Safe driving behaviour, courtesy and defensive driving
Defensive driving
The exam rewards observation and space, not assertiveness. Use the mirror-signal-manoeuvre routine, keep a bubble of space around the car, and plan for the mistakes of others. The system of car control - information, position, speed, gear, acceleration - gives a repeatable order for every hazard. A good driver is predictable, smooth and visible. Courtesy is part of the law: do not obstruct, tailgate, or use the horn aggressively.
Core habits
- Look far ahead and scan mirrors every few seconds.
- Cover the brake when a hazard is developing.
- Keep left lanes for overtaking; return right when clear.
- At a merge, adjust speed to fit the gap rather than forcing priority.
- Give cyclists and motorcyclists a wide berth.
- Signal before changing lanes and cancel afterwards.
- Use dipped headlights in dust and rain so others see you.
Worked example
A driver tailgates you at 90 km/h. Braking hard to 'teach a lesson' risks a rear-end crash. Instead, ease off gently, increase your own gap to the vehicle in front so you can stop progressively, and let the tailgater pass when safe. You cannot control their behaviour; you can control the space ahead.
Traps
Believing right-of-way removes the duty to avoid a collision; retaliating against aggressive drivers; and hovering in another driver's blind spot.