Pulling out and returning to the side of the road

Pulling out from and back into the kerb is something you’ll do nearly every time you go for a drive.

Where should you practise this?

Start out on a quiet street with no traffic. Then, once you’re confident, practise with some traffic coming and going.

Pulling out from the kerb

1. Check around the car using your rearview and right hand side mirrors.
2. Put your right indicator on for at least three seconds before moving.
3. Put your car in gear and prepare to pull out.
4. Check your mirrors again and over your shoulder. Remember to look out for other vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.
5. If there’s a safe gap for you to move into, start to move gently forward and gradually turn the steering wheel away from the kerb.
6. Accelerate smoothly away from the kerb, and come up to speed.
7. Check your mirrors again once you’ve joined the flow of traffic.

Tip:

• Once you’re moving, keep your eyes looking high on the road, 12 seconds ahead. This will give you more time to respond to what’s happening ahead of you.

Pulling into the kerb

1. Look ahead and find a legal and safe stopping spot.
2. Put your left indicator on for at least three seconds before pulling over.
3. Check your mirrors and the blind spot over your left shoulder in case there are any cyclists.
4. Smoothly slow the car down and angle it in towards the kerb.
5. Stop your car parallel to the kerb and no more than 30cm away from it. It’s fine to reverse in if you need to get a bit closer.
6. Put the car in neutral (manual) or park (automatic), put the parking brake on, release the foot brake and switch off the engine.

Tips:

• Always make sure you stop in a place that is legal. Keep an eye out for signs and road markings that will tell you whether parking is permitted.
• Give other road users advance warning of what you’re planning. Getting into good habits of using your indicator at the right time will definitely help you avoid a crash.