If there are certain driving scenarios that fill you with dread, don't worry - you're far from the only one. We've put together five real-world examples of situations some drivers may approach with trepidation and offer sensible, practical advice on dealing with them.

1. Parking in a multi-storey car park

Preparation: Be conscious of the time. If you know you're shopping at peak time, expect a busy car park and decide on your strategy: pick a spot and wait for a space? Or drive around until you hit lucky? Decide beforehand and you'll not get as vexed.

Getting it right: Most people head for spaces near the ground and exits - go as high as you can and you'll find a space easier. If you know you'll be leaving at a peak time, try to reverse park into the bay, which will make it easier to get out.

But don't try this: Being stressed. Stress is the main reason most of us do silly or unexpected things behind the wheel. It'll cloud your ability to park in a tighter space.

2. Motorway driving

Preparation: Set off in plenty of time. Being in a hurry will cause you to drive too fast and throw lane discipline out of the window. Ensure you look for efficient breakdown cover.

Getting it right: Generally, stay in the left hand lane whenever you can, only using the middle and right hand lanes for overtaking. Always indicate out of and back into a lane, and always check your blind spot for cars and motorcycles. You'll find there's far less stress sitting at 60-70mph in the slow lane and overtaking when you need to. Those zooming down the fast lane will only gain a minute or two on a typical journey.

But don't try this: Hogging the middle lane. There's absolutely no reason to stay in the middle lane - one of the most irritating (and common) bad driving habits in the UK today. It slows down motorway traffic flow and annoys other road users, which can sometimes encourage undertaking.

3. Driving at night

Preparation: make sure you know exactly where you're going, and stick to major, well-lit roads if you're concerned. Ensure all your car lights are working properly, that your car windows are clean and that your phone is with you (and charged).

Getting it right: Don't be afraid to drive that little bit slower at night, especially on roads you're unfamiliar with. Indicate as early as possible when turning and leave a bigger gap than usual between you and other traffic. Use your full beam on unlit single carriageways, unless it's foggy, in which case that will hinder your view. (And remember to turn them off for oncoming traffic.) Only use fog lamps in foggy or inclement weather. Take more regular breaks - you'll tire more easily at night. And try not to fixate on the lights of other cars, which can dazzle and disorientate you.

But don't try this: Get lost. Unavoidable at times, we know, but proper journey planning is especially important for night drives. There are fewer people about to ask for directions, fewer places you'll be willing to stop and less chance you'll be able to get your bearings.

4. Approaching a roundabout

Preparation: Think about where you're going and get into the correct lane. Most major roundabouts have clear lane markings, so slow down on the approach and look out for those - they sometimes won't follow the roundabout convention (left lane for a left turn or straight ahead, right lane for everything else).

Getting it right: Always indicate on a roundabout at the point you're about to turn off. Don't assume that because you're in a certain lane other drivers will know where you're going. Stay inside a particular lane, too, even if you discover it's the wrong one: better to come off at the wrong turn than cause an accident. Take your time and don't panic.

But don't try this: Lazy drivers will often cut across lanes while going straight over on a roundabout, which is dangerous and frustrating for other road users. Lane discipline applies at roundabouts just as it does on motorways - there could always be someone at either side of you.

5. Overtaking

Preparation: Make sure the opposite side of the road is absolutely clear, that the lane divide is a broken white line (a solid line means overtaking is illegal), and that there are no blind corners or dips in the road from which a car could appear.

Getting it right: Overtaking on a single carriageway should only be approached if you're absolutely certain it's safe. Never risk a head-on collision by taking a chance. If your car has limited power, or the road is just too busy or obscured, it's better to be a little late. Once you're sure, indicate early to signal your intent, check your blind spot, then pull out and accelerate as quickly as you can, changing down a gear if needed. Indicate back into the lane and pull back across as soon as it's safe to do so.

But don't try this: Overtaking in the dark is even riskier, especially on poorly lit minor roads. We'd suggest not doing it at all.

Guest Post - 29 Nov 2012