Driving skills syllabus

7 Moving off from the kerb

To legally and safely pull out from the kerb, with the vehicle under full control, at the first attempt.

On a flat road in a 50 km/h zone.
The vehicle should be stationary and parked legally against the left kerb, with at least 50 metres of straight road ahead.
The engine should be started, but the handbrake/park brake should be on and the vehicle should be in neutral (manual) or park (automatic).

Search ahead and behind for hazards, using mirrors both inside and outside.
Indicate right for at least three seconds before moving.
Push in the clutch and put the vehicle in first gear (manual) or place right foot on the brake pedal and select drive (automatic).
Note: when driving automatic vehicles, use the right foot for both the brake pedal and the accelerator.
Release handbrake/park brake.
Check mirrors again and check the right-hand blind spot with a head check over shoulder.
When it's safe to move out, release the clutch and accelerate smoothly, quickly and safely into an appropriate gap.
Check mirrors again.
Adjust steering if necessary.
Perform the tasks at least three times.

Last updated: 30 April 2009