Changing lanes: mirrors, shoulder checks and blind spots

Observation means gathering information

The three scenarios are constructed examples. Dario’s observation routine comes from his own account of his teaching.

Adjust your seat and mirrors before driving. Use the mirrors to observe traffic behind and to either side, and notice how gaps change. A vehicle that was visible a moment ago may now be alongside you. Its disappearance from the mirror does not prove that the lane is clear.

A brief, targeted shoulder check adds information about areas to the side that your mirrors do not show. The areas you cannot see depend on the vehicle, seating position and mirror adjustment, among other factors. A blind-spot diagram is an explanation, not a template that applies to every car. A warning light or camera does not replace your own judgement.

While observing, you still need to hold your lane, maintain your following distance and monitor the road ahead. Practise the deliberate head movement with your instructor in a stationary vehicle first. While driving, do not look behind for so long that you neglect the road ahead or control of the car.

A routine must lead to a decision

Dario describes his observation routine as: “Interior mirror, side mirror, shoulder check.” For the shoulder check, deliberately turn your head towards the relevant area beside the car and observe what is actually happening there. Make a clear head movement, keep the check focused and brief, and return your gaze to the road ahead. Maintaining your lane, distance and control of the car remains important. The routine helps you gather information. The current traffic situation determines whether you can begin the manoeuvre.

Assess the situation early, signal your intended change of direction in good time and check the relevant areas again before moving sideways whenever the situation may have changed. “I already looked” is not enough after waiting. If you cannot judge the situation safely or there is no suitable gap, stay in your lane and make a new plan.

This observation routine is a learning aid; completing it does not prove that the lane is clear. No timed sequence suits every traffic situation. Your observations must prepare the actual movement, and you must continue monitoring traffic. Road Traffic Act (SVG), Article 34, Article 39 and Article 44 provide the legal framework; the observation routine is teaching guidance. Linked legislation is in German.

Scenario 1: The vehicle has disappeared from your mirror

You are in the right-hand lane of a road with two lanes in the same direction and intend to move left. A broken line separates the lanes. A car was approaching from behind in your left mirror; now you cannot see it there. The schematic overhead view shows it alongside the left rear part of your car.

Your task: Identify what you still need to know before steering. Where is the other car now? How are the gaps ahead and behind changing? Is the area alongside you actually clear?

Apply it: You complete your checks but then wait for several seconds. Which information do you need to update before actually changing lanes?

Scenario 2: You notice the turn lane too late

You intend to turn left at the next junction. Your lane has a straight-ahead arrow, and the left-turn lane is beside it. A broken white line currently separates the lanes, but a solid safety line begins farther ahead. A vehicle is approaching in the left lane, and no safe gap is apparent.

Your task: Separate your destination from the safe manoeuvre. The question is not only “Where do I want to go?” but “Can I still get into the correct lane in good time without endangering anyone?”

Next time: Read direction signs and lane arrows early. Get into position in good time while observing traffic behind and beside you. Permission to cross a line and having a safe gap are two separate requirements. See Traffic Rules Ordinance (VRV), Article 13, and Road Signs Ordinance (SSV), Article 73 and Article 74.

Scenario 3: Turning right beside a cycle lane

You intend to turn right. A cycle lane marked by a broken yellow line runs alongside your car lane on the same carriageway. A cyclist in that lane is travelling in your direction and intends to continue straight ahead. You are roughly alongside one another. No traffic light or police instruction changes the situation; other traffic is omitted from this teaching scenario.

Your task: Track the cyclist through repeated observations. Where will your intended paths cross? Could she move farther forward while you wait? Before turning, check for other possible conflicts too, including people walking across the road you intend to enter.

A cycle lane is not a separate cycle path

This scenario specifically shows a marked cycle lane on the carriageway. A physically separate cycle path with its own crossing requires a separate assessment of its route, priority rules, signs and markings. Do not apply this diagram to every cycling layout without checking the details.

A broken yellow cycle-lane line is not an invitation to squeeze between cyclists either. Other vehicles may use a cycle lane marked by a broken line only if they do not impede cycle traffic; you must not drive over or across an unbroken yellow boundary line. See VRV Article 40 and SSV Article 74a.

Turn the lesson into useful practice

Discuss one of these scenarios before your next driving lesson. Agree on an observable goal: identifying the vehicle alongside you, explaining why you wait or calmly making a new plan after missing your lane. Your instructor can choose a situation appropriate to your current level.

After the manoeuvre, discuss the reflection questions at a suitable safe place: Which information mattered? Did your instructor need to prompt you? What will you check earlier next time? Do not create deliberately small gaps or conflicts with cyclists for practice. Answering an online scenario correctly does not establish that you can perform it safely in traffic.

Use the existing theory learning area for further rules and scenarios. The public theory quiz offers further questions; this link does not preselect a particular question. The motorway-entry lesson covers merging as a specific situation. For wider preparation, see the practical driving test guide.

Find a suitable driving lesson

Common questions

Is a shoulder check enough on its own?

No. It supplements mirrors and observation of the road ahead. You also need to judge speed differences, gaps, markings and the traffic in front of you.

Can I rely on a blind-spot warning system?

It can provide useful warnings but does not replace your observation and decisions. Functions and limitations depend on the particular system and vehicle. No warning does not prove that the lane is clear.

What if I miss my turn?

Follow the permitted direction for your lane and make a new plan at a suitable place. Do not force a lane change or turn from a lane that does not permit it.

How do I use the observation routine?

A practised routine helps, but it must not become a mere checklist. The situation may change. You need current information relevant to the actual manoeuvre and must stay attentive after your first check.