Study topic 1

Driving principles & observation

Build the routine behind safe decisions: prepare properly, observe continuously and act without surprising other road users.

By the end, you should be able to

Prepare yourself and the vehicle before moving
Check mirrors and blind spots before signalling and moving
Choose a speed that preserves space and time

Prepare before setting off

Plan the route and allow enough time. Adjust the seat, mirrors and head restraint, check fuel and learn the controls before you need them. Clothing and footwear must let you operate the controls freely.

Zambian Highway Code · Rule 94

Before moving

Look around as well as in the mirrors. Signal, then move only when you can do so without making another road user change speed or direction.

Zambian Highway Code · Rule 99

Check before changing direction

Before changing course, use your mirrors, check your blind spots (the areas your mirrors do not show), signal clearly and then manoeuvre when it is safe.

Zambian Highway Code · Rules 152 and 176

Stay aware

Use mirrors often so you know what is behind. A signal from somebody else is information, not a guarantee that it is safe to go.

Zambian Highway Code · Rules 175 and 280

Plan rest into the journey

Start rested and allow at least a 15-minute break after every two hours of driving. Avoid long journeys between midnight and 6 a.m. where possible, when the Code says natural alertness is lowest.

Zambian Highway Code · Rules 103–105

Sleepiness means stop safely

If you become sleepy, stop in a safe place. Do not use a highway hard shoulder (the strip beside the traffic lanes) as a rest stop. Fresh air may help prevent tiredness, but feeling sleepy is a reason to stop.

Zambian Highway Code · Rules 106 and 177

Check your vision

You should be able to read a vehicle number plate from 20 metres in good daylight. If you need glasses or contact lenses to do this, wear them whenever you drive. Avoid tinted lenses at night or in poor visibility if they restrict your view.

Zambian Highway Code · Rules 107 and 109

A headlight flash is not permission to go

Flashing headlights should only tell others that a vehicle is there. Never treat a flash as permission to pull out or overtake; check the road yourself.

Zambian Highway Code · Rules 247 and 283–284

Be able to stop within the clear road ahead

Choose a speed that lets you stop within the distance you can see to be clear. Leave room to stop if the vehicle ahead brakes, and slow further in rain, fog or dust.

Zambian Highway Code · Rules 178–180

Topic check

Answer 6 questions on driving principles

Every answer includes an explanation and a Highway Code rule reference.

Practise this topic

Next study topicTopic 2 — Regulatory signs