Humphreys Driving School

Lesson Focus: Moving off safely from the side of the road and making normal, controlled stops in a safe location — using an automatic car.

Introduction

In this lesson with Humphreys Driving School (Isle of Wight), we’ll cover two key driving skills — moving off and stopping safely.
Even though automatic cars make the process easier, it’s still vital to build a smooth and safe routine from the start.

We’ll use two simple routines to guide you through:

• POM – Prepare, Observe, Move (for moving off)
• MSM – Mirrors, Signal, Manoeuvre (for stopping)

Moving Off Safely (Automatic Car)

P – Prepare the Car

Before moving, get the car ready in the correct order:

• Start the Engine: Make sure the engine is running quietly.
• Press the Brake Pedal: Keep your foot firmly on the brake.
• Select Drive (D): Move the selector into Drive.
• Check the Handbrake: Keep it applied for now if fitted as a lever, or press the parking brake button (if electronic).
• Be Ready to Move: Rest your right foot gently on the brake, ready to release when it’s safe.

💡 Top Tip: In an automatic, there’s no clutch or biting point — the car will creep forward smoothly as soon as you release the brake.

O – Observe

Now make sure it’s safe to move off:

1. Check your mirrors:
   • Interior (rear-view) mirror
   • Right door mirror
2. Check your blind spot: Look over your right shoulder.
3. Look ahead: Make sure the road in front is clear.
4. Final check: A quick glance in the right mirror again before moving.

⚠️ Always make sure you won’t cause another road user to slow down, stop, or swerve.

M – Move

If it’s safe to go:

• Signal if it benefits others.
• Release the handbrake or parking brake smoothly.
• Gently ease off the footbrake — the car will start to creep forward.
• Apply gentle pressure to the accelerator to build up speed smoothly.
• Steer gently away from the kerb and straighten up once you’re about 1 metre from it.
• Cancel your signal if necessary.

💡 If you roll slightly backwards on a hill:
Keep your foot on the brake until you’re ready to move, or use the “Auto Hold” or “Hill Start Assist” feature if your car has it.

Making Normal, Controlled Stops (Automatic Car)

Stopping an automatic car is simple but still requires good planning and smooth control.
Use the SCL principle before stopping — Safe, Convenient, and Legal.

1. Choosing a Safe, Convenient and Legal Place (SCL)

Avoid stopping:
🚫 Within 10 metres of a junction
🚫 On bends or hill brows
🚫 In front of driveways or entrances
🚫 At bus stops, taxi ranks, or school gates
🚫 On pedestrian crossing zig-zags
🚫 Opposite parked cars on narrow roads
🚫 On double yellow lines

Look for places that are:
✅ Straight and level
✅ Clear of hazards and driveways
✅ Well-lit with good visibility
✅ Not causing obstruction to others

2. Using the MSM Routine to Stop

M – Mirrors

• Check your interior mirror to see who’s behind.
• Check your left mirror for cyclists or pedestrians near the kerb.

S – Signal

• Indicate left in good time to let others know you’re pulling over.

M – Manoeuvre

• Position: Steer gently towards the left-hand side of the road.
• Speed: Ease off the accelerator to slow the car naturally.
• Brake: Apply gentle, progressive pressure on the brake pedal.
• Stop: Bring the car to a smooth halt, parallel to the kerb (about 30 cm away).
• Secure the Vehicle:
  • Keep your foot on the brake.
  • Apply the handbrake or parking brake.
  • Select P (Park) or N (Neutral) if preferred.
  • Cancel your indicator.

💡 Top Tip for Smooth Braking:
Just before you stop completely, ease off the brake slightly — this helps the car settle smoothly without a jerk.

Summary Checklist

Moving Off (POM)

✅ Prepare: Engine on • Brake pressed • Select D • Parking brake on
✅ Observe: Mirrors • Blind spot • Ahead
✅ Move: Signal if needed • Release brake • Gentle accelerator • Steer and straighten

Stopping (MSM)

✅ Mirrors: Check behind and left
✅ Signal: Indicate left in good time
✅ Manoeuvre: Steer in, brake gently, stop, handbrake, select Park

Building Confidence

Practise moving off and stopping several times on quiet roads.
Pay attention to how your car responds to gentle pressure on the brake and accelerator — smoothness is key in an automatic.

As you grow in confidence, practise on mild gradients and light traffic situations to get used to creep control and braking distances.

Apply for you first provisional driving licence here: DVSA

Ready for Your Next Step?

Book your next automatic lesson with Humphreys Driving School and keep developing safe, confident driving habits on the Isle of Wight.

👉 Book Your Next Lesson
or
Contact us today to arrange your next session! 📞 07840 313390

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