Stopping by the kerb and in traffic.

Pulling in to the kerb or slowing to a halt in traffic is as important a procedure as any other. The observational checks change according to the circumstances and your forward planning skills will be readily on display.  It is not just how you pull up but where you pull up that matters.

Pulling in to the kerb.

Leaving the traffic flow safely is a very important manoeuvre. The M.S.P.S.L routine will get you in there nicely. On test day you will be asked to pull into the kerb several times. The examiner will want to see if you indicate when it is necessary and just as importantly, do you indicate when there is no need to.

Mirrors - Check the mirrors first, centre and left.

Signal - Signal if necessary. If there is a vehicle behind you or if there is a vehicle wishing to turn across the front of you.

Position - Pull into the kerb.

Speed - Stop gently.

Keep your right hand on the steering wheel while you first apply the handbrake, then select neutral.

Pulling up in the traffic flow.

If the traffic slows to a halt in front of you at traffic lights or on approach to a junction then you do not have much choice. You will have seen the other traffic begin to brake and the first thing that you should do is a full set of mirror checks. We always check the mirrors before increasing or reducing speed. Braking should be performed gently and of course there should be the tyres and tarmac gap between your car and the vehicle in front when you stop.

If the vehicle in front moves a couple of feet after you have stopped do not bother to do so yourself. People often fiddle with the clutch and first gear when they are stationary. They are simply adding to the wear and tear on their vehicle and gaining nothing. You should not move up unless a significant enough gap is opening ahead of you that you think that others drivers behind would consider overtaking. With this amount of space ahead you can take first gear properly and move up slowly. Do not be tempted to accelerate in a confined space. It wastes petrol and effort because you have to brake again immediately.

Pulling in facing uphill.

Whether you are pulling up in traffic or to the kerb you should brake even more gently than normal. The effects of gravity will begin to effect the car as soon as you come off the gas pedal. Speed is reduced faster than normal because of this effect.

Pulling up facing downhill.

When you have to brake reduce speed or stop on a hill you will have to brake harder than normal. I recommend that you start to brake earlier than normal and to begin with only brake a little bit harder, becoming progressively firmer with the brake pedal as necessary.