Crossroads can be a real challenge when taking driving lessons in Nottingham. The busy urban environment gives rise to some very complicated junctions which can be dangerous to those learner drivers who are not properly prepared. Let's look at what instructors need to teach learners about crossroads to enable them to handle the junctions safely.

The procedure for dealing with crossroads in Nottingham is the same as at any other junction, though there are extra dangers to look out for. A situation can occur where two vehicles need to cross each other to turn right at the same time. There are two methods to do this. Driving instructors must ensure that a learner understands themeaning of the terms nearside and offside. The nearside is the side nearest the kerb so it is the passenger side of the car. The most common way of turning right against oncoming traffic is the nearside method. By turning in front of each other the cars are positioned to allow maximum room in the junction and following traffic can pass.

Turning behind each other in the offside position is less common as the position of the vehicles prevents traffic from passing. This method occurs at larger crossroads which have turning boxes marked on the road. Be aware of unmarked crossroads. Learners barely even see these on approach so instructors need to make them aware of the junction and reduce speed.

Staggered junctions are crossroads whose roads do not line up symmetrically so more steering is involved when following the road ahead. If a junction is staggered to an excessive degree then it may have to be negotiated in two moves possibly waiting in the middle before turning right. This requires tight steering control and good observation of the main road. Learner drivers will require a full talk through on the first few attempts to handle staggered junctions.

There are many yellow box junctions which need to be covered when working through the learner driver syllabus. These crossroads are traffic light controlled and have yellow hatched markings on the road surface which prevent traffic from waiting in the middle and blocking traffic flow. Many now have surveillance cameras fitted which will photograph any vehicles blocking the junction resulting in a fine. Good forward planning during driving lessons Nottingham will help to prevent this. Learner drivers naturally feel compelled to make progress feeling imagined pressure from the driver behind. This needs to be brought to the learner's awareness by the instructor so the driving school vehicle does not enter the junction until the exit is clear. It is permissible to wait in the yellow box when turning right, but be sure to clear the junction as soon as the traffic lights change. This can be a problem for learners who lack control skills to enable a quick move off so this skill needs to be practised first.