Safe and Defensive Driving Practices
Defensive driving means driving so that another road user's mistake does not become your crash. Expect the Mirror–Signal–Manoeuvre (MSM) routine for every change of speed or direction: check mirrors, signal in good time, check the blind spot, then move only when clear.
Following distance
Use the two-second rule: as the vehicle ahead passes a fixed object, you should not reach it for at least two seconds. Double it to four seconds in rain, at night, or when heavily loaded. Sudden downpours and expressway speeds make this a favourite exam point.
Position and observation
Keep left unless overtaking; overtake on the right. Hold your lane, scan about 12 seconds ahead, and check blind spots for filtering motorcycles. Anticipate at junctions, car parks and bus stops. Give way to pedestrians at zebra crossings and never wave them across into another lane's path.
Speed and condition
Drive to the posted limit and to conditions; reduced limits apply in School Zones and Silver Zones. Switch on headlights in heavy rain and use demisters. Take a break about every two hours to counter fatigue. Phone use must be hands-free and minimal - texting at the wheel is an offence.
Traps: treating a green light or 'right of way' as absolute; confusing two seconds with two car lengths; forgetting that wet roads roughly double stopping distance; assuming a signalling vehicle will actually turn.
Rule of thumb: only a fool breaks the two-second rule - and in rain, double it.