Moving off and pulling up are two of the first skills you learn, and you use them on every drive. Doing them safely means good observation, smooth control and a sensible choice of where to stop.
This guide covers the steps in an automatic car, what the Highway Code says, where you must not stop, common mistakes and how to practise. It is written for learner drivers in Brighton and Hove, Burgess Hill, Lancing and across the UK, and the rules were checked against the Highway Code on GOV.UK on 13 October 2026.
Quick answer
Before you move off, use all your mirrors, check your blind spots, signal if it helps someone, take a final look round and go only when it is safe. To pull up, choose a safe, legal place and stop as close to the left as you can without mounting the kerb.
Why moving off matters
When you move away from the kerb you join traffic from a standing start. Anyone could be close to you: a cyclist passing on your right, a motorcyclist filtering, a pedestrian stepping out between parked cars or a vehicle that has not seen you. A quick glance is not enough, because mirrors do not show everything.
What the Highway Code says
- Rule 159: before moving off, use all mirrors to check the road is clear, look round to check the blind spots (the areas you cannot see in the mirrors), signal if necessary, look round for a final check and move off only when it is safe.
- Rule 160: once you are moving, keep to the left unless signs or markings say otherwise, and keep both hands on the wheel where possible.
- Rule 161: use your mirrors frequently so you always know what is behind and to each side of you, and remember that mirrors do not cover all areas.
Moving off step by step (automatic car)
Many instructors teach this as Prepare, Observe, Move.
1. Prepare
- Check your seat, mirrors and seatbelt.
- Keep your foot firmly on the brake and make sure your steering wheel is straight.
- Select Drive when your instructor tells you to.
2. Observe
- Check your interior mirror and your right door mirror.
- Look over your right shoulder to check the blind spot.
- Look ahead and check for cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians.
- Signal if it would help another road user.
- Take a final look round.
3. Move
- Release the brake gently and let the car creep away.
- Steer smoothly and accelerate gently.
- Keep observing as you join the traffic.
Instructor tip: never rush because someone is waiting behind you. Waiting a few extra seconds for a clear road is always better than moving off quickly. Examiners would rather see you wait.
Mirrors, signal, manoeuvre
Whenever you change speed or direction, use the Highway Code routine of mirrors, signal, manoeuvre.
- Mirrors: check them early so you know what is behind and beside you.
- Signal: signal in good time if another road user will benefit, but not so early that it confuses anyone.
- Manoeuvre: carry it out smoothly and keep checking, because the situation can change.
Pulling up safely
On a driving test the examiner will ask you to pull up on the left a few times. Ask yourself three questions before you stop: is it safe, is it legal and is it convenient for other people?
- Check your mirrors and signal left if it helps someone.
- Slow down gradually and steer gently towards the kerb.
- Stop as close to the left as you can, parallel to the kerb. Your instructor will show you what to aim for.
- Apply the parking brake and use the gear selector as your instructor has taught you.
Avoid steering sharply towards the kerb, because the car may mount the pavement.
Where you must not stop
Rule 243 of the Highway Code says not to stop or park:
- near a school entrance
- anywhere you would stop emergency services getting through
- at or near a bus or tram stop or a taxi rank
- on the approach to a level crossing
- opposite or within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction, except in an authorised parking space
- near the brow of a hill or a hump bridge
- opposite a traffic island or, if this would cause an obstruction, another parked vehicle
- where the kerb has been lowered to help wheelchair users
- in front of an entrance to a property
- on a bend
- where you would block cyclists using cycle facilities
Rule 240 also says you must not stop or park on a pedestrian crossing, including the area marked by zig-zag lines.
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Why it matters | What to do instead |
|---|---|---|
| Only glancing in the mirrors | Mirrors do not cover the blind spots | Look over your shoulder every time |
| Moving off too quickly | You may pull out in front of a cyclist or vehicle | Finish your checks, then go |
| Signalling too late, or not at all | Other road users cannot plan around you | Signal in good time when it helps someone |
| Steering sharply to the kerb | You can mount the pavement | Steer gently and slow down first |
| Stopping in a bad place | It can be unsafe or illegal | Look ahead and choose early |
What examiners look for
Examiners do not expect perfection. They want to see you observe properly, think ahead, control the car smoothly and show consideration for other road users. If you are unsure whether it is safe, waiting is usually better than taking a risk.
Frequently asked questions
Do I always have to signal when moving off?
The Highway Code says to signal if necessary. The aim is to signal when it will help another road user, such as a car approaching from behind.
Are automatic cars easier for moving off?
With no clutch or gears to manage, many learners find they can concentrate more on observation. The safety checks are exactly the same as in a manual car.
How close to the kerb should I stop?
The Highway Code says to stop as close to the side as you can. Your instructor will show you the position to aim for in your lessons.
What if I make a mistake pulling up on a test?
Stay calm and carry on. One mistake does not mean you have failed, and examiners look at your driving as a whole.
Learn with AK Automatic Driving School
We teach one-to-one automatic lessons with a DVSA Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) in Brighton and Hove, Burgess Hill and Lancing, and nearby areas such as Portslade and Shoreham-by-Sea. Read more about lesson prices, the show me, tell me questions or using your own car for the driving test. You can also explore our automatic driving lessons on our main website.
Rules can change, so check the current Highway Code.