Pulling Over Safely
One of the first things you’ll learn in a driving lesson is how to pull over safely. While it might seem like a basic manoeuvre, it actually requires a lot of planning and awareness. If you’re not a fan of pulling over and moving off, you might be disappointed to hear that you’ll be expected to do so multiple times during your driving test. Practice makes perfect, though! So, if you’re looking for tips on how to pull over safely like a pro, you’ve come to the right place.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to pull over and move off. We’ll also cover what examiners expect from you during this process.
Pulling Over Safely
After mastering the basics of the cockpit drill and learning which pedals do what, your instructor will likely introduce you to one of the fundamental aspects of driving: pulling over safely and moving off. This is something you’ll do countless times in everyday driving, and it also plays a key role in your driving test.
During your test, the examiner will ask you to pull over on the left-hand side of the road and then move off. They’ll include a variety of scenarios, such as:
- Normal stops at the side of the road
- Pulling out from behind a parked vehicle
- A hill start
Unless asked to demonstrate the “pulling up on the right” manoeuvre, you’ll always be expected to pull over on the left. You’ll do this at least twice during your test. The examiner will typically say something like, “When you can, please pull over on the left in a safe place.”
What Is the Examiner Looking For?
As daunting as it might seem, the examiner will observe your every move. When pulling over safely, they’ll assess your awareness, planning, and control over the vehicle. Their main focus will be on:
- Awareness and Planning: Use the Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre (MSM) routine to show your awareness of other road users and pick a safe, appropriate place to stop.
- Judgement: Choose a stopping point that’s legal, convenient, and considerate of other road users. Clearly signal your intentions.
- Use of Mirrors: Check all mirrors and blind spots before pulling over or moving off to ensure it’s safe.
- Accuracy: Position your car parallel to the kerb, close but not obstructing the road for others.
How to Pull Over Safely
Step 1: Find a Safe Place
Before signalling or moving your car, decide where you’ll pull over. You’ll need to assess the following:
- Is it safe?
Avoid stopping near junctions, bends, or opposite bus stops and parked vehicles. - Is it legal?
Use your theory test knowledge to avoid illegal spots like within 10 metres of a junction, in cycle lanes, or on double yellow lines. - Is it convenient?
Don’t block driveways or cause inconvenience to others.
Step 2: Follow the MSM Routine
The Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre (MSM) routine is essential:
- Mirrors: Check your interior and side mirrors to ensure it’s safe to pull over.
- Signal: Indicate left if it’s safe to proceed. Cancel the signal if conditions change.
- Manoeuvre: Move smoothly and slowly, checking blind spots again before turning.
Step 3: Pull Over
Approach your stopping point at a shallow angle. Avoid steep turns, which could cause you to mount the kerb or make it harder to align with it. Position your car 20-30 cm from the kerb, straighten the wheels, stop, apply the handbrake, and select neutral.
Step 4: Move Off
When instructed to move off, stay calm. Take your time to check your mirrors and blind spots in an anti-clockwise direction. Once it’s safe:
- Select first gear and signal left.
- Perform one last check of the road.
- Gradually press the accelerator, release the clutch, disengage the handbrake, and steer away.
Special Situations
Moving Off from Behind a Parked Vehicle
Leave enough space between your vehicle and the one in front. Check mirrors and blind spots, signal, and proceed gently while maintaining control over the clutch.
Moving Off on a Hill
Use more power to prevent rolling back. Check mirrors and blind spots, signal, and disengage the handbrake while maintaining control. Stay in first gear longer than usual.
FAQs
- How many times will I be asked to pull over during the driving test?
At least twice, plus potentially before the independent driving section. - What should I do if I think I’m going to hit the kerb?
Slow down and adjust your steering gently. Avoid steep turns when approaching the kerb. - Will the examiner check how close I am to the kerb?
No, but they will gauge it using the side mirror. - Will I fail if I hit the kerb?
A slight tap might be overlooked, but mounting the kerb is usually an automatic fail. - What if I realise I’m parked too far from the kerb?
Mention it to the examiner. They may let you correct it or decide it doesn’t matter. - What happens if I can’t find a safe place?
Continue driving until you find one. The examiner may repeat their instructions if necessary. - What if a vehicle parks in front of me after I’ve pulled over?
Proceed with caution when moving off, ensuring you check mirrors and blind spots carefully. - What if there’s a lot of traffic when I’m trying to move off?
Be patient, but don’t hesitate when a safe opportunity arises. - What should I do if I see pedestrians or road users?
Wait for pedestrians to pass and ensure the road is clear before proceeding.
Follow these steps and tips to master pulling over and moving off safely. At Leo Driving School, we’re here to help you perfect these skills and build confidence for your driving test and beyond.