Moving Off (P.O.M.)
When moving off or pulling away from the kerb we use a set Routine known as P.O.M. (Prepare, Observe and Maneuver.
Prepare – You will need to start your engine, place the car in 1st gear and find the biting point, you can also set some gas if required.
Observe – It is important that you do not endanger anyone else when you move off so we check all around before moving.
5 checks; Moving off from the left.
Look Ahead, Rear View (Centre Mirror), Nearside (Left Mirror), Offside (Right Mirror), Blind Spot Right, Signal if Necessary.
This can be reversed if moving off from the right.
Maneuver – When you are happy it is clear, remove the handbrake and move your left hand to the steering wheel (if there is anyone around put your right signal on) and bring the clutch up to move away while adding gas.
Stopping (SCALP)
You will be asked to pull up in a safe location many times , again this must be done in a set manor. To help us chose somewhere to stop we use SCALP which stands for Safe, Convenient and Legal Place.
When we pull over to the left, we Must check our Rear View then left Mirror and signal to the left if anyone is around to benefit.
The Highway Code gives the following guidance
DO NOT stop or park
Near a school entrance or anywhere you would prevent access for Emergency Services
At or near a bus or tram stop or taxi rank
On the approach to a level crossing/tramway crossing
Opposite or within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction, except in an authorized parking space
Near the brow of a hill or hump bridge
Opposite a traffic island or (if this would cause an obstruction) another parked vehicle
Where you would force other traffic to enter a tram lane
Where the kerb has been lowered to help wheelchair users and powered mobility vehicles
In front of an entrance to a property
On a bend where you would obstruct cyclists’ use of cycle facilities except when forced to do so by stationary traffic.
The carriageway or the hard shoulder of a motorway except in an emergency
A pedestrian crossing, including the area marked by the zig-zag lines
Taxi bays as indicated by upright signs and markings
An Urban Clearway within its hours of operation, except to pick up or set down passengers
A road marked with double white lines, even when a broken white line is on your side of the road, except to pick up or set down passengers, or to load or unload goods
A tram, or cycle lane during its period of operation cycle track
Red lines, in the case of specially designated ‘red routes’, unless otherwise indicated by signs.
You MUST NOT park in parking spaces reserved for specific users, such as Blue Badge holders, residents or motorcycles, unless entitled to do so.
You MUST NOT leave your vehicle or trailer in a dangerous position or where it causes any unnecessary obstruction of the road.