Moving off at an angle

For moving off, we use a routine called P O M:

• P = preparation
• O = observation
• M = manoeuvre

Moving off at an angle means you will have about a car’s length gap between you and a car in front of you. You have to move off at an angle around it.

Once you have completed your cockpit drill, check the gear lever is in neutral and start the car.

The P O M routine

Preparation
Clutch down, select first gear, clutch to bite then add a little gas (about 1000rpm)

Observation
Check your:

• Left door mirror
• Centre mirror
• Road ahead
• Right mirror
• Right blind spot

Signalling
If there are road users in sight, signal right for moving off.

If there are no other road users there is no need to signal.

Be careful how you time your signal. If a car is coming up close behind you, wait until they are alongside you then signal, this way no one will think you are pulling out in front of them.

Manoeuvre
Release the handbrake and the car will start to move very slowly. KEEP YOUR FEET STILL at this point. If the car is going to fast push the clutch in slightly.

You need to steer away from the kerb a lot more than normal because of the car directly in front of you. At least one full turn to the right.

Don’t release the clutch any further until you have cleared the parked car and are now travelling along side it. Gradually release the clutch fully. A good way of doing this is to count 3 2 1 as you release the clutch pedal.

Once you have released the clutch fully, add a little more gas. Your car should be about one metre away from the kerb (about a doors width) for a normal driving position.