Maneuvers
Basic Traffic Maneuvers
Welcome, future driver! In this topic, we address one of the pillars of safe driving: maneuvers. A maneuver is any alteration of the normal progress of the vehicle (following the curve of a road or resuming driving after a traffic light is not considered a maneuver).
To pass your exam and drive safely, you must master the following basic maneuvers:
- Joining traffic.
- Lateral displacements (lane changing).
- Changes of direction (turns).
- Change of direction of travel (U-turns).
- Overtaking.
- Stopping and parking.
NOTE: Reversing is NOT considered a basic traffic maneuver by itself, but a complementary maneuver (for example, to park).
The Safety Rule: R.S.M.
Before performing any maneuver, it is mandatory to follow a strict sequence to avoid accidents. Memorize these acronyms, they are vital for theory and practice:
- R - REARVIEW (Observe): Check that the traffic situation allows the maneuver to be done safely. You must look in the mirrors or directly if necessary.
- S - SIGNAL (Warn): Warn other users of your intention well in advance.
- M - MANEUVER (Execute): Perform the action correctly and safely.
Types of Signaling
We can warn of our intentions via light signals (indicators) or acoustic signals (horn). Examples can also be used, although the light signal prevails over the arm signal (unless the latter is more visible or cancels the light one).
| Intention | Light Signal (Preferred) | Arm Signal (Exceptional) |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement to the Left | Left Indicator | Left arm extended (palm down) |
| Displacement to the Right | Right Indicator | Left arm bent upwards (at an angle) |
1. Joining Traffic
Joining is entering the flow of traffic from a stopped situation (parking, garage, private path) or from an acceleration lane.
General rules
- Observe: Make sure the road is clear and the speed/distance of other vehicles allows you to enter.
- Signal: Keep the indicator on until the car occupies its lane.
- Execute: Do it without obstructing. If it is from a private path, you must do it at a speed that allows you to stop if necessary and yielding to those already driving.
Special Cases
Acceleration Lane
If you join via an acceleration lane on a dual carriageway or motorway:
- Check the situation at the beginning of the lane.
- If you have to stop to yield, do so at the beginning, not at the end.
- Accelerate to reach a speed suitable for the flow of the road before entering.
Buses in urban areas
To facilitate the circulation of collective transport:
- In urban areas, we must facilitate the exit of buses from their signaled stops.
- This may imply moving laterally or reducing speed (even stopping) to let them out.
2. Lateral Displacements
It is considered lateral displacement when we change our position on the carriageway, invading, fully or partially, another lane.
IMPORTANT: Simple trajectory correction within your own lane is not considered lateral displacement. There is only a maneuver if you invade the adjacent lane.
Who has priority?
This is a classic exam question. When changing lanes:
- The vehicle already driving in the lane you intend to enter ALWAYS has priority.
- You must respect the speed and distance of others. You cannot force them to brake abruptly.
Correct Execution
- Observation: Verify that no vehicles are coming in the opposite direction (if you invade the opposite direction) or from behind in the lane you are going to.
- Signaling: Indicate your intention (left or right) in advance.
- Maneuver: The displacement must be gradual and progressive. Never abruptly.
Remember: Safety comes first. If you have doubts about whether you can perform the maneuver, it is better not to do it.