During your driving lessons you'll be taught how to move off and stop safely using the correct routines.
Prepare:
With neutral selected and the handbrake engaged, start the engine. Select first gear and find the biting point by setting the gas and easing the clutch up to the point at which you feel a slight change in the tone/vibration of the engine.
Observe:
Take effective all-round observations. Ensure it is safe to move off, and make sure you are aware of anyone and anything that could be affected by your actions. Don’t forget the blindspots. Look out for other road users who may benefit from you giving a signal.
Move:
When you are sure it is safe to move off, release the handbrake and begin to ease gently off the clutch. The more you release the clutch, the quicker the car will go. Remember to maintain pressure on the gas in order to prevent the engine from stalling.
Once you are on the move, steer a little to the right, away from the kerb. A couple of seconds is all it should take to open up a gap between the car and the kerb.
Next, steer towards the kerb. This will cause the car to straighten up in the road, so it is no longer moving away from the kerb.
With the car more or less aligned with the kerb, straighten the wheel. Aim to maintain a distance of around one metre from the kerb.
Before we start the MSM routine we need to decide where to pull up, using the
SCALP
routine
Safe
(not on or near a brow of a hill or bend)
Convenient
( where it won't inconvenience others - blocking driveways)
And
Legal
(not on zig zag lines or where there are no stopping signs)
Place
Mirrors:
Before pulling up on the left, check your interior and left mirrors. You’re going to be slowing down, so you need to consider the possibility of affecting someone behind you. As you are also going to be moving towards the left, it is important to know if there is any possibility that someone (such as a cyclist) may be about to creep up your left side.
Signal:
If necessary, give a left signal in plenty of time. You should be aware of who you are communicating with and exactly what signals you are sending. A side road on the left could cause a left signal to be misleading. Braking will also cause a signal to be given as your brake lights will automatically come on as soon as the brake pedal is pressed.
Manoeuvre:
Pulling up requires the car to be eased in closer to the kerb. Your speed needs to be reduced and finally the car should come to a stop a few inches away from the kerb (and more or less parallel to it). In order to prevent the engine from stalling, the clutch must be pressed to the floor and held there until after neutral has been selected.
Steering when pulling up
Steering when pulling up is similar to steering when moving off. Start by steering a little to the left, towards the kerb. As you get close, steer away from the kerb. This will cause the car to straighten up. Finally, as the car aligns with the kerb, straighten the wheel.
Slowing down and stopping
Whether or not you need to use the brake to slow down and stop depends on a variety of factors, including your speed, gear and whether you are on an incline.
If you are moving slowly in first gear, simply releasing the gas will cause the car to slow down to a very slow speed. When you press the clutch down shortly before stopping, this may be sufficient to cause the car to roll to a stop without ever touching the brake pedal. Even so, once you have stopped you should press the brake regardless, just in case.
If you are traveling downhill, pressing the clutch pedal may cause the car to pick up speed. Gentle pressure on the brake ensure sure you stay in control.
Securing the car
Once you have completely stopped, secure the car by applying the handbrake.
Select neutral and cancel your left signal if necessary.
With the handbrake on and neutral selected, you may release the brake and clutch pedals.
