Brunei Highway Code Theory common mistakes
Brunei Highway Code Theory · Understand the traps and how to avoid them.
Treating a 'Berhenti' stop sign as a give-way sign and rolling through the junction without coming to a complete halt at the stop line.
Candidates learn the give-way routine first and over-generalise it; the stop sign appears rarely on practice routes, so the full-stop habit is never automated.
What to do instead
Drill a fixed sequence for every stop sign: mirror check, signal if turning, brake to a full stop with the front wheels behind the line, count two seconds, then look right-left-right before moving off.
Stopping at or over the stop line at traffic lights and junctions, or creeping forward while waiting.
Drivers edge forward to improve their view of cross traffic and lose track of where the front wheels are relative to the line.
What to do instead
Use a fixed reference point on the bonnet or wiper to judge the line, stop so the line stays visible ahead of the bonnet, and hold the brake firmly until the exit is clear.
Entering a roundabout without yielding to traffic already circulating, or changing lane inside the roundabout.
Candidates focus on choosing the correct exit and forget the give-way-to-the-right rule; lane discipline inside the circle is rarely practised.
What to do instead
Before entry, decide the exit, select the lane, give way to the right, and stay in the chosen lane until the exit; if the lane is missed, go round again rather than cutting across.
Following too closely in the rain, leaving less than a two-second gap on wet roads.
The dry-weather gap feels normal, and candidates underestimate how much stopping distance increases on wet asphalt and how much spray reduces visibility.
What to do instead
Apply a minimum two-second gap in dry conditions and at least double it in rain; pick a fixed roadside object and count 'one thousand and one, one thousand and two' after the vehicle ahead passes it.
Failing to make a proper blind-spot check before changing lanes or merging, relying only on mirrors.
Mirrors leave a gap beside the rear quarter, and candidates rush the check or do it after starting the manoeuvre.
What to do instead
Practise the sequence: mirror, signal, shoulder check over the relevant side, then move only if clear; keep the signal on throughout and cancel it after completing the move.
Driving at the posted limit regardless of conditions, such as heavy rain, poor visibility or a busy residential street.
Candidates memorise speed limits as the target speed rather than the maximum permitted, and treat the limit as a pass criterion.
What to do instead
Learn the rule that the limit is a ceiling, not a target; reduce speed when visibility, surface grip or pedestrian activity is poor, and be able to justify any speed reduction to the examiner.
Misjudging the safe gap when overtaking a cyclist or motorcyclist, passing too close or too fast.
Candidates estimate clearance from the centre of the car rather than the near-side mirror, and underestimate a cyclist's wobble or a motorcyclist's road position.
What to do instead
Give at least a one-metre clearance at low speed and more at higher speed, wait behind until there is a clear view, and check the near-side mirror before pulling back in.
Skipping the pre-drive vehicle check, including tyres, lights, mirrors and fluid levels, and being unable to explain dashboard warning lights.
Candidates treat the check as a formality and have never had to identify a warning symbol or measure tread depth.
What to do instead
Run a weekly check routine: tyre pressures and tread depth, all lights, washer fluid, oil and coolant; learn the meaning of the main dashboard symbols so they can be named on request.
Underestimating fatigue and continuing to drive on a long journey without a break, or relying on coffee and open windows to stay awake.
Fatigue builds gradually and drivers overrate their ability to stay alert; stimulants mask symptoms briefly without restoring alertness.
What to do instead
Plan a break of at least fifteen minutes every two hours, share driving where possible, and stop at the first sign of yawning, heavy eyelids or drifting; a short nap is the only reliable remedy.
Failing to secure the scene and give correct priorities after a collision, moving an injured casualty or standing in the carriageway.
Panic and the impulse to help immediately override the sequence of warning other traffic, calling for help and checking for danger.
What to do instead
Memorise the order: stop safely, switch on hazard lights, place a warning triangle where safe, check for danger, call emergency services, then give first aid only within your training, never moving a casualty unless there is immediate danger.