Emerging

Emerging according to the Driving standard agency definition is when a ‘vehicle leaves a minor road to join, cross or turn into a major road. As you learn how to drive you would already be practicing the MSPSL routine.

To understand emerging you need to know what a give way sign means according to the Highway Code and also how to deal with a Stop sign.   A ‘Give Way’ sign or lines across the road means that you must give way to traffic which is already on the road that you intend to enter.

However, if you can emerge out of the road without causing any driver or rider to alter speed or course, you can do so without stopping, this is only possible in open junction ‘give ways’ where the view of the road is clear before you approach the end of the road. There are also junctions that have no road making or signs so treat them with care and do not assume you have priority.

When approaching a ‘give way’ junction remember to follow the MSPSL routine that you have already learnt from previous lessons on junctions.  For anyone who has forgotten the MSPSL routine below we will discuss in brief:

Mirrors-

• Look in your mirrors (start with the centre one and depending where you intend to turn check the appropriate side mirrors) to assess what is behind you.

Signal-

• Signal your intention in good time of where you want to turn, remember a signal should not confuse traffic behind you.

Position-

• When turning left keep about a metre from the kerb (3 feet), if turning right position your vehicle in good time close to the centre of the road as is possible.  On a one-way move to the right hand side of the road.

Speed-

• Reduce speed in good time and be prepared to stop to give way to traffic on the major road.

Look-

• Make a point to look in both direction and only move if it is safe to do so without causing traffic on the major road to stop for you.

A stop sign at a junction means that you MUST STOP regardless of it being an open or closed Junction.  Practice the above with your instructor so that you understand what is required. There are many roads in the Morden test route that have open and closed junction.