Nottinghamhas many streets built during the Victorian era which were simply not designed to carry the volume of traffic we see today. This can be a problem for learner drivers who do not have much experience in negotiating their way across town. Here is a guide to help you as you take your driving lessons with a Nottingham instructor.

There is the basic rule which applies when meeting oncoming cars with insufficient room for both to pass. If a car is parked on your side of the road then oncoming traffic has right of way. If the parked vehicle is on the other side of the road then you have priority.Parked vehicles both sides means no one has priority. The secret to getting through tight traffic is to plan well ahead and try to cooperate with drivers of oncoming vehicles. This is especially important in areas such as Forest Fields in Nottingham because if two cars meet with others following it may be some time before anybody gets home.

When you see a car parked on your side of the road check mirrors and pull to the right of your lane for an early view of the road ahead, if no other cars are approaching in the other direction then just drive on through. If something is coming the other way and you think the gap is big enough then drive through the gap slowly. Remember, less space means less speed. You've got to be able to stop if someone gets out of a parked car.

If a car is coming and there is no room for you to get through then wait in what's called the hold back position. Slightly to the right of your lane and two to three car lengths back from the obstruction. This way you can see and be seen. Many drivers make the mistake of pulling too far to the left and too close to the parked car, following traffic will tend to drive past and block you in if you do this.

In older areas of Nottingham where streets are really crowded you may get parked vehicles on both sides of the road with only enough room for one car to fit down the middle. Now cars in both directions have equal priority. Here's where your ability to communicate with other drivers comes into play.Use your hazard awareness skills to determine what will happen next. If the other car speeds up and moves towards the middle then hold back and let them through. If they slow down and seem to be giving way then proceed with caution. Many qualified drivers will flash their headlights to signal that they are giving way and this is frowned upon by Nottingham driving schools. According to the Highway Code the flashing of headlights is merely a signal to warn others of your presence so it's meaning is open to interpretation. Always check it is clear if someone flashes you and don't flash your headlights if it could mislead anyone. You will learn more about driving through the crowded parts of town during you practice safe driving in Nottingham.