Free driving lesson tutorial
Moving off & stopping
The two routines you'll use on every single drive — POM for moving away safely, and MSPSL for stopping at the side of the road.
Moving off — P.O.M
Prepare, Observe, Move. We always prepare the car first, so that the moment we decide it's safe, we can go. If you looked around first and then got the car ready, the situation could have changed by the time you were ready to move — which could be dangerous.
Prepare
Get the car ready to go, so all you need to do is release the handbrake and you’re moving. Assuming the cockpit drill is done and the engine is running:
- •Clutch — press the clutch pedal all the way to the floor.
- •Gear — select the gear required, usually first.
- •Gas — add a small amount of gas to raise the engine speed slightly; listen for a gentle hum.
- •Bite — bring the clutch up slowly until you feel it start to connect and the car gently pulls forward. Make small adjustments until the pull feels right.
- •Handbrake ready — hand on the handbrake, thumb on the button, but not pressed.
Observe
The car is ready — now check it’s safe. Look in your mirrors, ahead, and finish with a right blind-spot check:
- •Mirrors — look for approaching vehicles that mean you shouldn’t move off, or that you should signal to.
- •Ahead — check the road in front for anything stopping you moving off, or anything worth signalling for.
- •Blind spot — look over your right shoulder for pedestrians, cyclists, and cars pulling out of driveways or parked positions.
Move
Once you know it’s safe, decide whether to signal, then release the handbrake, hold the clutch still and let it bring the car up to the engine’s speed. As the car starts to move, lift the clutch a little more, then release it slowly as your speed builds. Steer gently away from the kerb and straighten up into a normal driving position.
Should I signal?
Before moving off, ask yourself: are there any vehicles, pedestrians or cyclists who would be affected by me pulling away? If another vehicle would have to change speed or direction because of you, that's not a safe gap — wait until they've passed. And time any signal carefully, so you don't mislead other road users.
Stopping — M.S.P.S.L
When stopping at the side of the road we use Mirrors, Signal, Position, Speed, Look — the same routine you'll later use at junctions and roundabouts.
Mirrors
Check your mirrors so you know the situation behind you before pulling over, and how stopping might affect others.
Signal
Signal if anyone would benefit — and time it carefully. Don’t signal while passing a junction (it can look like you’re turning in), don’t signal so early that drivers wonder where you’re going, and don’t leave it so late that nobody gets any warning.
Position
Bring the car parallel to the kerb. Keep looking well ahead and line yourself up with the road in front — keep your eyes moving, because staring at one spot makes it easy to lose your sense of angle and position.
Speed
Slow down in good time: off the gas, brake gently at first then more firmly, press the clutch down just before the car stops, and ease the brake pressure right at the end for a smooth stop.
Look
Look all around for hazards and choose a spot that is Safe, Convenient and Legal.
Choosing where to park
- •Don't park too close to other vehicles — especially those displaying blue badges or needing wheelchair access.
- •Check emergency vehicles could get past and you're not blocking the road.
- •Avoid places where it would be hazardous for others to pass — bends, or the brow of a hill.
- •Make sure it's legal — look for parking restrictions, and don't park within 10 metres of a junction.
Keep learning
Cockpit Drill & Car Controls
Your very first lesson — seat, mirrors, and what every control does.
Junctions
Emerging, turning and the MSPSL routine — with real local examples.
Roundabouts
Lane discipline, signalling and judging gaps with confidence.
Penn Inn Roundabout
Newton Abbot's famous roundabout, exit by exit — a Cowley's speciality.
Send us an enquiry
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