Moving off and stopping

By the end of this topic you can

• You can prepare the car and check it is safe before moving off.
• You can signal correctly and give way when leaving the kerb.
• You can choose a safe, legal place to stop.
• You can stop smoothly and secure the car.

What you need to know and understand

• When moving off from the side of the road, you must signal for at least 5 seconds.
• You must give way to all vehicles, including motorbikes and bicycles, already on the road.
• Mirrors do not show everything. Look over your shoulder to check the blind spot before you pull out.
• Your brake lights tell drivers behind that you are slowing or stopping.
• Braking is smoothest in two stages: light pressure first, then squeeze progressively.
• When stopped and parked, apply the park brake and select P in an automatic, or a suitable gear in a manual, before switching off.

Moving off: step by step

1. Complete your cockpit set-up and start the engine.
2. Select first gear (manual) or D (automatic) with your foot on the brake.
3. Check your inside mirror and right mirror.
4. Signal right for at least 5 seconds.
5. Look over your right shoulder to check the blind spot for cyclists and cars.
6. If it is safe, release the park brake and move off smoothly, giving way to anyone on the road.
7. Cancel the indicator once you are in position.

Stopping: choosing the place

Stop where it is safe and legal: not on a bend, near the crest of a hill, across a driveway, near an intersection or where signs prohibit it. Check your mirrors early, signal left, then slow down progressively so the driver behind has time to react.

1. Check mirrors and signal left.
2. Ease off the accelerator, then brake gently, increasing pressure smoothly.
3. In a manual, press the clutch just before the car stops so it does not stall.
4. Ease off the brake slightly just before stopping to avoid a jolt.
5. Apply the park brake, select P or neutral as appropriate, and cancel the indicator.

Common mistakes

• Signalling for only a second or two before pulling out. The rule is at least 5 seconds.
• Relying on mirrors and missing a cyclist in the blind spot.
• Stopping suddenly without a mirror check.
• Forgetting to cancel the indicator after moving off.
• Pulling out because you signalled, even though a car was coming. A signal does not give you right of way.

Test yourself: Moving off and stopping

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.