Learner drivers not checking their mirrors!

[siobhan]

I was cycling yesterday, the traffic was moving slowly. A learner driver had left a significant gap to the left, so I decided to filter past them, only for them to set off and move closer to the kerb, meaning I had to stop quickly.
Surely the instructor should have told the driver to check their mirrors, or done it themselves!
Anyway, thats my rant over for today

 

[BSRU]

I was cycling yesterday, the traffic was moving slowly. A learner driver had left a significant gap to the left, so I decided to filter past them, only for them to set off and move closer to the kerb, meaning I had to stop quickly.
Surely the instructor should have told the driver to check their mirrors, or done it themselves!
Anyway, thats my rant over for today

The problem with filtering past learners is that you have no idea what stage in the learning process they are at, it could have been the learners first lesson and they've only been driving for a few minutes.
Also learner drivers are told to position themselves in relation to the kerb, about 2ft away, and not the centre line as many drivers do.

 

[Thomk]

Yes the instructor should at least have checked the mirror him/herself. They won't always tell the learner to do so though, it would depend on the learners level of competence e.g. If the learner is nearly ready for their test the instructor may try to keep almost totally quiet unless absolutely necessary. Also it may be that the learner was on their test in which case the examiner will only intervene if they feel that they or someone else is in imminent danger.
Best practice is to assume that a learner driver will act in a similar way to a toddler on a shared cycle path and therefore passing on the inside when the traffic is about to move off should be done, if at all, with great caution.

 

[2Loose]

The big 'L' on the car is a warning that the standard of driving might be somewhat erratic. Give them plenty of room and be patient and you'll be ok. I know when I was learning to drive I kept staring at the gear stick instead of the road...

 

[Trevrev]

It's not just learners.....!!

 

[mr Mag00]

i never filter up the inside of traffic

 

[2Loose]

It's not just learners.....!!

I know, but it is quite nice to get a warning

 

[gambatte]

TBH I'm not that bothered about learners. They're advertising the possibility of them doing something stupid with the 'L'. Safest to assume its a big pointy white hat, with a 'D' on front.

Surprises me though how many times I see a professional driving school car, with one occupant, passing at speed with minimal clearance

 

[2Loose]

TBH I'm not that bothered about learners. They're advertising the possibility of them doing something stupid with the 'L'. Safest to assume its a big pointy white hat, with a 'D' on front.

Surprises me though how many times I see a professional driving school car, with one occupant, passing at speed with minimal clearance

True, it isn't often the Learners you need to worry about but the instructors are often a different matter.

 

[growingvegetables]

Surprises me though how many times I see a professional driving school car, with one occupant, passing at speed with minimal clearance

Not any more.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

I have had a learner draw level with me whilst I was in secondary and move me into the curb. The instructor didn't do a thing. It was only when I banged on the window did he react and looked at me as though I was the devil!!!

 

[Thomk]

Have you looked in the mirror recently

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Have you looked in the mirror recently

Cheeky git

 

[Alien8]

Going up the inside of traffic is a bit of a mugs game. Overtake if you want to go past slower traffic - you're more likely to be seen and will usually have more room as well.

 

[400bhp]

Going up the inside of traffic is a bit of a mugs game. Overtake if you want to go past slower traffic - you're more likely to be seen and will usually have more room as well.

That's far too general - it utterly depends upon the circumstances. There's no right or wrong.