Build a consistent scanning routine to spot hazards early, keep traffic flowing and make your intentions predictable for others.
When to use the sequence
| Situation | What to look for | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Lane change | Vehicles in blind spots and closing speeds | Combine with Overtaking and lane changes |
| Turning at junctions | Pedestrians, cyclists and right-of-way | Check Right-of-way and roundabouts |
| Reversing and parking | Low obstacles and vulnerable road users | Practice alongside Reversing and parking |
| Queue driving | Sudden stops, motorcycles filtering | Use Merging and queue driving |
| Tunnels and dark areas | Light transitions and reflections | Adjust with Night driving |
Overview of the five ‘see’ steps
| Step | Purpose | How to train |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Look far ahead | Spot hazards, signals and traffic trends early | Call out a focus point 12–15 seconds ahead |
| 2. Check the interior mirror | Understand what happens behind and the pace of the flow | Make it a reflex before braking |
| 3. Check the side mirrors | Confirm side traffic before lateral moves | Look before you indicate to verify space |
| 4. Shoulder check | Reveal what mirrors cannot show | Pivot your head fully before moving sideways |
| 5. Confirm behind | Ensure the scene is still safe right before the manoeuvre | Re-scan if the situation changes |
Step 1: look ahead
Read the road far ahead to see junctions, traffic lights and hazards in time to plan speed and positioning.
Step 2: interior mirror
The interior mirror tells you who is closing in from behind. Use it before every significant action to decide whether you need to create or keep space.
Step 3: side mirrors
Side mirrors reveal traffic next to you. Check them carefully before lane changes or turns, especially in dense traffic. Follow the setup tips in Mirror adjustment and blind spots.
Step 4: shoulder check
Blind spots remain even with perfectly adjusted mirrors. Turn your head and perform a shoulder check to cover those areas. Read about sight limitations in A‑pillar and intersection visibility.
Step 5: confirm behind
Just before you move, scan mirrors again to make sure nothing changed while you prepared.
How to practise
- Say the sequence out loud until it becomes automatic.
- Use five-to-eight-second intervals in flowing traffic and shorten the interval in queues.
- Record practice drives (with consent) and review where your eyes travelled.
- Pair the scan with the rhythm look → signal → move so others understand you early.
Typical mistakes and fixes
| Mistake | Consequence | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Skipping the shoulder check | Colliding with a cyclist or motorcycle in the blind spot | Anchor a physical head movement before steering |
| Staring too close | Late reactions to queues or signage | Lift your eyes and lock on to distant reference points |
| Over-checking mirrors | Drifting off line | Keep mirror glances under one second and return to the road |
| Seeing but not acting | No speed or lane adjustment | Link every observation to a clear decision and say it out loud |
Combine with other techniques
- Pair the routine with Speed and following distance.
- Use structured pause points from Attention and interaction.
- When you practise in cities, add tactics from City driving.