DRIVING GUIDE - IN ASSOCIATION WITH ROBOSOUL APPS
PULL UP ON THE RIGHT
The most important aspect of any manoeuvre is effective observation. Secondary in importance to observation is maintaining good control of your vehicle. The final aspect, which is of less importance than observation and control, is accuracy.
In most situations, you will not need a turn signal when carrying out a manoeuvre. When in reverse gear, reverse lights will automatically illuminate at the back of the car. Any other action you take should be carried out with enough time and space that others can see clearly what you’re doing without the need for any additional signals.
You should always move very slowly when carrying out a manoeuvre. Give priority to other road users. If someone is happy to wait for you, you should continue with the manoeuvre carefully, taking time for all necessary observations.
When steering, the car should always be in motion. Steering while the car is stationary is known as dry steering. Dry steering should be avoided as it causes unnecessary wear and tear on the tyres and the car’s steering mechanism.
Always use the POM routine before moving off. You can never be 100% sure it is safe to move unless you have checked thoroughly all around. As things can change very quickly on the roads, there is no point in checking around you unless you’re ready to move off instantly.
Always look behind you when reversing. It is not sufficient to rely on the mirrors alone; you must turn around and look back. Turning around will increase the amount you can see behind you, especially in the distance and to the sides.
STARTING POSITION
Pulling up on the right is the only manoeuvre that is carried out when you are already on the move.
Look for a suitable gap on the other side of the road. There should be plenty of space available for you to pull in safely and reverse back for a couple of car lengths.
PULLING IN - MSPSL
Mirrors: Check your interior and right mirrors. Be aware that following traffic may be taken by surprise when you signal right and slow down in the absence of any road on the right to turn into.
Signal: Give a right signal in plenty of time. Be aware of any side roads which could cause your signal to be misleading.
Position: Take up position towards the right, next to the centre of the road if possible. On a narrow road, adjust the position as necessary to avoid blocking oncoming traffic.
Speed: Slow down if necessary to be able to safely pull up on the right. If there is oncoming traffic, slow gradually to a stop and wait for a safe gap.
Look: Before pulling into the space on the right, look into it and check that it is definitely clear. Check for oncoming traffic. Check your right mirror to ensure nobody is about to overtake.
Once you have manoeuvred into the space on the right, position the car reasonably close to the right kerb. Allow enough space to reverse in a straight line next to the kerb without touching it.
Secure the car by applying the handbrake, select neutral, and cancel your signal.
REVERSING - POM
Prepare: Before doing anything else, take time to prepare the car. Select reverse gear, set the gas and find the biting point. Have your left hand on the handbrake ready to release it.
Observe: Once the car is ready to move off instantly, you must take effective all-round observations. Start by looking over your right shoulder and sweep your head around in a 360-degree arc, taking in all three mirrors, and finally looking over your left shoulder, out the back window.
Move: If it’s safe to move, release the handbrake. Use clutch control to keep the car moving slowly. Follow the kerb and avoid getting too close to it. You can see the kerb by glancing in your right mirror, but avoid staring at it. Keep checking all around and behind while reversing.
Once you have reversed back around two car lengths, you can stop moving. Secure the car by applying the handbrake and select neutral.
If you have enough space, reversing further can increase your view of the road ahead, making it easier to judge when it is safe to move off again.
OTHER ROAD USERS
Be aware of passing vehicles on the same side of the road. Avoid moving while these vehicles are passing you. Also avoid moving while anyone is passing you on the pavement. Be aware that other road users may not realise what you are doing, and could pass in front of or behind you at any time.
MOVING OFF - POM
Prepare: As usual before moving off, prepare the car so that you are ready to move forward as soon as it is safe.
Observe: Take effective all-round observations. Start by looking over your right shoulder and sweep your head around in a 360-degree arc, taking in all three mirrors, and finally looking over your left shoulder. Make sure you can see in both directions along the road, including into the blindspot on the left. Lean your body towards the left if necessary to improve the view (be careful to maintain control of the gas and clutch).
Move: Once you are confident there is nothing approaching in either direction, move off promptly and rejoin the road on the left. If there is any possibility of the presence of other road users, signal left to alert them to your intention. As usual when moving off, you should avoid causing other road users to have to alter their speed or direction as a result of your actions.
If you have a passenger, they may have a better view of the road as you are preparing to move off. However, if you are tempted to ask them for help with observations, it is very important to understand that their assessment of the situation may be very different to yours. If a passenger tries to help you, you must communicate very clearly with them and be absolutely sure of the information you are receiving.
