Whilst you are taking your driving lessons you will come across various acronyms, here is an explanation of the acronyms that we will be using:
Awareness and Anticipation
Look - To see where the junction is ahead
Assess – To see where we should start the MSM(PSL) routine
Decide – How far we need to be from the junction before we start the MSM9PSL) routine
Act – Start the MSM(PSL) routine as you reach the point where you decided to do it
The MSM(PSL) routine !
Mirrors – Centre Mirror, Left/Right Mirror
Signal – Indicator Down/Up
Manoeuvre – (Position Speed Look Assess Decide Act)
Position – Normal driving position (Left) Close to centre line (Right)
Speed – Progressive Braking
Look – Assess – Decide – Act
- Progressive Braking
Brake – gently apply pressure on the brake pedal
Progressively - increase the pressure gradually to reduce the speed
Reduce – Get the speed down too below 10mph
Distance – Aim to reduce the speed by 1 – 2 car lengths from the junction
Ease Off – Slightly come off the brake (take into account hills)
- The POsM routine
Prepare - Clutch down, First gear, Clutch up slowly to holding point, handbrake up,
button in, hold
Observe – Take effective observation – Six point check
Signal – If there is anyone to benefit
Move – Clutch up slowly – add gas as necessary to make progress
- The Three S’s
Slow Down – Make someone ease off the gas and/or brake
Swerve – Steer to go round you
Stop – Brake and hold back to let you go
- Open/Closed Junctions
When emerging, most (95%) junctions in this country are classified as closed junctions because something, in one or both directions, is blocking your view. You need to approach in first gear as this is the only gear which allows you to go straight away if it is safe or wait and be ready to go. If you can’t see, keep looking as it is easy to miss motorbikes and pushbikes. If you can see right, left and right 3 -4 car lengths before the junction, you can treat it as an open junction.
- Peep and Creep
If you can’t see when you get to the junction because something is blocking your view, lean forwards, use the reflection of shops, vehicles and/or bus shelters and creep forwards.
Action Point
As instruction is being given try to simply follow the order in which they are given one after another and you will more easily achieve them all
- LADA – MSM(PSL) – PROGRESSIVE BRAKING - LADA
- CENTRE MIRROR – LEFT MIRROR – SIGNAL – POSITION – BRAKE, BRAKE, BRAKE, - EASE OFF – CLUTCH DOWN – FIRST GEAR – BITING POINT – STOP – HANDBRAKE ON
- LADA - LOOK RIGHT – LEFT – RIGHT – IS IT CLEAR – BE 100% SURE
- CLUTCH UP GENTLY – ON THE GAS – CENTRE MIRROR – NORMAL ROAD POSITION
