Moving Off & Stopping
Learn how to prepare the car, observe properly, move away smoothly and pull up safely using the POM and MSM routines.
Smooth starts begin with good preparation
Moving off safely is not just about clutch control. You need to prepare the car first, check all around you and move only when it is safe.
The memory aid is POM: Prepare, Observe, Move. When pulling up, use the familiar MSM routine: Mirrors, Signal, Manoeuvre.
The POM routine
Complete the three stages in order. Prepare the car before beginning your observations.
Prepare
Get the car ready to move before looking around.
- Press the clutch fully down and select first gear.
- Set the gas until you hear a gentle hum from the engine.
- Bring the clutch slowly up to the biting point.
- Keep both feet still while the car is prepared.
Observe
Check all around the vehicle, including the areas the mirrors cannot show.
- Check the left blind spot and left mirror.
- Check ahead and the centre mirror.
- Check the right mirror and right blind spot.
- Decide whether a signal would help another road user.
Move
Once it is safe, release the handbrake and move away smoothly.
- Release the handbrake while keeping control of the biting point.
- Apply gentle gas and slowly release the clutch.
- Steer slightly away from the kerb.
- Check the mirrors again as the car gains speed.
Many early stalls happen because the feet move while the clutch is at the biting point, there is not enough gas, or the clutch is raised too quickly. Pause, keep your feet steady and let the car begin to move before releasing the clutch fully.
Stopping with MSM
Use Mirrors, Signal, Manoeuvre when pulling up on the left.
Mirrors
Check the interior mirror and left door mirror to understand what is behind and beside you.
Signal
Use a left signal when it would benefit another road user and clearly communicate your intention to pull in.
Position
Steer gently towards the kerb and aim to finish parallel, close enough without touching it.
Brake & clutch
Brake gently and press the clutch down just before the car stops to prevent stalling.
Finish without the final jolt
As the car is almost stationary, ease a little pressure off the brake pedal. This softens the final stop and helps avoid a shudder.
Handbrake on → Neutral → Cancel signal → Feet off the pedals
Practise POM until it becomes automatic
The clutch-control skills improve with practice, but accurate observations must be part of the routine from the beginning.
Moving Off & Stopping FAQs
What does POM stand for when driving?
POM stands for Prepare, Observe, Move. Prepare the car first, check all around you and move only when it is safe.
What observations should I make before moving off?
Check all around the vehicle, including the mirrors and blind spots. Pay particular attention to the side from which traffic is likely to approach and decide whether a signal would help anyone.
Why do learner drivers stall when moving off?
Common causes include lifting the clutch too quickly, not using enough gas or moving the feet before the car has started to move at the biting point.
When should I press the clutch while stopping?
Brake first, then press the clutch fully down just before the car stops. Pressing it too early can reduce control and cause the car to coast.
How do I stop the car smoothly?
Brake progressively and ease a little pressure off the brake pedal immediately before the car comes to a complete stop. This helps prevent a final jolt.
How should I secure the car after stopping?
Apply the handbrake, select neutral, cancel the signal if necessary and take your feet off the pedals.
Continue through the learner driver guide
Review each topic between lessons and arrive ready to build on your progress.