By AK Automatic Driving School
Learning to drive is an exciting milestone, and one of the very first skills every learner driver must master is moving off safely and pulling up correctly. These may seem like simple tasks, but they form the foundation of safe driving and are assessed throughout your DVSA practical driving test. Every journey begins with moving off, and every journey ends with stopping safely. Developing good habits from your very first driving lesson will not only help you pass your driving test but will also keep you, your passengers and other road users safe for years to come.
At AK Automatic Driving School, we teach learner drivers how to drive with confidence, patience and awareness. Whether you are taking automatic driving lessons in Brighton, Hove, Portslade, Southwick, Patcham, Kemptown, Preston Park, Whitehawk, Woodingdean, Coldean, Withdean, Falmer, Brighton Marina, Burgess Hill, Hassocks, Shoreham-by-Sea, Lancing or Ovingdean, understanding how to move off and pull up safely is an essential part of becoming a responsible driver.
Why Is Moving Off So Important?
Moving off means joining the flow of traffic from a stationary position. Although your car may only be parked at the side of the road, moving away without proper observation can create a dangerous situation for yourself and others.
Every time you move away from the kerb, you must think about:
- Vehicles approaching from behind.
- Cyclists passing on your right.
- Motorcyclists filtering through traffic.
- Pedestrians crossing the road.
- Children running near parked cars.
- Delivery vans stopping unexpectedly.
- Emergency vehicles.
- Weather and road conditions.
Good drivers never assume the road is clear—they always check carefully before moving.
Understanding the POM Routine
One of the first routines taught by driving instructors is the Prepare, Observe, Move (POM) routine. This simple three-step process helps learner drivers move away safely every time.
Prepare
Preparation starts before the vehicle moves.
In an automatic car, preparation includes:
- Adjusting your seat so you can comfortably reach all controls.
- Checking that your mirrors are correctly positioned.
- Fastening your seat belt and ensuring passengers have done the same.
- Starting the engine.
- Keeping your foot firmly on the brake pedal.
- Selecting Drive (D) when instructed.
- Checking that your steering wheel is straight.
Preparation also means preparing yourself mentally. Stay calm, avoid rushing and focus on what is happening around your vehicle.
Observe
Observation is the most important stage of moving off.
Before releasing the brake, you must build a complete picture of your surroundings.
Check:
- Your interior mirror.
- Your right door mirror.
- Your right blind spot.
- The road ahead.
- Any approaching vehicles.
- Cyclists and motorcyclists.
- Pedestrians walking behind your vehicle.
Many learner drivers only glance in their mirrors before moving away. This is one of the most common mistakes made during driving lessons and practical tests.
Remember, mirrors cannot show everything. Blind spots must always be checked by turning your head.
Move
Only move when you are completely satisfied that it is safe.
Release the brake gently and allow the car to move away smoothly. Hold the steering wheel firmly but avoid over-steering.
Accelerate gently and continue observing as you join the traffic.
Never rush simply because another driver is waiting behind you. It is always better to move away safely than quickly.
Why Observation Is So Important
Good observation is what separates a safe driver from an unsafe one.
Every second, the road environment changes. A cyclist may appear from nowhere, a pedestrian may step into the road, or another vehicle may begin overtaking.
Good observation allows you to:
- Identify hazards early.
- Make better decisions.
- Avoid collisions.
- Drive more confidently.
- Pass your driving test.
Professional drivers spend most of their time observing rather than reacting.
The Six-Point Observation Check
Before moving away from the side of the road, complete a full six-point observation.
- Look over your left shoulder.
- Check your left door mirror.
- Check your interior mirror.
- Check your right door mirror.
- Look over your right shoulder.
- Look ahead.
This routine helps ensure no road user is hidden in a blind spot.
Understanding the MSM Routine
Whenever you change speed or direction, use the MSM routine.
Mirrors
Check your mirrors early.
Your mirrors tell you what is happening behind your vehicle and help you judge whether it is safe to change position.
Signal
Signals communicate your intentions to other road users.
Only signal when another road user will benefit.
Signal in good time, but not so early that it becomes confusing.
Manoeuvre
Carry out the manoeuvre smoothly and under full control.
Continue checking mirrors throughout the manoeuvre because situations can change quickly.
Pulling Up Safely
During your driving test, the examiner will ask you to pull over several times.
They may say:
“Please pull up on the left in a safe place.”
This instruction is testing your planning, observation and vehicle control.
Choosing a Safe Place
Always ask yourself three questions.
Is it safe?
Avoid:
- Junctions.
- Sharp bends.
- Pedestrian crossings.
- Bus stops.
- Traffic lights.
- School entrances.
- Narrow roads.
Is it legal?
Do not stop:
- On double yellow lines.
- In cycle lanes.
- On zig-zag markings.
- Within 10 metres of a junction.
- Where parking restrictions apply.
Is it convenient?
Avoid blocking:
- Driveways.
- Garages.
- Other parked vehicles.
- Bus stops.
- Loading bays.
Being considerate is part of safe driving.
How to Pull Up Correctly
Once you have chosen a suitable place:
- Check your interior mirror.
- Check your left mirror.
- Signal left if required.
- Reduce your speed gradually.
- Steer gently towards the kerb.
- Stop approximately 20–30 centimetres from the kerb.
- Apply the parking brake.
- Select Park (P) if instructed or remain in Drive with the brake applied as directed by your instructor.
Avoid steering sharply towards the kerb because this may cause the vehicle to mount the pavement.
Moving Off Again
After stopping, the examiner will usually ask you to move away when you are ready.
Do not rush.
Complete your full observation again.
Only move when:
- The road is clear.
- No cyclist is passing.
- No vehicle is overtaking.
- No pedestrian is crossing.
Safe observation is far more important than moving away quickly.
Common Mistakes Learners Make
Some of the most common mistakes include:
- Forgetting blind spot checks.
- Moving away too quickly.
- Steering too sharply.
- Signalling too late.
- Failing to check mirrors.
- Pulling up too far from the kerb.
- Mounting the kerb.
- Stopping opposite parked vehicles.
- Choosing an unsafe place to stop.
Most of these mistakes are easily avoided by following the POM and MSM routines every time.
What the Driving Examiner Is Looking For
Your examiner is not expecting perfection.
They want to see that you:
- Observe properly.
- Think ahead.
- Make safe decisions.
- Control the vehicle smoothly.
- Show consideration for other road users.
If you hesitate because you are unsure whether it is safe, this is usually better than taking unnecessary risks.
Automatic Cars Make Learning Easier
Many learners choose automatic driving lessons because they can focus on observation and road awareness without worrying about clutch control or gear changes.
Automatic cars are becoming increasingly popular due to the growth of hybrid and electric vehicles. Learning in an automatic vehicle allows many learners to build confidence more quickly while still developing the same safe driving habits expected by the DVSA.
Practise Makes Permanent
The key to becoming a confident driver is repetition.
Every time you move off or pull up:
- Prepare carefully.
- Observe thoroughly.
- Move smoothly.
The more consistently you follow these routines, the more natural they will become.
Driving safely is not about memorising a routine for your driving test—it is about building habits that protect you and everyone else on the road.
Learn to Drive with AK Automatic Driving School
At AK Automatic Driving School, we provide patient, professional and structured automatic driving lessons designed to help learners become safe, confident drivers for life.
We proudly provide automatic driving lessons across:
- Brighton
- Hove
- Portslade
- Southwick
- Kemptown
- Preston Park
- Patcham
- Whitehawk
- Woodingdean
- Coldean
- Withdean
- Falmer
- Brighton Marina
- Burgess Hill
- Hassocks
- Shoreham-by-Sea
- Lancing
- Ovingdean
Whether you are a complete beginner or preparing for your practical driving test, our experienced instructors will help you master the skills needed to drive safely and confidently.
Book your automatic driving lessons with AK Automatic Driving School UK