Stopping

This is where you are introduced to the routine that will dominate how you drive; Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre, otherwise known as MSM. However, before you do that, you need to decide where you are going to stop. There are three factors to consider. Firstly, is it safe? For example, would the place you are considering stopping at restrict anybody’s vision, put them in any danger or allow them to see you and what is coming the other way. Secondly, is it legal? Look for any signs or markings which tell you that you are not allowed to park there. Lastly, is it convenient? Make sure you are not blocking anyone’s path by parking across a driveway or parking directly opposite another vehicle on the other side of the road.

Having chosen somewhere that is safe, legal and convenient, it is then time for the MSM routine.

Mirror – check the inside and left mirrors for speed and position of following traffic

Signal – if there is anyone around, including ahead of you, that would benefit from a signal, indicate left. If there is nobody around who would benefit from a signal, there is no need for one.

Manoeuvre – start to break gently and move towards the kerb steadily. Just before the car stops, press the clutch all the way down. When you have stopped, put on the handbrake, go into neutral and cancel the signal (if necessary) before taking your feet of the pedals so that the car doesn’t roll or stall. When you first start to practice stopping, the car may only be moving very slowly and still be in first gear. If so, it is acceptable to put the clutch down before braking.

N.B. When the clutch is down, the car is not under full control so the clutch should not be down unless it is necessary.

Common Faults

It is easy to check put the clutch down too early. By doing this, you will lose the effect of engine braking and the car will travel further than you want it to. If you struggle to judge where the kerb is, it may help to use the left mirror as you move towards the kerb. Alternatively, find a reference point at the front of the car when it is in a good position and look for this point each time you stop by the kerb.

Normal Road Position

Usually, the best position for the car is in the centre of your lane, this avoids being too close to the pavement and vehicles on the other side of the road. If the road is particularly wide, then position yourself about one metre (or three feet) from the kerb.

Common Faults

When they start driving, a lot of learners find themselves too close to the middle of the road, almost hugging the centre line. Your hands will move the car to where your eyes are looking, so look at where you want the car to be.

Moving Off

If this seems difficult to do at first, it is only because it is the first thing you learn about driving. Usually, you will start from a zero knowledge base and won’t be used to the car. Eventually, you will do this without much thought at all.

As there are lots of separate elements to moving off and they have to be done in a certain order, it helps to break the task in to three areas – prepare, observe and move (or POM, for short)

Prepare – Put down the clutch all the way then press the gas until you can hear the engine, although it shouldn’t be too loud. When you are happy with the gas level, move the clutch to the biting point. You will know when you are there when the noise of the engine changes slightly. Please note that if the car starts to pull or the back end moves up, the clutch is too high so lower it until the engine sounds normal.

Observe – Look all around the car. The easiest way is to start from the left blind spot and move your head round to look in all your mirrors, the road ahead and the right blind spot. If it is safe to move but you think there is someone who might need to know you are moving, consider a signal.

Move – Release the handbrake, add a bit more gas and move the clutch up slowly all the way to the top.

Common Faults 

Many drivers signal while waiting for traffic to pass before they move. This could make another driver think you are about to move and force them to slow down. If you need to signal, only put it on just before you take off the handbrake. 

After you start to move, it is tempting to move the clutch up too quickly. The gears and engine are still ‘getting to know each other’ so try to resist temptation and bring the clutch up slowly all the way to the top. Do this, and the car will move off smoothly and Mum and Dad will be impressed!

Welcome to my blog!

Welcome to my blog. In the coming weeks and months, I will use it to write tutorials to support your driving lessons. It can be used to revise what you have already learned, answer any questions you think of when you are not in the car, or find advanced information about the next topic to be covered. Your parents can also use it to help them make the most out of your private practice.

I hope you find it useful.