THE HIGHWAY RULE — what changed and why it matters
At HSA we keep HSA Driving News and Updates practical. Below is a compact, learner-first summary of current rules that affect your booking, lesson mix, and test performance. Each point shows how to apply THE HIGHWAY RULE so you make safer, earlier decisions without second-guessing.
THE HIGHWAY RULE — 10 working days to change or cancel your test
Give a full 10 working days notice to reschedule or cancel without losing your fee. Plan revision and lessons backwards from test day: confirm availability, rehearse weak topics, and lock transport and ID. Early planning prevents last-minute stress and missed readiness checks.
THE HIGHWAY RULE — more time on higher-speed rural routes (some centres)
Expect longer exposure to NSL roads in selected areas. Train speed-to-vision, safe gap selection, bend reading, and progressive braking. Apply the rule: look far, decide early, then act once—no dithering. If you can’t see the exit, you can’t commit to the overtake.
THE HIGHWAY RULE — 20 mph norms in many built-up zones (Wales and local policies)
Built-up areas may default to 20 mph. Scan side roads, schools, hospitals, parked cars, and hidden gateways. Match speed to risk and hold a buffer. Where limits change street-to-street, the rule is: signs inform, context confirms.
THE HIGHWAY RULE — zero tolerance on hand-held phones while driving
Any hand-held use while driving is illegal. Build a zero-distraction ritual: phone away, route previewed, seat-mirror-controls set, and voice navigation prepared before moving. Attention is your primary safety system—protect it every time.
THE HIGHWAY RULE — how your lessons adapt (quick plan)
- Calendar confidence. Align lesson blocks with test dates so the 10-day rule never catches you out.
- Rural mastery. NSL pacing, safe gaps, bend setup, and overtakes with clear exit vision.
- Urban awareness. 20 mph scanning with priority to vulnerable road users and emerging traffic.
- Zero-distraction ritual. Phone off/away + cockpit checks before every move.
THE HIGHWAY RULE — example lesson flow
| Phase | Focus | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Warm-up | Controls, mirrors, cockpit | Calm start; attention anchored |
| Urban | Junctions, positioning, limits | Sign + context accuracy |
| Rural | Speed-to-vision, bends, overtakes | Predictive hazard planning |
| Test-style | Independent drive | Confident decisions under time pressure |
