Hide and seek is a fun game, right? Not so fun when there’s a car involved. Not knowing what could be hiding in the area around your car is dangerous. That’s why it’s important to learn about Hidden Operating Space. Driver safety is one of our top concerns in our driving courses, after all.

Space Management

Hidden Operating Space refers to the area around your car that’s impossible to see while you’re sitting in the driver’s seat. When you're taking your driving lessons, take a moment to recognize the spaces around your car that you don't have visual access to. Think of it as an invisible bubble engulfing your car. Like this:

safe-driving No, the car is not floating in Jello. That’s the Hidden Operating Space.

Hidden Operating Space can vary depending on the size of your car. A stretch limo has a bigoperating space. A smart car has a teensy tiny operating space. Managing space around your car is crucial for defensive driving and for safe driving when you're behind the wheel.

Until we have super effective self-driving cars, you'll have to be aware of this little space cushion around your car. It doesn't matter if you’re in an SUV or Prius, you need to monitor your Hidden Operating Space while the car is in motion as well as when it’s in park. Whether you're sitting still, backing up, turning left or right, changing lanes or simply driving forward, there's always a chance that something could be near your car's Hidden Operating Space. Here are some things that could be playing hide and seek in your vehicle’s operating space.

Pets and other animals.
Children. Please don’t hit the children. They lurk in the darkness, behind your parking spaces when you're out and about, in your nightmares. Nowhere is safe... Just kidding, kids are pretty cute. This is why you need to be extra careful and keep an eye out for them.
Bikes and toys. Less important, but running over a Super Soaker could do some serious damage to your car (and make your little brother cry).

That’s why it’s crucial to look around your car before you get in and start driving. You know ol’ Mittens likes to take his naps in the shade.

Make sure to check out the rest of our safe driving videos for more tips to keep you in control on the road!

Hidden Operating Driving Space & Management