US equivalent is SMOG: Signal, Mirrors, Over the shoulder, Go when safe.
Not sure whether it is better to signal before or after looking, but that was what my partner's driving instructor taught.
Not sure whether it is better to signal before or after looking, but that was what my partner's driving instructor taught.
I think the missing point in that SMOG acronym is general awareness. I don't know if they teach this, but I won't signal unless I'm already quite sure I'm lined up with a clear space I want to get into. But, once I'm aligned and think I'm good, I'll signal, double check mirrors, shoulder check, and then go. The only new info that gives is the shoulder check, and if you're paying attention a shoulder check should never surprise you.
If you need to change lanes within the next 30 seconds, and don't already have general knowledge of the destination lane's status, you've screwed up already. [1] It makes much more sense to consider checking after signaling if it's a double-check, not your first look at what's around you.