Moving Off and Stopping
As part of the UK driving test, learners must demonstrate the ability to move off and stop safely in different situations.
Here's how PASSFAN teaches you to handle these moves, including the scenarios you'll encounter during your test:
Moving Off in a Manual Car
THE "POM" Routine
Prepare the Car
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Clutch down fully and select 1st gear (or possibly 2nd if you're on a steep downhill).
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Set the gas: Gently press the accelerator, aiming for about the thickness of a £1 coin, or around 1000 to 1300 on the rev counter.
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Find the biting point: Slowly lift the clutch until you feel the front of the car tug. Keep your left foot steady here while maintaining light pressure on the gas pedal.
The car is now ready to move, but the handbrake is still on, keeping it stationary.
Observe and Move Off
Check mirrors and blind spots:
Always check your rearview mirror, side mirrors, and your right blind spot.
Signal:
Use your right indicator to signal your intention to move off, but only if necessary.
Release the handbrake:
Once it's safe to proceed, release the handbrake while gradually increasing the gas and lifting the clutch. Don't release the clutch fully until you have travelled around 1-2 car lengths.
Steer away from the kerb:
As the car moves forward, steer slightly right to move safely away from the kerb. Use your mirrors to check the distance on both sides of the car.
Cancel your signal:
Once you’ve safely moved off, cancel the indicator to avoid confusing other road users.
Moving Off in an Automatic Car
Prepare the Car
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Foot on the brake: Press the brake pedal to keep the car still.
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Select 'D' for Drive: Shift the gear lever into 'Drive'.
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Release the handbrake: Lower or disengage the handbrake/parking brake.
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Release the brake pedal slowly: As you do this, the car will start to "creep" forward slightly.
Observe and Move Off
Check mirrors and blind spots: Just like in a manual, check your mirrors and blind spots before moving.Signal: Use your indicator if necessary.
Release the brake fully:
The car will begin to move forward without the need for accelerator input in most cases.
Apply gentle gas:
Gradually press the accelerator to increase speed smoothly.Steer away from the kerb: Adjust your steering to move away from the kerb or parking spot safely.
Cancel your signal:
As you drive off, ensure the indicator is turned off.
Test-Specific Requirements
During your driving test, the examiner will ask you to demonstrate your ability to move off in various real-world situations.
These typically include:
Angled Start:
The examiner may ask you to move off from a position at an angle, such as parked behind another vehicle. This tests your ability to manoeuvre out of tighter or trickier spots. You’ll need to observe carefully and ensure there is enough room to steer out smoothly.
Two Normal Stops:
The examiner will ask you to pull over on the left twice. These stops should always be safe, convenient, and legal (SCALP). You'll need to pull away smoothly after stopping, demonstrating good control and observation skills.
Hill Start or Designated Stop:
The examiner may ask you to perform a hill start or to stop at a specific location (e.g., “Can you pull up next to that lamppost on the left?”).
In a hill start, you’ll need to ensure the car doesn't roll back when moving off – this requires good clutch control in a manual or effective brake-hold use in an automatic.
Common Mistakes and Tips (Manual & Automatic)
Stalling (Manual):
Often due to lifting the clutch too quickly or not applying enough gas. Ensure you bring the clutch up slowly while increasing the gas.
Rolling backwards:
On a hill start, avoid rolling back by finding the biting point (in a manual) or using the brake-hold feature (in an automatic).
Prompt movement:
When asked to pull over or move off during the test, it’s important to join the traffic smoothly and promptly. If you hold up traffic or force other vehicles to slow down, you could be marked down for this.
Stopping Safely - Step by Step
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Use mirrors: Always check your mirrors before preparing to stop.
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Signal: If necessary, use your left indicator to show you’re pulling over.
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Cover the brake pedal: Be ready to slow down gently and steadily.
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Measured steering: Make small adjustments to keep control as you pull over.
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Look at the kerb: Aim for the gutter to stop close to the kerb but without hitting it.
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Gentle braking: Apply the brakes smoothly and progressively to bring the car to a stop.
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Stop and secure the car: Once stopped, apply the handbrake and put the car into neutral or park.
Top Test Tips
In busy towns and cities, if examiners ask you to pull up on either the left or right in busy areas. When you move away again, it’s crucial to join the flow of traffic quickly and smoothly.
Taking too long or causing other vehicles to slow down can result in a mark against you.
To avoid holding up traffic, use 1st and 2nd gear longer than usual when pulling away, especially in busy areas.
If you're driving an automatic, press the accelerator more firmly if needed to maintain a good speed when re-joining traffic.
Mastering these skills will ensure that you’re prepared for the various moving off and stopping scenarios you’ll face during your driving test.
At PASSFAN, we’ll make sure you get plenty of practice so you’re confident and ready on the big day!