How to Pull Up on the Right Manoeuvre
The “Pull Up on the Right” manoeuvre is an essential part of the UK learner driving test.
Introduced on 4th December 2017, there is now a 1 in 4 chance that you will be asked to perform this manoeuvre during your test, along with other potential exercises such as parallel parking or bay parking
While it can seem challenging, understanding the correct procedure and practising thoroughly will make this manoeuvre manageable and boost your confidence on test day.
What will the Examiner’s instruct?
During your test, the examiner will provide clear instructions when they want you to perform this manoeuvre. They will say something like:
Pull up on the right when it is safe to do so, please.
I would now like you to reverse for about 2 car lengths, keeping reasonably close to
the kerb.
This will usually happen during the general driving part of the test, not during the independent driving section. It’s important to remember that the examiner won’t ask you to carry out this manoeuvre in a dangerous or inappropriate location, so stay calm and focus on your observations and control.
Finding a Safe Convenient and Legal Place (SCALP)
Before attempting the manoeuvre, you need to identify a suitable place to pull up on the right. Use the LADA routine: Look, Assess, Decide, Act.
1. Look: Scan the road ahead for a clear, safe space where you can stop without causing an obstruction or breaking any rules. Avoid stopping where there are restrictions, such as bus stops, zigzag lines, or near junctions.
2. Assess: Consider if the area is wide enough for your car to pull up without blocking traffic. Is it safe from hazards like oncoming vehicles or pedestrians? Make sure you’re not stopping in front of driveways or in areas where stopping is prohibited.
3. Decide: Choose your spot well in advance. This gives you enough time to signal and adjust your position smoothly.
4. Act: Execute your decision confidently, following the MSPSL routine (Mirrors, Signal, Position, Speed, Look) to perform the manoeuvre safely.
Executing the Manoeuvre Using MSPSL
Once you’ve chosen your spot, it’s time to execute the manoeuvre using the MSPSL routine, which stands for Mirrors, Signal, Position, Speed, and Look.
1. Mirrors: Before you make any moves, check your mirrors thoroughly. Look in your interior mirror to see what’s happening behind you and check your right door mirror for any cyclists or other road users overtaking on your right. Don’t forget to check your right blind spot before moving across to ensure there are no hidden dangers, like a cyclist or pedestrian.
2. Signal: If there are other road users around, signal right in good time. This will alert others to your intentions and help them react accordingly. If there’s no one around, a signal may not be necessary, but when in doubt, it’s best to signal.
3. Position: Gradually move your vehicle towards the right side of the road. Do this smoothly to avoid surprising other drivers. Aim for the gutter, not the curb, to reduce the risk of hitting it. It’s critical to finish parallel to the curb, within a drain width, with your wheels straight. This will make the reversing part of the manoeuvre easier to control.
4. Speed: Slow down progressively. Use gentle braking to communicate your intentions to the vehicles behind and avoid sudden stops. This helps maintain control and ensures you’re not a hazard to other drivers.
5. Look: Keep your eyes moving and continuously scan your surroundings. Check the road ahead and around you as you move into position. Make sure there are no new hazards developing that might make it unsafe to stop.
Reversing Back Two Car Lengths
After you’ve come to a stop, you’ll need to reverse back approximately two car lengths. Before you start, make sure it’s safe to do so.
1. Full Observations: Look all around the vehicle, checking up and down the road, behind you, and in your blind spots. This ensures there are no unexpected dangers or changes in the traffic situation.
2. Reverse Slowly: Begin reversing slowly, keeping close to the kerb. Use your door mirrors to help maintain your position. You can also use a reference point, such as a sticker, to keep your line straight. Avoid hitting or mounting the kerb, as this could result in a driving fault.
3. Maintain Control: Keep the car moving slowly and steadily. Make small adjustments to your steering if needed, but avoid large corrections that might make you swerve.
Remember: If you were straight before you started - keep the wheel straight and keep straight!
Dealing with Other Vehicles
If another vehicle approaches while you’re reversing, you may need to stop temporarily.
• Oncoming Vehicles: If an oncoming vehicle is approaching, it’s safest to stop and wait for it to pass. This shows that you’re aware of your surroundings and prioritising safety.
• Vehicles Behind You: If a vehicle pulls up behind you, continue reversing as much as safely possible. The examiner will understand if you can’t complete the full two car lengths due to an obstruction. Stop when you have a safe gap between your car and the vehicle behind.
Moving Off Safely
Once you’ve completed the reversing, it’s time to move off and re-join traffic.
1. Check All Around: Perform full observations again to ensure there are no approaching vehicles, pedestrians, or other obstacles.
2. Signal if Necessary: If there’s traffic around, signal left to indicate you’re about to move off. Make sure it’s safe to do so.
3. Move Off Smoothly: Use your mirrors and check your blind spot to ensure there’s no danger before pulling away. Accelerate smoothly and fit into the flow of traffic without causing other drivers to change speed or direction.
Key Points to Remember
-
Stay Calm: The examiner won’t ask you to perform this manoeuvre in a dangerous location.
-
Signal Clearly: Use your signals and vehicle positioning to clearly communicate your intentions to other road users.
-
Be Observant: Constant observation is crucial, especially during the reversing part of the manoeuvre.
By following these guidelines and practising the manoeuvre, you’ll be well-prepared to perform the “Pull Up on the Right” manoeuvre safely and confidently during your driving test. Remember, it’s not just about passing the test but demonstrating safe, confident, and considerate driving at all times.