Common Mistakes Learner Drivers Make: Failing to Check Blind Spots

One of the most common yet critical mistakes learner drivers make is failing to check their blind spots. London’s busy roads are filled with cyclists, motorbikes, and vehicles weaving through traffic, and neglecting to check blind spots before changing lanes or merging can lead to dangerous situations. In this article, we’ll discuss why blind spot checks are so important, the common mistakes learners make, and how you can improve your driving habits to avoid accidents and pass your driving test.

What is a Blind Spot?

A blind spot is the area around your vehicle that isn’t visible in your mirrors. Even with properly adjusted side and rear-view mirrors, there are still areas to the sides of your car that you can’t see without physically turning your head. This is where blind spot checks come into play—they ensure that no vehicle, cyclist, or pedestrian is in your path when you change lanes or merge.

Why Blind Spot Checks are Crucial in London

In a city as busy as London, failing to check your blind spots can easily result in accidents. Cyclists, motorbikes, and even pedestrians can quickly appear in your blind spot, especially when traffic is congested or you’re driving near bus or cycle lanes. Blind spot checks are essential for avoiding collisions, particularly when merging onto motorways or changing lanes on multi-lane roads. Checking your blind spots isn’t just about safety; it’s also something your examiner will expect during your driving test. Failing to do so could result in a major fault, which could cost you the test.

Common Mistakes Learners Make with Blind Spot Checks

1. Relying Only on Mirrors: Many learners wrongly assume that checking their mirrors is enough. While mirrors give you a good view of the road behind and beside you, they don’t cover the areas immediately to the side of your car. Blind spots can hide cars, cyclists, or motorbikes that could pose a risk when you change lanes.
2. Forgetting to Check When Moving Off: Another common mistake is failing to check blind spots when pulling away from the side of the road. Whether you’re parked on a quiet street or a busy London road, you should always check over your shoulder before moving off to ensure there are no cyclists or cars passing on your right.
3. Not Checking Before Lane Changes or Merging: Learners often forget to check their blind spots before changing lanes on dual carriageways or when merging onto a motorway. This is one of the riskiest situations, as there is often fast-moving traffic that could be hidden from view.
4. Checking Too Late: Timing is crucial when checking blind spots. Some learners check their blind spot too late—right before making the manoeuvre—when it should be done earlier in the process. You need to check your blind spot before signalling or moving the car, giving you time to react to anything in that space.

How to Improve Blind Spot Checks

1. Get into the Habit of Regularly Checking: Blind spot checks should become second nature. Before changing lanes, merging, or pulling away from the kerb, always look over your shoulder to ensure the way is clear. Developing this habit early on will help you stay safe on the road and prepare you for your driving test.
2. Know When to Check: Understanding when to check your blind spots is essential. Here are some key moments to do a quick shoulder check:
   • Before changing lanes
   • When merging onto a motorway or dual carriageway
   • Before overtaking or pulling out to pass another vehicle
   • Before moving off from a parked position
   • When turning into a junction, especially if there are cyclists or pedestrians around
3. Don’t Rush the Check: Take your time when checking your blind spots. A quick glance is all that’s needed, but it should be done early enough in the manoeuvre process. Rushing or skipping the check can lead to mistakes, especially in busy areas like London, where traffic conditions change rapidly.
4. Stay Calm Under Pressure: In heavy traffic, it’s easy to feel rushed, especially with impatient drivers behind you. But it’s essential to take a moment to check your blind spots properly, regardless of pressure from other road users. Skipping this check could lead to an accident, so take your time and prioritise safety.

Why Blind Spot Checks Matter for Your Driving Test

Examiners are looking for drivers who are aware of their surroundings and who can demonstrate safe driving habits. Failing to check your blind spots during your test could result in a major fault. It’s important to show that you can perform checks without hesitation, particularly in situations like lane changes, overtaking, and merging. Neglecting blind spots can also lead to accidents on the road, even for experienced drivers. Therefore, mastering this skill as a learner is key to becoming a confident and safe driver.

Final Thoughts

Failing to check blind spots is a common mistake for learner drivers, but it’s one that can be easily corrected with practice and awareness. Blind spot checks should be part of your routine every time you move off, change lanes, or merge onto a new road. In a busy city like London, where roads are crowded with cyclists, motorbikes, and pedestrians, these checks are vital for road safety. By making blind spot checks a habit, you’ll not only become a more alert and cautious driver but also increase your chances of passing your driving test. Remember: a quick glance over your shoulder can make all the difference.