6 Point Check – 360 degree observation
Car safety has improved leaps and bounds, some new cars come with 360-degree cameras and sensors that will detect any nearby objects. These are great for parking, but when moving off from a parked position it is still always advisable to follow the 6 point check as below.
- Start by looking over your left shoulder, to cover any blind spots
- Look into the left side mirror
- Now look straight ahead
- Now check your interior mirror
- When all clear, look into the right side mirror
- If all clear, look over your right shoulder and begin to move off and merge quickly into any traffic
The 6 Point Check will soon become second nature and will ensure you have covered all the blind spots before starting off on your journey. Other routines that will help make you a safer driver include the Mirror Signal Manoeuvre or MSM for short, this routine is a fundamental driving skill that should be performed any time you are going to change lane or make any change in driving direction.
The Perfect Move Off
For learner drivers this will be the first manoeuvre that your examiner will be checking for, moving off comes with a host of potential perils, so employing the 6 point check is imperative if you are to pass your driving test and plays a key role in being a safe driver
- Perform the 6 point check even before starting the engine
- If all clear, start the engine and if manual shift place the car in first gear.
- Indicate your intention to pull out from stationary position
- Perform the 6 point check again.
- When all clear with the 6 point check, pull out into the traffic flow and looking forward and also checking the rear mirror.
- Quickly adjust speed to the existing traffic flow conditions.
If you are learning to drive, temporary car insurance NI is now available for time periods that can range from 1 hour to 1 day driving test insurance for your driving test or a few hours for any extra family driving lessons