Can't see when pulling out? Closed and Obstructed Junctions 

To anyone reading this: keep going, if you have your test soon keep calm and it will come! I recently passed on the 2nd attempt, soon you will pass too!

I've been driving for 25 years and your videos still improve my skills and safety. Thank you from Australia.

I can confidently say that even though I got a license quite some time back....most of the things I know are thanks to you....❤️from🇰🇪

Just passed my test last week due to your videos! I used Collingwood learners insurance too and managed to get a year no claims discount for my full licence. I will continue to watch your videos to grow my confidence out on the roads whenever I can! Thank you so much Richard for passing on your knowledge to us and making it a fun learning experience along the way.

This guy right here is the reason I pass my driving test where ever I go. Got my license here in Japan on 2nd attempt, got my license in my country at 1st attempt. All thanks to this guy. It was only me who passed the driving test where almost 10 people tried for the test and all of them failed except me

Great video Richard...and with a good dose of humour too. I have a few personal tips for these types of junctions. Hope you don't mind if I share: 1. On approach to limited view junctions, I wind down the window(s) on my "limited view" side, as well as mute my radio and stop any conversations with passengers. Reason being, you can sometimes hear traffic before you can see it. This includes engine noise, tyre noise and in some cases, that "hum" from an EV. 2. As soon as I fully emerge from a limited view junction (having first determined it's safe to do so), as I straighten up on the new road, I immediately check my mirror just in case I missed something or in case another vehicle is coming up behind me fast enough that it would not have been in my field of view as I emerged. I can then either accelerate faster or (depending on the width of the new road, the traffic situation & the relative speeds involved) indicate left and pull in to the side to let "the fast one" pass me. 3. If the junction I'm pulling up to has a Stop sign / Stop line (as opposed to Give Way), this can be an advanced indication that the junction is going to have a limited view (at least, in the UK). 4. Reflections in shop windows or even down the side bodywork of other cars (including the reflection of daytime running lights) can give a clue that another vehicle is coming along before that vehicle is itself visible. 5. When the view is restricted due to parked cars, you can sometimes still see a car coming down the main road as a "flicker" in the short spaces between the parked cars. 6. Whilst waiting to emerge, if a large vehicle such as a van, bus or HGV is coming from your right to your left, make sure you look left BEFORE that large vehicle passes in front of you and blocks the view to your left even more. This will at least give you a ROUGH idea of what traffic might be coming from your left to your right before your view of it is well and truly blocked. However, you will still need to wait till that large vehicle has gone into the distance to your left somewhat further before being able to safely decide when to emerge. (reverse "right" and "left" if in a country that drives on the right).

I just wanna thank u for the videos and I watched them last night and I FINALLY passed. IM SO EXCITED!!!!!

This is really helpful! I passed my test 16 years ago but never needed a car until recently as we have a baby on the way. I’ve been having refresher lessons but my solo driving makes me nervous, especially as there are LOADS of closed junctions where I live and it’s very built up with cars parked everywhere. Twice today I think I pulled out a little quickly or too soon due to fear of being in the way even though my bonnet is quite small, and has to find a video to help me deal with these situations. This was EXACTLY what I needed, thanks so much! 🙏🏼

Passed my driving test first try a week ago with 8 minor faults. Thank you for your videos, they helped a lot! Mazda mx5 at 1:19, nice

I love the consistency in your content delivery

Sometimes you have no choice but to give way, like you said when the driver hasn't seen you. Usually on my way home from work if i go a certain route there is a junction with nearly always a parked or stopped car on double yellows on the right side next to the junction. I have to see if it's clear on the left then peep and creep, but by the time i'm able to see if it's clear on the right i'm in the middle of the road so it's best to just continue. Sometimes i get a sudden car on the right side slowing down and the driver giving me that look like i should have seen them before emerging. They should have seen my bonnet earlier on and understood i was restricted. 🤷‍♂️

Honestly, this isn't as big of an issue 90% of places in America because we do, in our usual fashion one good thing in a mix of bad things, and actually put heavy importance on creating and maintaining view triangles. Which is quite nice. Nonetheless, even with good view triangles, I absolutely still find this video be useful.

I needed this video so much- I live around so many closed junctions, most of which are obstructed by parked cars that are INCHES from the mouth of the junction and on hills too- two things to try and juggle. This video really helped, thanks!

Your videos are always great due to which I am driving. You're doing a great job!

I feel like this video was made just for me! I remember requesting this a while back, so good of you to actually oblige! Thanks Richard 😄 Also, I feel you with that existential crisis at 0:55 Take a break! Go somewhere nice!

You are a legend, so concise, I watch your videos because you are a hero! CONQUER DRIVING FOR A KNIGHTHOOD

thank you so much! Your videos are so helpful, everyone learning to drive should watch your videos

Great video, clarified a lot of what I was wondering about. By the way I've passed my test now, so thank you very much for the help!

I passed my test last week, it is thanks to your videos that have helped me learn how to drive smoothly keep up the good content I’m sure many future learners will pass through your tips 👍🏾

Thank you so much for this video. Today I failed my test for the 4th time because the examiner had to apply emergency brakes as I was turning right at a closed junction. At the time I thought it was unfair but now I realized my mistake!!

Have been watching for a while without commenting but I felt like I should share that I passed my test first time on Monday with only three minors, and watching your videos really helped me so thank you so much!! 😊

Great video as always. Just what a new driver needs.

Thank you so much for these videos! My test is next week and I have been trying to get more comfortable with driving in general and I have to say watching these videos is so good and very reassuring! Definitely great for calming nerves!! 👍

Thank you so much for these videos! Passed my test on Monday you helped me a lot!

Got my license months back.. big thanks to U coz I've learnt more from U than my driving school and am still learning..u are simply the best.. from 🇺🇬 webale nyo blad

I passed my test last Tuesday 🥰Thank you!!!

"Creep and peep" as my top-class instructor drummed into me 50 years ago, plus, look around both sides of the front pillars, which he termed "killer pillars" because of their blind spots.

You are the best, you explain very detailed and easy.

Very articulate and knowledgeable. Thank you

Richard with another beyond helpful video. Bless up from Jamaica 🇯🇲 Richie boy 🤜🏾🤛🏾💯

after being a "holiday driver" and becoming a daily driver... Thank you soo much for your videos. definitely improved my confidence to put your guidance into practice. Wish there would be more driving instructors like you across Great Britain.

I wanted to say thank you for your videos. It helped me to learn new things which I didn’t know about it. Also, I had passed my driving test today 🥳❤️

youre so funny😁. Youre definitely my favourite driving instructor online.

you look such a good person I am soo grateful for the video

informative as always Richard

Great video, the only thing this made me thing of when you were talking about get going once your blocking the road from the right on left turns. If your turning left into a road where two cars can't pass each other, and oncoming will be in the middle of the road. You still have to take your time even if your blocking cars coming from the right. Very helpful and informative video for learners though, allot of great examples 👍

Thanks man your videos helped me pass last week litrally watched every video you put on and passed with 3 minors!

Great video today :) your videos are very helpful! iv had some ruff lessons of late, but ur videos giv me hope to keep trying, (and changing to my new instructor)

I've never left a comment on the tinterwebs, but at the tender age of 39 passed me test the other day! My instructor was second to none, but your videos in-between lessons were a massive massive help and I will keep watching them to learn! Cheers lad!

Ur dedication our benifit😃👍🏽

Passed my driving test today with 2 minors. Your videos helped a lot!

Wow this is fantastic, l can understand clearly this Uk accent than Australian accent. I started watching your videos as preparation for getting driving test too soon, and you are so good for showing us every steps and l'm so thankful for you Sir for sharing your knowledge your videos are very helpful. Thank you loads and goodluck to me

Your videos helped me pass 100 per cent!

I had my first test today with only 3 minors and went the full time, however in the last 5 min sadly failed on parking between 2 cars, I touched the curb and had to correct my position but did get it in the end. I was devistated at the start but I've come to realise that its shown me where to improve and has pretty much removed all test nerves, which makes me more confident I'll get it next time around. These videos really do help all us learners, so thankyou very much.

I find winding the windows down helps too, then you can hear oncoming cars

This is great, even though I already got the license, keep it up from Sweden

I have a very closed mini-roundabout near me that I have to use everyday. I find it useful to open the window to hear vehicles and to look for shadows or reflections on the paintwork / glass of any parked vehicles, to the right, for any movement, which gives some advanced warning that something is approaching. Leaning forward in your seat gives you a small advantage and any advantage is always a bonus. Just as a side note, Ashley Neal calls the slow emerge "creep and peep", which I love and it helps the technique stick for those learning how to emerge from closed / blind junctions.

This is very helpful. Thank you so much 😀

Great video!!! Thank you so much!!!

Thank you this is ever helpful . As a learner.

Great lesson, I have grasped

Thank you!

This was quite useful. Thanks :) 😀

Thanks For that informative video. A few years ago, I was driving straight down a roadway (steering wheel on left side) and this lady suddenly pulls out of a driveway directly in front of my car. I slammed on the brakes and swerved to avoid hitting her car. I swerved into a truck waiting to pull into the driveway. I had to convince the insurance company it was not a scam. I just wrecked my new car. No, it was not a scam.

Thank you for these videos. I have had my licence for almost 2 years now and still watch your videos. There's always something that I can learn! Do you have any plans for making a video about dealing with vehicles with emergency lights (police car, ambulance, firetruck)? I would appreciate it!

believe me your vıdeos are more usefull than you can imagine. and i 'd like also to see video about night driving. thanks from Norway

yeah, my instructor started yelling me when i was doing what you did right in the first corner.... WHAT ARE YOU DOING? GO! GO! YOU CANT SEE ANYONE, GO!

nice topic

Thank you 🙏🙏🙏

You r a very gud Instructer I wish to take driving lesson with you .

Sometimes this is really difficult. I literally saw a learner fail on this in front of me right before I did the same minor to major right turn because there was a white van parked up on the pavement and your can't see anything without going far past the give way line.

Failed my test yesterday within 3 minutes of leaving the test center 🙃 had to turn left at a junction and there was cars parked on the left completely obscuring my view, I didn't come out slow enough or do the correct observations, I had to wait for van to go past and they got past me but I could tell by the instructors reaction I'd messed up. It completely threw me and the rest of the test I was a shambles 😢 never driven so poorly in my life

Appreciated ❤️❤️❤️

Something I do for better safety when I need to go on the opposite lane (idk if I am very clear on this one 😅) and the road is busy with people going fast, if I know there is a roundabout nearby, I go in the opposite direction I want to go and I make a U turn to go back on my way. In France with have a lot of roundabout also

Down here in Oz we call it "repositioning", mandatory in "blind intersections as long as it's done carefully and without startling other road users,

Thanks

I've seen at some places which have blind turns or closed junctions like these, they put a mirror at an angle. It really helps alot. Edit:- But now when I think how beautiful the sun shines, a reflection can really blind the driver for sometime!

Same here. Love from India.

This going to be my 3 try for my drivers test

I almost would have liked to watch this video sooner, I was close to get into an accident months ago in my town in a situation like this. I was tired and moved on the lane too fast because I didn’t really know how to do it, and then I saw a car coming so fast I thought the accident was inevitable… Hopefully the other driver (a lady I guess) had good reflexes and good brakes, I wish I could thanks her face to face Otherwise thanks to your video this will not happen anymore 😄

Thanks for the video! May be leaning forward will help a bit in this case too?

Oh there's this garage that I take my car to for MOT and the road is similar to a closed junction, except there are cars parked on the side of the road so the blindspot is big. Not only that but there incoming traffic on either side, I hate it and considering going to another garage instead.

Hey I'm 15 and I'm already starting to watch driving videos Hopefully this helps Your channel is amazing btw

This was so helpful, I cut someone up on my last driving lesson because I panicked about blocking the traffic from the right! I know it's ok to stay put now phew

The meeting car going into the road @9:28 is a hint (but *not* a proof!) that the road is clear.

In our state we use Horn for checking cars in junction

Yea I almost got hit today because I couldn’t see and the driver tests and teacher don’t teach about this situation when you can’t see

Always appreciate your videos' focus on SAFETY when driving. I can say that practicing all the safety tips I learned from you has been crucial to my driving experience. Just 2 weeks ago, I lost my brakes' functionality twice - once due to worn-out and leaky rear wheel cylinders (I drive a '94 Corolla), and 2 days later when the fittings leaked due to mechanic error after the cylinders were replaced. Because I drive safely, I did not panic and did not put myself in any more unnecessary danger than what the situation had already presented. Not bad for a driver that's only been at it for about 4 months. I am grateful for all I've learned from your videos. Thank you so much and I hope you continue to help more aspiring drivers and veteran drivers alike.

Here in the United States in my town, it drives me nuts when turns are unsafe because our city decided to put a giant bush for no reason. They could move it back a few feet and it would be substantially safer of a junction. How this stuff gets approved during construction is beyond me. If you're in a lifted truck it's not bad, but a regular car or a lowered sports car and you have to take some dangerous guess work in this town (being as careful as possible like you discuss in this video.) Nevermind that in our country the majority of cars are automatic (much to my disappointment) so people are on their cell phones and doing their make up barely paying attention to the road if somebody does happen to appear last second, they may not even see you or brake fast enough. I left foot brake automatics to have a marginally faster reaction time, but of course not in any of my manual cars. Let's just say I decided that having a dash cam in all my cars is one of the best choices I have ever made.

I discuss the theory behind Saccadic Masking ( also known as Saccadic Suppression) with my Pupil's. There are some good clips of this phenomenon in visual perception on this forum.Perhaps "Motion Blur" contributes to RTC at Junctions.

This is excellent advice given in important and necessary detail often missing from most instructional material. However there are other imortant options open to a driver that I practice every day ( 58 years of days driving) Plan your route to avoid these known dangerous intersections even if it adds time to your journey. 5 or so m8nutes extra travel time is nothing compared to the effect an accident/crash can have on your life (and others) if an incident occurs no matter whose fault it is. I speak from personal and bitter experience. If you come across this situation unexpectedly turn left (or tight in lafthand drive countries). It reduces the risks by much more than half. There is always an opportunity to use a roundabout, set of traffic lights or intersecting roads to make safe turns to resume the direction in which you need to travel. Again it adds time but if impatience is your driving motive you are not a safe driver and your crash risk factors are hugely increased. And if you are driving on a road that has these difficult to see intersections coming onto it expect cars to "blindly" drive into your path of travel. You may have the "right of way" but it doesn't make you blameless or suffer significantly less from the consequences of a crash. And no I might be old but I'm not a silly old fart pottering around holding everyone up. I have a quick and efficient car and drive according to the c9nditions and every other vehicle and driver around me. There are always alternatives to proceeding into a dangerous situation. Its a matter of weighing up the risks to decide if its worth it. A few extra minutes today will ensure there is a tomorrow to experience.

Your videos are amazing. Thanks. What did you film pov on? Surprised you didn’t talk about all five senses when it comes to unsighted/closed junctions. Additionally réflective surfaces can be usual too.

Would help tremendously if UK cops enforced the prohibition against parking within 10 meters of a junction. Everyone does this, thus more closed unsafe junctions than necessary

Hi I am big fan of your driving school. I failed my test yesterday last 8 minutes which is really frustrating. I failed in junction observation. It was a close junction and I have to do left turn. But on the left hand side there were parked cars all the way. I tried to look both ways but was unable to see left side. I lean forward to get better view bit couldn’t see much. I moved and there was a car suddenly came. I hit the break and stop on the left side. But still the examiner failed me.😢😢😢😢😢

Video on hand signals plz 🙏 thanks

Job nice exiting ,that's okay misters

Hi, thanks for all your videos!!! I've got a question about how to stop on junction with sign STOP 🛑? I mean if view is restricted, could I stop at first , but try to improve view by going slowly forward???..

Richards - there are no reliable and up to dated videos on how to drive automatic cars and basic driving skills like cockpit drills, main parts of the car, using navigation tools, road markings and traffic signs. So, please try your best to develop your insights on this topics and incorporate them based on the checklist of test form. You’re much experienced than I thought - 18 years!

Richard I can't see when driving a sedan with a trailer tagged. My trailer is a large travel trailer

I hope it’s not too hard to pass the driving test in Colchester. That’s where mine is, in September. Couldn’t book anywhere else, not close to where I live. It’s mad how difficult it is to book a driving test these days. But I hope I’ll manage it. Never been there.

Hi Richard, your videos have been helping me a lot. Thank you! Can I ask at 9:27, what would you do if you had some parked cars on the left blocking left view, and you want to turn right but the right is a bend just like your video. There is a road like that in my neighbourhood and cars coming from right often speed even though it is 40 mile road.

Why not get a big robot arm with a rotor at the base and a camera on the end, put it on top of your car, and use that to peek around closed junctions a bit like a bug uses its antenna.

Thank you very much sir for your informative videos. One question sir, in a crossroads if I want to go Right and exact opposite side of mine another car want to go their left, shall I give them way ? Or if my opposite side car want to go right, shall I give them give way ? I’m confused. It’s about cross road not junction. Plz sir make a video about cross road crossing. Thanks

Could you do a video on pass time for your students? I've heard most people need 40 hours. That's a long time if doing short lessons, so I'm thinking of taking an intensive 5-hours-a-day course.

Should I leave my left indicators on after the examiner ask me to pull off on the left in traffic

At 4:38 when you're trying to make a right turn: If instead of parked cars, the obstructed junction is due to bumper to bumper traffic and you manage to squeeze between 2 cars going left, should you wait a few minutes until the traffic on your left has moved forward enough so that you have a good view before the right turn? Or should you slowly creep into the lane travelling right to get a good view?

I've been wondering the whole time how I could do it safely...this surely helped out but there are a lot worser roads in my country....guess I can just cross fingers 😂

I just did this as the left was blocked so needed to pull forward whilst the road to the right was clear. As nobody let me go from the left whilst I was unintentionally blocking the right, a car approached from the right, beeped at me and then overtook me so I nearly hit him when there was a gap in traffic since he was no longer at my right but suddenly in front of me!! If we had collided, would that have been my fault or his for being impatient and risking swerving around my car??

so if you live on a single track private road and to pull out onto the main road you come to an obstructed junction and there are cars parked solidly up to the entrance of the private roadway on either side, and there is effectively only one lane of traffic on the main road, and you can literally see nothing at all until you pull out and have the nose of your car into that free lane on the other side of the main road, is it a good idea to honk your horn rather than slowly edge out and your lights and indicator on? I just do the latter but cars come down the road really fast and people have an entitled, self-centred attitude where they assume you can see them and you are deliberately doing it on purpose to be cheeky by pulling out in front of them, and they get very aggressive. If you honk, then the houses on either side of the entrance to the roadway will get annoyed if you keep doing it. I talked to the council about it, about restricting parking either side but they said it would just move the problem elsewhere (rubbish).

Hey Richard - Completely unrelated question but every time I see the Wayfair TV advert for their furniture the voice-over sounds just like you. Is it you haha?!