Car control

Moving off and stopping

Lesson breakdown

Sub-skills

Lesson 1

Moving off

Moving off safely is a set order of checks where each one builds on the last, and the final look happens immediately before you move - because the road a few seconds ago is not the road you are pulling into now.

Open lesson

Lesson 2

Pulling up on the left

Where you choose to stop is decided well before you brake - a safe, legal, convenient spot only works if you've already checked mirrors and started slowing in good time.

Open lesson

Practical test

Why it matters

Moving off and stopping are assessed throughout lessons and tests, especially after pulling up on the left.

What to look out for

Observation routine

Mirrors, then blind spots, signal only if it helps, a final look, then move. The final look is what makes the routine safe.

Smooth stopping

Ease off, brake progressively, then secure the car.

Key steps

1 Prepare the car so it is ready to move and will not roll.
2 Use your mirrors, then check the blind spots your mirrors cannot show.
3 Signal only when it would help another road user.
4 Take a final look round immediately before moving, then pull away smoothly only when it is safe.
5 Plan stops early, using mirrors and progressive braking so the car settles rather than stops sharply.

Common mistakes

Treating the blind-spot check as the last thing you do

The signal and the move come after it, so make a separate final look immediately before you pull away - the earlier check is already out of date by then.

Signalling automatically

Signal when it benefits someone, not as a habit without observation.

Braking too late

Read the road earlier and brake progressively.

Highway Code

This lesson is a revision aid, not a replacement for The Highway Code.

Rule 159

Before moving off, use all mirrors, check your blind spots, signal if necessary, and take a final look. Move off only when it's safe.

Read on GOV.UK