind, and do not hold a high speed when the available space has disappeared.
On an open road, avoid an unnecessarily low speed that disrupts the flow. Practise keeping an appropriate pace while still making mirror checks and listening to directions.
Measure the gap in time
Use three seconds as a practical starting target in good conditions, with more space whenever conditions or visibility require it. When the vehicle ahead passes a fixed roadside object, count the time until your vehicle reaches the same point.
This gives more useful feedback than estimating car lengths. A gap that looks comfortable at local-road speed can be much too short on a highway.
If someone moves into your following space, ease off smoothly when safe and rebuild the gap. Avoid accelerating to defend the space or braking sharply simply because another driver entered it.
Keep a picture of nearby traffic
- Ahead: Look beyond the nearest car for brake lights, lane closures and changing traffic flow.
- Behind: Make regular, brief mirror checks so you know what is approaching.
- Beside you: Avoid remaining alongside another vehicle when you can safely create separation, especially near a large vehicle's blind spots.
- Near entrances: Watch for merging traffic. Adjust smoothly to help when safe, without creating a new conflict in another lane.
Use the right lane for ordinary highway travel when appropriate and keep other lanes available for passing. Follow signs and lane restrictions. Avoid unnecessary weaving between lanes.
A situation to practise
You are travelling steadily when brake lights appear several vehicles ahead. Check the traffic behind, ease off early and prepare to brake. Look for the reason the traffic is slowing while maintaining your own lane and spacing.
Common mistake
Watching the speedometer so closely that you miss a shrinking gap. Speed and space need to be managed together.
During practice, ask your instructor to note whether your speed changes when you check mirrors. If it does, work on brief glances, steady hands and a relaxed foot position.
