Moving off from the kerb

Watch it, then drive it

1. 1

   Watch how it is done

   Instructors film this one step by step. Watch a couple before your first try.

   More videos on YouTube↗
2. 2

   Drive it with the coach

   Guided mode puts the reference points on screen and stops you the moment you drift.

   Practise this in the simulator
3. 3

   Test yourself

   Test mode says nothing and marks you in the examiner's words. Three clean runs in a row and it is learnt.

The routine

Mirrors, then a look over your right shoulder into the blind spot, because a cyclist can be right beside you where no mirror shows. Signal if it would help anyone, including people on the pavement. Only move when it is safe, and if someone has to slow down for you it was not.

How much steering

With a car length or more in front of you, about three-quarters of a turn to the right is enough. As the car points out into the road, steer back to the left the same amount and straighten up in the middle of your lane, not out on the centre line.

How you practise it here

Watch drives it for you with the commentary running, so you see the whole thing once before you touch anything. Steering only takes the pedals and gears off you, the way an instructor does on the first lesson: a mark on the wheel shows when to turn and how far. Guided puts the reference points on screen and stops you the moment you drift. Test says nothing and marks you in the words the examiner uses. Three clean Test runs in a row counts as learned, and it comes back two days, a week and three weeks later so it is still there on the day.

Step by step

These are the words the simulator says to you, in order, the same commentary you would get from the passenger seat.

1. 1Moving off from the kerb. Check your mirrors, then look over your right shoulder into the blind spot. Signal if it would help anyone.
2. 2Creep forward and steer right, about two-thirds of a turn. There is plenty of room, so a gentle steer clears the car in front.
3. 3Pointing out into the road. Steer back to the left, the same amount, as you leave the kerb.
4. 4In your lane. Wheel back to the centre, cancel the signal and drive on.
5. 5Well clear of the kerb, in the middle of your lane. Stop here and tap Finished.

Common questions