Driving is a profession that requires total concentration Every driver should know the basic rules and regulations of driving This is necessary in order to ensure good driving culture.
I. BEFORE TAKEOFF:
- Ensure that the gear is in a neutral position
- Ensure that all the mirrors are functional
- Turn on the ignition key to observer the fuel level and other electrical appliances
- Start the vehicle and allow it to steam for few minutes
II. DURING TAKEOFF:
- Observer the mirror and ensure that the road is clear
- Use the left leg to press the clutch
- ngage the gear in gear one
- Gently release the left leg from the clutch while simultaneously using the right leg to press the throttle
- Observe that the vehicle is moving forward gradually
- Manoeuvre the steering on to the road
- Keep your eye on to the road while the vehicle moves on
- Be ready to change the gear to the next as soon as the sound of the vehicle becomes high
- Vehicles with automatic gear do not need this change
- Subsequent change of gear will depend on the sound of the vehicle and it will go on progressively from gear one to the last gear
- Be ready to go back to a lower gear when the vehicle slows down
III. BRAKING:
Never get too close to the vehicle in front. When it is safe to slow down, brake smoothly and in a controlled manner.
Sudden braking could result in loss of control. Always try to brake gently and in plenty of time.
Sudden braking could result in loss of control. Always try to brake gently and in plenty of time.
IV. REVERSING:
Before you reverse, make sure that there are no pedestrians particularly children or physically challenged persons or physical obstructions on the road behind you.
Be especially careful about the 'blind area" behind you that is, that part of the road you cannot see from the driving seaL either through the mirror or by looking backwards.
Be especially careful about the 'blind area" behind you that is, that part of the road you cannot see from the driving seaL either through the mirror or by looking backwards.
Do not reverse
If you cannot see clearly behind, get someone to guide you when you reverse. Otherwise don't.
NEVER reverse from a side road into a major road.
NEVER reverse from a side road into a major road.
While reversing
Persons reversing are liable for any obstruction or accident, which they might cause.
At night, always put your headlight off while reversing. Ensure that your reverse light is working, you may switch on your HAZARD lights.
At night, always put your headlight off while reversing. Ensure that your reverse light is working, you may switch on your HAZARD lights.
Turning round
In the course of driving, motorists may need to change the course of their direction. This can be achieved by making U-turns or the "three-point turn" in areas where they are permitted.
Generally, you may turn around only in areas where traffic is low such as parking garages, side roads. petrol stations, private driveways and in designated areas.
Generally, you may turn around only in areas where traffic is low such as parking garages, side roads. petrol stations, private driveways and in designated areas.
V. U-TURNS
You may make U-turns, unless road traffic signals indicate otherwise, at controlled intersections when you are given right of way to turn left.
Note: Whenever you have cause to turn round, it is safer to keep moving forward, turn left or right at a suitable place and reenter the desired traffic.
Note: Whenever you have cause to turn round, it is safer to keep moving forward, turn left or right at a suitable place and reenter the desired traffic.
Do not make U-turn
Vou must not make U-turns at or near the following places
- Crest or brow of a hill
- Bends or corners
- Where a NO U-TURN SIGN is pasted
- Busy streets, highways or expressways
- Any place where other drivers cannot see your vehicle from at least 120 meters
Three-point turn
The threepoint turn (four-step manoeuvres) is mandatory for U-turn on any narrow road where this is permitted.
The steps are shown below:
Step 1: Move to the extreme right edge of the road and stop. Turn your wheels fully to the left.
Step 2: Check traffic from behind and front When it is safe, signal left, and then move out to take a full turn to the left towards the opposite side. Remember the LOOK, SIGNAL, MOVE routine.
Step 3: Look out for traffic again and turn your wheels to the maximum right, if it is safe, signal right, and then reverse, keeping as close as you can to the right edge of the road.
If it is necessary you must give priority to traffic, and then reverse.
Step 4: Check traffic again Do not forget, you must give priorify if it is necessary Turn your wheels properly, then reenter traffic in the opposite direction.
Note: You must allow enough time for approaching traffic and give due consideration to other road users.
The steps are shown below:
Step 1: Move to the extreme right edge of the road and stop. Turn your wheels fully to the left.
Step 2: Check traffic from behind and front When it is safe, signal left, and then move out to take a full turn to the left towards the opposite side. Remember the LOOK, SIGNAL, MOVE routine.
Step 3: Look out for traffic again and turn your wheels to the maximum right, if it is safe, signal right, and then reverse, keeping as close as you can to the right edge of the road.
If it is necessary you must give priority to traffic, and then reverse.
Step 4: Check traffic again Do not forget, you must give priorify if it is necessary Turn your wheels properly, then reenter traffic in the opposite direction.
Note: You must allow enough time for approaching traffic and give due consideration to other road users.
VI. PARKING
Before parking, check your mirror and look out for other road users Signal to show your intention to stop.
Remember the Look-Signal-Move routine. Stop as close as you can to the edge of the road.
Before leaving your vehicle. switch off the engine and make sure your parking brake is on. Always lock your vehicle.
Do not expose valuables in your vehicles. Where safety or anti-theft devices are installed, use them. Remember to switch off your headlamps at night.
Remember the Look-Signal-Move routine. Stop as close as you can to the edge of the road.
Before leaving your vehicle. switch off the engine and make sure your parking brake is on. Always lock your vehicle.
Do not expose valuables in your vehicles. Where safety or anti-theft devices are installed, use them. Remember to switch off your headlamps at night.
Where not to park
Vou must not park wherever you see NO PARKING sign. You must not park wherever your vehicle will obstruct the views of other road users or constitute danger to them, for instance at or near:
- Road junction
- Bends or corners
- Brow or crest of a hill
- Narrow bridge
- Level crossing
- Bus stop
- Pedestrians crossing, or on either side of a crossing
- School entrance or other entrances
- Footpath, pavement or cycle path
- The left hand side of the road at night (except in a oneway street)
Do not block view of traffic signs
You should not park your vehicle in such a manner as to stop traffic flow or cause any inconvenience to others.
Do not park:
Do not park:
- On a narrow road
- On flyovers, in tunnels or in underpasses (unless there are signs to say you may park there)
- On expressways (except on the hard shoulder in an emergency)
- On a single track road or in a passing place on such a road
- Outside a private entrance for vehicles
Emergency Entrance Exit
Do not park your vehicle to block or within 15 meters of entrances through which emergency vehicles go in and out, that is, near the entrance of:
- Hospitals
- Roadside clinics
- Road Safety Stations
- Fire Stations
- Fire hydrants
- Police stations
- Market
Avoid Obstruction
Do not park where you would make the road narrow:
- Opposite traffic island
- Alongside another parked vehicle
- Opposite another vehicle if this would narrow the road to less than the width of two vehicles (double parking)
- Near road works
Parking on a slope
In order to avoid your vehicle rolling down the slope or being forced down in the event of a collision, always apply your hand brake or the parking brake and follow the simple parking guidelines set below:
Road with kerbs
If you are facing UPHILL on a road with a kerb to your right, turn your wheels as much as possible to the left. The kerb will prevent your vehicle from rolling backwards.
If you are facing DOWNHILL, turn your wheels fully to the right so that in event of rolling forward, the kerb will prevent your vehicle from rolling into traffic.
If you are facing DOWNHILL, turn your wheels fully to the right so that in event of rolling forward, the kerb will prevent your vehicle from rolling into traffic.
Road without kerbs
Whichever direction you are facing, uphill or downhill, turn your wheels as far as possible to the near edge of the road.
Note: Parking the vehicle with the position in a non-neutral gear may assist in extreme cases; it is not usually recommended as a practice.
Note: Parking the vehicle with the position in a non-neutral gear may assist in extreme cases; it is not usually recommended as a practice.
Parking between vehicles
This manoeuvre is a mandatory test of your driving competence, before you even obtain a driver's licence, The usual method is to reverse into available space.
Other parking rules
Leave enough room for your vehicle to move out from where you are parked and leave enough room for other vehicles to move out.
You must park within half a meter from the edge of the road but not on the edge or walkway.
Do not open the door on the traffic side as it may interfere with traffic flow.
You must park within half a meter from the edge of the road but not on the edge or walkway.
Do not open the door on the traffic side as it may interfere with traffic flow.
VII. ROAD JUNCTIONS
Do not block junction
- Always approach a junction with great care and be ready to stop.
- Before crossing or turning, look left then right, then left again. Do not proceed until you are sure it is safe and that you will not block the road.
Restrict yourself to signalling your own intention. Do not relay signals to other drivers. Leave that to authorized officers.
Check road markings
A junction with double broken white lines across the road may also have a GIVE WAY sign. You must slow down and be ready to top to let traffic on the major road go by first.
Stop
The STOP sign is an eight sided polygon formerly known as octagon. Vou must make a complete stop at a junction with a 'STOP' sign. and go slowly to a point with maximum visibility, then check traffic on both sides before proceeding.
Crossing a dual carriageway
When crossing a dual carriageway, treat each half as a separate road. You may wait at the central dividing strip (the central reserve) until there is a safe gap in the traffic on the second half of the road.
Junction controlled by Officers
When traffic ahead is held up, do not assume it is safe to filter right unless the traffic officer signals you to do so. He may be moving other traffic into that line.
Traffic lights at junctions
- Although green light means you may go, do not go forward if other vehicles are held up at the junction, as you will only contribute to traffic jam.
- When the red and amber lights are showing together you must stop.Make sure you stop at a distance to see the lights before the double lines across the road.
Always stay behind the stop lines at traffic lights controlled junctions
Junction with green arrow filter signal
When traffic lights have a green fillter arrow signal, do not get into the lane of the direction of the filter. unless you want to go in that direction, otherwise, you deny others their right of way.
Turning Left
- Before you turn left, use your mirror to make sure you know the position and movement of traffic behind you.
- When it is safe, give a left-turn signal, take up position just left of the middle of the road, or in the space marked for left turning traffic.
- Leave room for other vehicles to pass on the right. Stay parallel to the lane until you can wheel left.
- Do not position your vehicle in a half turn, it obstructs other vehicles.
- Wait until there is safe.
Turning left at dual carriageway
When turning left from a dual carriageway. or when joining in from a side road and then turning left, wait in the opening in the central reserve until there is a safe gap in the traffic in the second half of the road.
Turning Right
Wait before you turn right. use your mirror and give a right turn signal Do not swing out to the left before or after the turn.
VIII. OVERTAKING RULES
Do not overtake unless you are sure it is safe for you and other road users.
Before you start to overtake make sure that the road is clear ahead and behind. Look out properly.
Use your mirrors and glance behind you to see the blind spots. You must signal before you start to move out.
Be particularly careful at dusty and in misty environment or bad weather when it is more difficult tojudge speed and distance.
REMEMBER: the LOOK-SIGNAL-LOOK again and MOVE routine ("LSLM").
Before you start to overtake make sure that the road is clear ahead and behind. Look out properly.
Use your mirrors and glance behind you to see the blind spots. You must signal before you start to move out.
Be particularly careful at dusty and in misty environment or bad weather when it is more difficult tojudge speed and distance.
REMEMBER: the LOOK-SIGNAL-LOOK again and MOVE routine ("LSLM").
Clear View
On fast roads, vehicles may be coming up behind much more quickly than you think.
Make sure that the lane you will be going into is clear for a good distance behind and in front of you.
Make sure that the lane you will be going into is clear for a good distance behind and in front of you.
Cutting in
Once you have started to overtake, move past the vehicle you are overtaking as quickly as possible. and leave it plenty of room.
Then move back to the right side of the road as soon as you can, but without cutting in.
Do not accelerate against the rear of the vehicle in front, or out to the left at the last moment. The vehicle in front of you may have cause to slow down abruptly. Always move out from a safe distance.
Then move back to the right side of the road as soon as you can, but without cutting in.
Do not accelerate against the rear of the vehicle in front, or out to the left at the last moment. The vehicle in front of you may have cause to slow down abruptly. Always move out from a safe distance.
On the right
Overtake only on the left except:
- When the driver in front has signalled that he intends to turn left and you can overtake him on the right. Watch out in case the driver in front abruptly changes his mind or has wrongly left his signal on.
- When you want to turn to the right at a junction and have signalled to do so.
- When traffic is moving slowly in queues and vehicles in the left lane are moving slower than you are.
- In a one-way street as vehicles may pass on either side.
On Being Overtaken
Do not accelerate when you are overtaken Slow down if necessary to help and let the overtaking vehicle pass.
Parked Vehicles
On an ordinary two-lane road, give way to vehicles coming towards you before you overtake parked vehicles or other obstructions on your right side of the road.
Sometimes, two vehicles are nearly double parked (an illegal act in itself), or other impediments such as road work, potholes, or mounds of garbage obstruct both sides of the road.
Drivers approaching such obstacles are usually unable to determine which of them should give way to the other.
The general rule is that the vehicle further from the stationary object should slow down or stop to allow the nearer vehicle to go first.
Common sense however should compel both drivers to show adequate caution and consideration for each other. to avoid collision.
Never compete for speed supremacy with other motorists; do not gamble with your life and life of others in traffic; it is sure to end in a crash.
Sometimes, two vehicles are nearly double parked (an illegal act in itself), or other impediments such as road work, potholes, or mounds of garbage obstruct both sides of the road.
Drivers approaching such obstacles are usually unable to determine which of them should give way to the other.
The general rule is that the vehicle further from the stationary object should slow down or stop to allow the nearer vehicle to go first.
Common sense however should compel both drivers to show adequate caution and consideration for each other. to avoid collision.
Never compete for speed supremacy with other motorists; do not gamble with your life and life of others in traffic; it is sure to end in a crash.
Do Not Overtake
Do not overtake at or when coming to:
Overtaking Guides:
- A pedestrian crossing, a bus station, a road junction, a corner or bend, a narrow bridge and where the road narrows.
- A level crossing; the crest of a hill, when to do so would force another vehicle to swerve or brake suddenly.
- If you would have to cross double solid white lines.
- If the solid line of the centre lines is nearer you.
- When you see a 'NO OVERTAKING' sign
Overtaking Guides:
- Is it safe?
- Is it legal?
- Is it Necessary?
IX. SPEED LIMITS ON DIFFERENT ROADS AND FOR DIFFERENT VEHICLES
Speed Limits: This can be described as the pace of a moving vehicle at a given time frame, according to laid down traffic laws. It is a maximum legal speed a driver can travel on a road under ideal conditions.
Speed limits differ in application, depending on the types of roads, vehicles and the environment.
The sign below indicates speed limits according to place and road condition.
These speed limits require the driver to adhere strictly to the speed indicated because of the condition of the road, and the nature of the place.
Speed limits differ in application, depending on the types of roads, vehicles and the environment.
The sign below indicates speed limits according to place and road condition.
These speed limits require the driver to adhere strictly to the speed indicated because of the condition of the road, and the nature of the place.
Speed Limits for Different Vehicles
Different vehicles are required by law to keep within specified speed limits.
For example, in Nigeria the law imposes maximum limit of 100 Km/hr for cars on any highway in Nigeria.
Taxis and Buses are expected to maintain 50Km/hr within built up areas like streets in towns, villages and cities.
Articulated vehicles like tankers and trailers re expected to maintain a maximum speed limit of 50Km/hr on highways and 60Km/hr on expressways respectively as shown below:
For example, in Nigeria the law imposes maximum limit of 100 Km/hr for cars on any highway in Nigeria.
Taxis and Buses are expected to maintain 50Km/hr within built up areas like streets in towns, villages and cities.
Articulated vehicles like tankers and trailers re expected to maintain a maximum speed limit of 50Km/hr on highways and 60Km/hr on expressways respectively as shown below:
SPEED LIMITS FOR VEHICLES IN km/hr
Speed Limit Regulations
Common sense often dictates lower speed limits. Common sense speed should be lower when the weather is bad or the roads are defective.
Speed monitors are installed in some vehicles to regulate speed and some roads are specially built with speed cameras to make or force motorists to drive at a required speed limit.
Ignorance is no excuse in law. obey speed regulations and avoid conviction.
Speed monitors are installed in some vehicles to regulate speed and some roads are specially built with speed cameras to make or force motorists to drive at a required speed limit.
Ignorance is no excuse in law. obey speed regulations and avoid conviction.
X. EXPRESSWAV DRIVING
The term expressway means any specially assigned and restricred highway divided with un-lraversable barriers with iraffic in opposite direciions completely separated from each other.
Traffic in one direction may be in two or more lanes.
Traffic in one direction may be in two or more lanes.
Special distinction
Expressways are designed for traffic movement with minimum interruption but are certainly not speed tracks.
Violators stand the risk of being prosecuted according to the National Road Traffic Regulations.
Violators stand the risk of being prosecuted according to the National Road Traffic Regulations.
Restrictions
Expressways are subject to very stern restrictions as given below;
- No animals
- No pedestrians or hawkers
- No pedal cycles
- No motorised cycles with capacity below certain specified capacity, except where tracks are provided, or special concessions have been given specially for motorcycles.
- No learner drivers
- No stopping
- No loading or unloading
Before Entering the Expressway
Make sure your vehicle is fit to cruise at a safe speed, has correct tyre pressure, and enough fuel; oil and water to take you to the next service area.
Expressway
When you join the expressway other than at its start, you will approach from a road on the right (a slip road).
Give way to traffic already on the highway, and then accelerate in the extra lane (the acceleration lane) so that when you join the inside lane, you are already travelling at the same speed as the traffic on it.
You should not exceed the prescribed speed limit for that highway.
Give way to traffic already on the highway, and then accelerate in the extra lane (the acceleration lane) so that when you join the inside lane, you are already travelling at the same speed as the traffic on it.
You should not exceed the prescribed speed limit for that highway.
Interchanges
Because of the nature and restrictions on the expressway, there are stipulated ways in which you mayjoin or leave the expressway.
Special intersections called interchanges are designed to enable you cross, enter or leave the expressway without interfering with other vehicles.
The four common types of interchanges are the CLOVERLEAF, DIAMOND, TRUMPET and DIRECTIONAL, see part one section A.
Special intersections called interchanges are designed to enable you cross, enter or leave the expressway without interfering with other vehicles.
The four common types of interchanges are the CLOVERLEAF, DIAMOND, TRUMPET and DIRECTIONAL, see part one section A.
Driving on the expressway
- Concentrate. Traffic travels faster on expressways than on ordinary roads, and you will need to fathom up traffic situations quickly. Use your mirrors, and concentrate always. Watch out for vehicles entering the expressway.
- Keep your distance. Do not get too close to the vehicle in front. Remember the "two-second-rule".
- Maintain a Steady Speed. Do not move in jerks. There are both minimum and maximum speed limits on the expressway. Apply the common sense speed limits and the limitations of your vehicle.
- Avoid Lane Hopping. Stay in one lane unless when overtaking. If you have to overtake, do so smoothly and do not hop. Overtake only from the left. Remember the LOOK-SIGNAL-MOVE routine. Be sure to check blind spots.
- Never Reverse on the Expressway. Under no circumstance should you reverse on the expressway. If you miss your exit, go to the next one.
- No Stopping. Do not wait or stop on the expressway. If you have to stop, pull out to the hard shoulder and post a suitable and safe signal. Do not leave your parking lights on to prevent other vehicles from running into you. Vou may put on your HAZARD LIGHTS.
- Stop! If Sleepy. Driving for long distances may make you feel sleepy. To help prevent this, make sure there is plenty of fresh air in your vehicle. Stop at a service area, or turn off at an exit, and walk around for a while. Get off the highway. Take a nap if necessary. Avoid the monotony of the expressway which may hypnotise you into a fatal error. Avoid fatigue or the effect of drugs. If you are in any doubt or feel unfit, STOP driving immediately.
- Leaving the Expressway. If you are not going to leave at the end of the expressway, you will leave by a slip road on your right. Watch for signs letting you know you are getting near your turnoff point, give a right turn signal, get into the extra lane (the deceleration lane) in order to slow down before you join the slip road.
Missing Your Exit
If you miss your exit point, YOU MUST CARRY ON UNTIL YOU REACH THE NEXT ONE, do not reverse or turn back.
As You Leave the Expressway
When you leave an expressway, remember to alter your driving to suit the different conditions on the other roads.
Vour speed will be higher than you think - a speed of 30km/hr MAV FEEL like 50km/hr. So be sure to check your speedometer. Observe the posted speed limit signs.
Vour speed will be higher than you think - a speed of 30km/hr MAV FEEL like 50km/hr. So be sure to check your speedometer. Observe the posted speed limit signs.
XI. FOLLOWING AND STOPPING DISTANCE
Stopping distance
Never get too close to the vehicle in front. Leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front so that you can stop safely if the vehicle in front slows down or stops suddenly.
The safe rule is never to get closer than the overall stopping distance as shown in the table below On wet roads the gap should be much more. Slow down if an overtaking vehicle fills the gap in front of you.
The safe rule is never to get closer than the overall stopping distance as shown in the table below On wet roads the gap should be much more. Slow down if an overtaking vehicle fills the gap in front of you.
Stopping Distance
NOTE: Stopping distance increases greatly with wet and slippery road, poor brake, bad tyres and tired drivers with low speed reacting time (Distance given above are approximate).
A Simple Way to Keep Safe Distance
To provide a safe distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you. you should always apply the following simple rule known as the "TWO SECOND RULE".
Two Second Rule
Choose a stationary object in front of the vehicle ahead of you near or above the road, like a road sign, tree or overpass, any convenient object will do. As the vehicle ahead passes it recite slowly:
"Staying too close or trailing for safety". If you reach the same object before you finish reciting. you are following too closely. Slow down and let the vehicle move further away ahead of you.
Some wise drivers actually prefer the "three second rule" and they add:
"Playing it Safel". When weather conditions are bad, you are strongly urged to add the extra jingle:
"Safer and Sane". For extra distance, that is, adopt the "four- second rule". Memorise these simple jingles. Try it out.
NOTE:
"Staying too close or trailing for safety". If you reach the same object before you finish reciting. you are following too closely. Slow down and let the vehicle move further away ahead of you.
Some wise drivers actually prefer the "three second rule" and they add:
"Playing it Safel". When weather conditions are bad, you are strongly urged to add the extra jingle:
"Safer and Sane". For extra distance, that is, adopt the "four- second rule". Memorise these simple jingles. Try it out.
NOTE:
- It takes approximately two seconds to recite any three word phrase. It is unsafe to select very short words.
- The safe gap between your vehicle and the one in front depends on the relative speed between the two vehicles.
Beware of Heavier Vehicles
It is obvious that smaller vehicles stand greater risks on collision with larger vehicles such as articulated Lorries (or "trailers'), tankers, "luxury buses" and other heavier trucks and vans.
You must know that heavier vehicles are more difficult to control and their ability to stop or manoeuvre is greatly hampered by weight of load conveyed.
You must know that heavier vehicles are more difficult to control and their ability to stop or manoeuvre is greatly hampered by weight of load conveyed.
Avoid the "No Contest" Encounter
ou are urged to note the large weight differential or disparity between cars and heavy trucks and buses.
A typical laden 'trailer" weighs 30 to 40 metric tonnes and a fully loaded 'luxury bus' weighs some 10 to 20 metric tonnes with full load.
It is a scientific fact that when it comes to a collision, a "trailer" for instance, travelling at a speed of 50km per hour has the same destructive effect as a Peugeot Saloon car travelling at 250km/hr.
No wonder the smaller vehicle usually gets shredded and its driver and passengers mangled on impact when collision occurs.
A typical laden 'trailer" weighs 30 to 40 metric tonnes and a fully loaded 'luxury bus' weighs some 10 to 20 metric tonnes with full load.
It is a scientific fact that when it comes to a collision, a "trailer" for instance, travelling at a speed of 50km per hour has the same destructive effect as a Peugeot Saloon car travelling at 250km/hr.
No wonder the smaller vehicle usually gets shredded and its driver and passengers mangled on impact when collision occurs.