Driving Systems

You may have heard me talk about the 'msm' routine, or the 'mspsl' routine. Advanced driving courses like those provided by the I.A.M. or R.o.S.P.A. utilise driving systems to minimise human error.

A system is a set of priorities, and the reason the 'msm' routine is so often repeated is that it is easy to remember.

  • Mirror
  • Signal
  • Manouvre

If it is easy to remember, then it should be easy to apply, in an infinite number of situations.

An expanded version of the same process is M.S.(P.S.L.).

  • Mirrors
  • Signals
  • Position
  • Speed
  • Look

I like to add the 'gear' into this system. But where is the best place for a gear change in this system? After you have adjusted the Speed.

mspsl

You may need to adapt this system according to what you are trying to achieve.

For example, if you are overtaking a parked car, you may not need to signal. If you are turning left, you may not need to adjust your positioning. But the point is that you CONSIDER each of the phases.

In the driving ' The Essential Skills' book, the D.S.A. go further and add a further four elements to this system.

  • IDENTIFY THE HAZARD
  • Mirrors
  • Signal
  • Position
  • Speed
  • Gear
  • LOOK
  • ASSESS THE SITUATION
  • DECIDE WHAT TO DO
  • ACT ON YOUR DECISION

So here is the whole system, if you use it then you will have the basics of driving covered. The police use a system similar to this when on emergency calls.

  • Identify the Hazard. (parked car, roundabout, pedestrian, traffic light???)
  • Mirror check. Find out who is behind you, and how they might react to your action.
  • Signal to them, if you need to. (indicator, brake light)
  • Position the car safely.
  • Speed check. (Faster, Slower, the same?)
  • Gear. Pick the gear which best suits the chosen speed.
  • Look ahead, behind, into the place you are going.
  • Assess the situation.
  • Decide to Wait? Go? If you Don't know, then wait, until you do know.
  • Act. Once you have decided what to do, DO IT.

See ya...

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Driving Acronyms

Some TWA's (Three Word Acronyms)

  • ABS - Anti-Lock Brakes
  • PSI - Pounds per Square Inch (tyre pressures)
  • PAS - Power Assisted Steering
  • IAM - Institute of Advanced Motorists
  • ADI - Approved Driving Instructor
  • DSA - Driving Standards Agency
  • MOT - Ministry of Transport
  • DVLA - Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency
  • RSi - Rally Sport Injection
  • RSI - Repetetive Strain Injury
  • MSM - Mirror Signal Manouvre
  • HGV - Heavy Goods Vehicle
  • NMAP - No More Acronyms Please

If you want some more driving test info, check my website at:charltondriving.com

If you need to email me about anything driving related then please do. Please do not cancel lessons via email though, as I may not receive the notification in time. neil@charltondriving.com

For further information still, this is a great website: smartdriving.co.uk

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