Pulling up and stopping safely

By the end of this topic you can

• You can choose a safe, legal and convenient place to stop.
• You can use the mirrors, signal and position routine to pull up on the left.
• You can stop smoothly and reasonably close to the kerb.
• You can secure the car and get out safely.
• You can name places where you must not stop or park.

What you need to know and understand

• Do not stop or park opposite or within 10 metres of a junction, unless in an authorised parking space.
• Do not stop on zig-zag lines at a pedestrian crossing, at a bus stop, near a school entrance, on a bend, or near the brow of a hill.
• Do not wait or park on double yellow lines at any time, or on single yellow lines during the hours shown on nearby signs.
• When you park, apply the parking brake firmly, switch off the engine, headlights and fog lights.
• Check for cyclists and other traffic before opening your door. Using the hand furthest from the door makes you turn and look.
• On roads with a speed limit over 30 mph, you must leave parking lights on if parked on the road at night.

Choosing your spot

Look well ahead and pick your spot early. A good place is legal, does not block driveways or dropped kerbs, leaves room for traffic to pass, and does not hide you or anyone else from view. Avoid stopping opposite another parked car on a narrow road, as you may block the road.

On your test the examiner will ask you to pull up on the left during the drive and expects you to find a suitable place yourself.

Pulling up step by step

1. Mirrors: check the interior mirror and the left door mirror, so you know what is behind and beside you, including cyclists.
2. Signal: indicate left if it would help anyone. Time it so it does not suggest you are turning into a side road before your stopping place.
3. Position: steer gently towards the kerb.
4. Speed: ease off the gas and brake progressively. Just before the car stops, press the clutch down to avoid stalling.
5. Stop: aim to be parallel to the kerb and close to it without touching.
6. Secure: apply the parking brake, select neutral, cancel the signal and, if you are staying, switch off the engine.

Getting out safely

Opening a door into the path of a cyclist or motorcyclist can cause a serious injury. Check your mirror and look over your shoulder before opening the door, and open it slowly. Reaching across with your far hand makes it natural to turn your body and look behind. Let passengers, especially children, get out on the pavement side.

Before you walk away, lock the car and keep valuables out of sight. On a hill, turn the wheels so the car would roll into the kerb if the brake failed, as covered in the hill starts topic.

Common mistakes

• Choosing a spot too late and braking harshly. Look ahead and plan early.
• Signalling left just before a side road you are not turning into. Wait until you have passed it.
• Stopping too far from the kerb, or bumping it. Use a reference point your instructor shows you.
• Forgetting the left mirror. Cyclists often pass on the left as you slow.
• Opening the door without looking. Always check behind first.

Test yourself: Pulling up and stopping safely

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

Go deeper

• Parking Rules UK Highway Code