Moving Away and Stopping: Make the First and Last Metres Safe
30-second summary
Moving away and stopping combine observation, control, positioning and judgement. The manoeuvre begins with information, not pedal movement.
A simple mental model
Before moving: see all around → decide → signal if useful → move under control. Before stopping: check behind → choose a safe place → slow smoothly → secure.
Step by step
Use mirrors and direct observation to cover blind areas before moving.
Move only when the opportunity is safe.
Choose stopping places that are legal, safe and considerate.
Check behind before a significant reduction in speed and finish progressively.
Common learner mistakes
Moving before the final blind-spot check.
Signalling automatically even when it could mislead.
Stopping where the car becomes an obstruction or limits visibility.
What good performance looks like
moves away only after meaningful observation
controls low-speed movement smoothly
selects appropriate stopping places
Safe practice / reflection
On your next lesson, verbalise only the risk you are checking before three move-offs; do not chant a routine.
Real-world scenario
You are parked on a quiet road. A cyclist is approaching from behind and a pedestrian is near the kerb. Moving away is not a mechanical ‘mirror-signal-go’ routine; it is a decision about whether movement is safe now.
Next-lesson drill
Practise three move-offs where you deliberately describe what you saw before the car moved.
Quick check
Think through each question before opening the answer. These checks are not saved and do not assess your practical driving competence.
What comes before movement?
Show suggested answer
Observation and a safe decision.
Does every move-off need a signal?
Show suggested answer
No. Signal when it is necessary or useful and not misleading.
What matters more than a perfect kerb distance?
Show suggested answer
A safe, controlled stop in a suitable place.
Connected lesson focus
If this topic appears in your lesson report, choose one observable target for the next drive rather than trying to fix the whole skill at once.
Official basis and further reading
DVSA skill 6; Highway Code rule 159 for moving off.
This FPA guide uses original teaching language. Current GOV.UK / Highway Code wording takes priority for law, test procedure and safety rules.