Humphreys Driving School

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

Introduction

At Humphreys Driving School (Isle of Wight), this lesson focuses on two essential driving skills — moving off and stopping safely.
You’ll use these every time you drive, so it’s important to build a calm, confident routine right from the start.

We’ll use two easy-to-remember routines to help you stay in control:

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

Moving Off Safely (The POM Routine)

P – Prepare the Car

Before you move, get the car ready step by step:

• Engine On: Start the engine and make sure it’s running smoothly.
• Clutch Down: Press the clutch fully with your left foot.
• Select First Gear.
• Gentle Gas: Apply a small amount of pressure to the accelerator – just enough to hear a gentle hum.
• Find the Biting Point: Slowly raise the clutch until you feel the car want to move and the engine note changes slightly. Hold it steady there.

💡 Top Tip: Think of the clutch and gas pedals like a seesaw – as one rises, the other gently lowers.

O – Observe

Now make sure it’s safe to move:

1. Check your mirrors:
   • Interior (rear-view) mirror
   • Right door mirror
2. Check your blind spot: Look over your right shoulder.
3. Look ahead for hazards or pedestrians.
4. Final check: A quick glance in the right mirror again before moving.

⚠️ You must not cause any other road user to slow down, stop, or swerve.

M – Move

If it’s safe to go:

• Signal if it helps others.
• Release the handbrake smoothly.
• Steer gently away from the kerb.
• Ease the clutch up while adding a little more gas.
• Straighten up once you’re about 1 metre from the kerb.
• Cancel your signal if needed.

💡 If you stall: Don’t panic! Handbrake on, neutral, restart the engine, and repeat the POM routine calmly.

Making Normal, Controlled Stops

Stopping is about planning ahead — choosing a safe place and using a smooth, controlled technique.
Think SCL before you stop: Safe, Convenient, and Legal.

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

Avoid stopping:
🚫 Within 10 metres of a junction
🚫 On bends or the brow of a hill
🚫 Across driveways or entrances
🚫 At bus stops, taxi ranks, or school entrances
🚫 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 what’s behind.
• Check your left mirror for cyclists or passing vehicles.

S – Signal

• Indicate left in good time to inform other road users.

M – Manoeuvre

• Position: Steer gently towards the left-hand side of the road.
• Speed: Ease off the accelerator and begin to brake gently.
• Brake: Apply smooth, progressive pressure.
• Clutch: Press fully just before the car stops to avoid stalling.
• Stop: Parallel to the kerb, about 30cm away.
• Secure: Handbrake on, select neutral, and cancel your signal.

💡 Top Tip for Smooth Braking:
As you come to a stop, slightly release the brake pressure just before the car halts — this avoids a sharp, jerky finish.

Summary Checklist

Moving Off (POM)

✅ Prepare: Engine on • Gear 1 • Gas • Bite
✅ Observe: Mirrors • Blind spot • Ahead
✅ Move: Signal if needed • Handbrake off • Steer and straighten

Stopping (MSM)

✅ Mirrors: Check behind and left
✅ Signal: Show intention clearly
✅ Manoeuvre: Steer, brake, clutch, stop, secure

Building Confidence

Practise these routines regularly on quiet roads first.
As you become more confident, you’ll be able to move off and stop smoothly in a variety of traffic conditions.

Ready for Your Next Step?

Book your next driving lesson with Humphreys Driving School and continue building your skills with calm, structured coaching across the Isle of Wight.

Apply for your first provisional driving licence here: DVSA

👉 Book Your Next Lesson
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Call to arrange your next session today! 📞 07840 313390

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