Driving Procedures

Moving Off After Stopping
Mastering the ability to move off smoothly and safely from a stationary position is a fundamental driving skill.
Whether you are starting from the side of the road or pulling away at an intersection, following this systematic procedure ensures you keep yourself and other road users safe.

The Step-by-Step Procedure
1. Select first gear
Depress the clutch pedal fully and move the gear lever into first gear. Ensure your foot remains firmly on the brake pedal if you are on a slope to prevent rolling.

2. Obtain clutch control
Slowly bring the clutch pedal up to the "biting point" (where the engine and transmission engage). You will feel the car dip slightly or the engine sound change. Hold the clutch steady at this point.

3. Check the mirrors
Look in your rearview and side mirrors to assess the traffic situation behind and around your vehicle.

4. Check blind spots
Turn your head to check your blind spots (over your shoulders) to ensure there are no cyclists, pedestrians, or other vehicles that aren't visible in your mirrors.

5. Check for cross-traffic
Look left and right to ensure the path ahead is clear and that no vehicles are approaching from intersecting roads.

6. Release parking brake if safe to move and intersection is clear
Once you have confirmed that your surroundings are completely safe and the intersection is clear, release the handbrake (parking brake).

7. Move off
Gently ease your foot off the clutch pedal while simultaneously pressing down lightly on the accelerator to begin moving forward.

8. Accelerate smoothly
Gradually apply more pressure to the accelerator to build up speed smoothly, matching the flow of traffic.

9. Check mirrors
Once you are moving and established in your lane, check your mirrors once more to ensure the traffic situation behind you remains safe.