ADI Road Procedure — Questions and Answers
Question 1: As an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI), when should you teach a learner driver to use the MSM (Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre) routine?
- Only when turning at junctions
- Before any change of speed or direction, including lane changes, overtaking, stopping, and turning (Correct answer)
- Only when approaching roundabouts
- Only in heavy traffic conditions
Correct answer: Before any change of speed or direction, including lane changes, overtaking, stopping, and turning
The MSM routine should be applied before any change of speed or direction. This includes turning, overtaking, changing lanes, stopping, pulling away, and any other manoeuvre. It is a fundamental driving routine that must become habitual.
Question 2: According to the Highway Code, what is the correct procedure for a learner driver approaching a green traffic light that has been green for some time?
- Accelerate to pass through before it changes
- Be prepared to stop as the light may change, check mirrors, and be ready to respond safely to a change to amber (Correct answer)
- Maintain speed without any change
- Flash headlights to alert other drivers
Correct answer: Be prepared to stop as the light may change, check mirrors, and be ready to respond safely to a change to amber
A green light that has been showing for some time is likely to change soon. The driver should be prepared to stop by checking mirrors and being ready to brake smoothly if it changes to amber, rather than accelerating to 'beat' the light.
Question 3: When teaching lane discipline on a dual carriageway, which lane should the learner normally use?
- The right-hand lane for better visibility
- The left-hand lane unless overtaking or turning right (Correct answer)
- The middle lane on a three-lane dual carriageway
- Any lane depending on personal preference
Correct answer: The left-hand lane unless overtaking or turning right
The Highway Code states that drivers should keep to the left-hand lane unless overtaking. Middle-lane hogging is an offence and can result in a fixed penalty notice. The right-hand lane is for overtaking only.
Question 4: A learner driver approaches a pelican crossing where the amber light is flashing. What should they do?
- Stop regardless of whether pedestrians are present
- Give way to any pedestrians still on the crossing, but proceed if the crossing is clear (Correct answer)
- Accelerate to clear the crossing quickly
- Sound the horn to warn pedestrians
Correct answer: Give way to any pedestrians still on the crossing, but proceed if the crossing is clear
At a pelican crossing, the flashing amber phase means drivers must give way to pedestrians already on the crossing but may proceed if the crossing is clear. This phase follows the red light and precedes the green light for drivers.
Question 5: What is the two-second rule and when should an ADI teach it?
- The time to wait before pulling away from traffic lights
- A method for maintaining a safe following distance in dry conditions — the gap between you and the vehicle ahead should be at least 2 seconds (Correct answer)
- The maximum time for a three-point turn
- The time to check mirrors before signalling
Correct answer: A method for maintaining a safe following distance in dry conditions — the gap between you and the vehicle ahead should be at least 2 seconds
The two-second rule helps maintain a safe following distance in dry conditions. The driver picks a fixed reference point that the vehicle ahead passes, and counts 'only a fool breaks the two-second rule.' In wet conditions, this should be doubled to four seconds.
Question 6: When approaching a roundabout to turn right, which lane should the driver normally select?
- The left-hand lane
- The right-hand lane, signalling right on approach and changing signal to left after passing the exit before theirs (Correct answer)
- No specific lane is required
- The middle lane only
Correct answer: The right-hand lane, signalling right on approach and changing signal to left after passing the exit before theirs
When turning right at a roundabout, the driver should approach in the right-hand lane, signal right on approach, keep to the right on the roundabout, and then signal left after passing the exit before the one they wish to take.
ADI Road Procedure
As an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI), when should you teach a learner driver to use the MSM (Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre) routine?