1.6 Observations and mirrors (1)
Objective
The learner driver must know and understand the importance of correct and appropriate use of the mirrors and of maintaining effective and active quality observation.
Guidance
Topic The learner driver should:

Correct use of mirrors 
Know when, where and why to use the mirrors and the
importance of the MSMM (Mirrors, Signal, Mirrors, Manoeuvre) routine.

Effective use of safety glances
Understand the importance and value of using safety glances and know when and where to take safety glances.
For example:
Moving off from the kerb or moving off at steep angles to look
in the areas not covered by the mirrors.

Effective observations
Understand the importance of maintaining effective observation and know when, where to take active quality observations.

For example:
At a Yield sign when turning left at a T-junction, a learner driver needs to understand why it is essential to look both right and left, before committing to the turn.

Identifying and compensating for blind spots
Understand when and where blind spots occur and know how to compensate for blind spots.

For example:
The window pillars on a vehicle may create a blind spot.

2.6 Correct positioning on the road
Objective
The learner driver must have the knowledge, understanding and skills to maintain a correct and
safe position on the road, and to maintain a safe braking distance.

Guidance

Topic The learner driver should:
Positioning on the straight, in traffic lanes, and on bends
Be aware of and be able to demonstrate correct positioning of the vehicle on the straight, in traffic lanes and on bends and Be aware of the potential consequences of incorrect positioning.

Positioning for turning left and right
Be aware of and be able to demonstrate correct positioning of the vehicle when approaching, travelling around and leaving junctions (major to minor and minor to major) and Be aware of the potential consequences of incorrect positioning.

Negotiating roundabouts
Be aware of and be able to demonstrate correct positioning of the vehicle when entering, travelling around and leaving roundabouts and Be aware of the potential consequences of incorrect positioning when negotiating roundabouts.

Approaching and emerging from junctions
Be aware of and be able to demonstrate correct positioning of the vehicle when approaching and emerging from junctions. Be aware of the potential consequences of incorrect positioning at junctions.

Entering and exiting road or rail crossings
Be aware of and be able to demonstrate correct positioning of the vehicle when approaching entering and exiting road or rail crossings and Be aware of the potential consequences of incorrect positioning or of stopping in an incorrect position at road or rail crossings.

Topic The learner driver should:

Positioning on dual carriageways
Be aware of and be able to demonstrate the correct positioning of the vehicle when joining, driving on or leaving dual carriageways and Be aware of the potential consequences of incorrect
positioning.

Positioning on motorways
Know and understand the correct positioning of the vehicle when joining, driving on or leaving motorways and Be aware of the potential consequences of incorrect positioning on motorways.
Note: Learner drivers must not drive on motorways, but they must have a knowledge and understanding of them.

Reversing or performing turnabouts
Be aware of the correct practice and be able to demonstrate correct positioning of the vehicle when reversing or performing a turnabout and Be aware of the potential consequences of incorrect positioning when reversing or performing a turnabout.

Parking, stopping in confined spaces and stopping in traffic
Be able to demonstrate safe, correct and legal positioning of the vehicle when parking, stopping in confined spaces and stopping in traffic; and Be aware of the potential consequences of incorrect positioning when parking, stopping in confined spaces and
stopping in traffic.

2.7 Communications, signs and signals (2)
Objective
The learner driver must have the knowledge, understanding and skills to use signals correctly and\must be able to respond appropriately to traffic signs, signals and other types of communication.
Guidance
Topic The learner driver should:

Road signage
Know and understand road signage. Be able to identify and comply with road signs and be aware of the rules applying to road signs and the potential consequences of non-compliance.

Gardaí, school wardens, customs officials, persons in charge of animals
Know and understand signals and directions given by gardaí, customs officials, school wardens, and persons in charge of animals. Be able to comply with such signals and directions and be aware of the potential consequences of non-compliance.

Indicators
Know when, where and how to use indicators to give effective advance communication to other road users and be able to interpret the indicator signals given by other vehicles.

Hand signals
Understand the benefit of hand signals to other road users. Know when, where and how to use hand signals and be able to interpret and act on the hand signals given by other persons.

Headlights
Know when, where and how to use headlights correctly and the legal requirements relating to the use of dipped headlights. Know how to interpret the use of lights by other vehicles and be aware of the potential consequences of the misuse of headlights.

Hazard warning lights 
Know when, where and how to use hazard warning lights and know how to interpret the use of hazard warning lights by other vehicles.

Horn
Know when, where and how to use the horn. Know how to interpret the use of the horn by other vehicles and be aware of the potential consequences of misuse of the horn.

Emergency vehicle lighting and sirens
Know how to interpret emergency vehicle lighting and sirens and how to act appropriately.

3.2 Observations and mirrors (2)
Objective
The learner driver must be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of correct and
appropriate use of the mirrors and of active quality observations. The learner driver must also be aware of the dangers and risks that come with a lack of observation and ineffective use of mirrors.

Guidance
Topic The learner driver should:

Mirrors
Know and understand when, where and why to use the mirrors. Be able to demonstrate use of the mirrors in a safe and effective way without prompting, and following the MSMM (Mirrors, Signal, Mirrors, Manoeuvre) routine and be aware of potential hazards and dangers to the sides
and rear of the vehicle while maintaining effective forward observation.

Safety glances and observations
Know and understand when, where and why to take safety glances and observations; and
Be able to take safety glances and observations in an effective and safe way without prompting, ensuring that it is safe before moving off, changing position or changing direction.

Scanning
Know and understand when, where, why and how to scan effectively for potential hazards or dangers and to act appropriately to the surroundings on a continual basis without prompting.

Blind spots
Know and understand when, where, why and how to effectively identify and compensate for blind spots in all directions around the vehicle – for example, those caused by the window pillars.

3.3 Changing direction (1)
Objective
The learner driver must have the knowledge, understanding and skills to be able to read the road ahead and change direction or alter course in a safe and timely manner, showing due care for themselves and other road users.

Guidance
Topic The learner driver should:

Altering course safely with due regard to traffic controls
Know and understand when, where, why and how to alter course effectively and safely at traffic controls and be able to demonstrate how to alter course effectively and safely at traffic controls.

For example:
Follow the correct procedures when turning right to a main road, complying with road signs and road markings.

Altering course with due regard for other road usersKnow and understand when, where, why and how to alter course effectively and safely with due regard for other road users and be aware (when altering course) of vulnerable road users
– for example, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.

Yielding and progressing where necessary
Know and understand when and where it is appropriate and safe to yield to other road users; and know and understand when and where it is appropriate and safe to progress without impeding other road users who have the right of way.