How to set off and stop
Setting Off: Using the P.O.M routine.
You’ve done your cockpit drill, made sure it’s safe, and turned the engine on. You’re ready to go. Just have a look ahead and think where you’re going. Remember if you keep about a doors width from the kerb you’ll automatically tend to avoid parked cars by the same amount, so if someone opens a door on you, you’ll be safe.
When you move back in to park, avoid clipping the kerb, as this can damage tyres. You want to park within 30cm of the kerb. Steer smoothly using your pull-push technique. On a straight road, about a quarter turn will be enough to move away from the kerb, then a quarter the other way to move back in.
Your instructor will talk you through all of this, including the mirror, signal, manoeuvre routine before you move back in to the kerb (rear and left mirrors, signal left, slight turn of wheel to left to bring you close to the kerb, slight steer away from the kerb to straighten the car, then wheel straight as you stop).
Preparation:
Clutch down (and hold it down)
Choose first gear (palm away and up)
Set your gas (about 2000revs is normal and hold steady)
Find the bite point by gently allowing the clutch to push itself up
This is the hard bit, keep your right foot still throughout, listening to the steady revs. Once your clutch foot is around halfway up, the rev noise will start to dip lower - as soon as you reach this point hold both feet still.
Finger ready over the indicators, both hands on the wheel.
Observation:
Assess the road ahead - for obstructions and hazards.
Look Left: For pedestrians or cyclists about to move off the pavement in front of you.
Rear View mirror: Is there anyone approaching from behind, who you could slow down as you are building up speed? If so, wait.
Right Mirror: Is there anyone overtaking? Mopeds, cyclists? If so, wait.
Blind Spot: Is anyone reversing out of a drive, walking across the road in front of you? If so,….you guessed it - wait!
Once you are sure you aren’t going to cause anyone to change their speed or direction, you can continue.
Manoeuvre:
Signal?: After all of the above, you may have decided there is no-one around to tell, but be sure. Is anyone driving on the opposite side of the road who may be thinking about crossing your path to park in their drive? Are the dog walkers thinking about crossing the road? If you think there is anyone who may benefit from a signal, put one on. In my car, it’s the left stalk clicked upwards to put a right signal on.
Handbrake off: If you’re still holding your feet still at the bite point, the car should either hold still, or creep very slowly forwards.
Gas/Clutch up: This should be a kind of see-saw movement with your feet - press gas as you gently ease up the clutch. Take this very smoothly and slowly, there is no rush at all at this point, the smoother the better.
Steering: If you look where you are going, you will find this bit a lot easier! It will only take a little steering (maybe ¼ turn) to move yourself out to your driving position (1m from the kerb - a doors width).
Now you need to listen carefully to your instructor, he will guide you through the MSM routine as you come in to park.
Mirrors: Rear view mirror, watch how far away everyone is, if anyone is close by, then take your time and get everything smooth, giving them lots of warning.
Left mirror, again, make sure there are no cyclists to the side of you.
Signal: Left (on most cars, left stalk, down).
Manoeuvre: Ease off your gas, and cover (don’t press, just get ready) your brake and clutch pedals.
Brake very gently, don’t actually stop the car, just control it.
Steer a ¼ turn in toward the kerb, and when you feel you are close (your instructor will help), steer away from the kerb, and you will see the front of the car move out again, and when the car is level with the kerb, bring the steering wheel straight.
Press your clutch all the way down.
Gently brake to a stop - and keep your feet still on the pedals.
Make it safe: Handbrake on.
Into neutral.
Signal off.
Aaaaaannnnnddddd………relax!
All content © Tim Manwaring