Moving Off
Moving off is when you safely set your vehicle in motion after being stopped - for example at
the side of the road, in a queue of traffic, at a junction or on a hill. It involves preparing the car,
checking all around for other road users, signalling if needed, and only moving away when it is
safe to do so. Understanding how to move off correctly is essential for passing the
DVSA driving theory test and for staying safe on
real UK roads.
Use this Moving Off guide to learn the key rules for learner drivers, see how they apply in
everyday driving, and help you prepare for the UK
car theory test,
motorcycle theory test,
HGV / LGV theory test,
PCV theory test, or
ADI Part 1 DVSA theory test.
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What does moving off mean?
Moving off is the process of starting to drive again after your vehicle has been stopped.
It includes:
-
Preparing the vehicle โ selecting the correct gear, finding the biting point in a
manual car, checking your handbrake and ensuring you are ready to move.
-
Observing carefully โ checking mirrors and blind spots, and looking all around to make
sure it is safe.
-
Signalling if necessary โ using your indicators when it will help other road users
understand what you are going to do.
-
Moving away smoothly โ joining the traffic flow without causing other road users to
slow down or swerve.
How you move off will be checked in both your theory test (through rules questions) and
your practical test, where examiners will expect you to move away under control and with
good observation.
Key moving off rules
As a learner driver or rider, you need to show that you can move off safely, smoothly and
without putting anyone at risk. Here are the key moving off rules you should know:
-
Before moving off, use your mirrors and look around to check the road is clear, including over your shoulder to cover your blind spots.
-
Look out for cyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, people using wheelchairs or mobility
scooters and other vulnerable road users who may be alongside you.
-
Signal if necessary so other road users know what you intend to do, but do not signal
if it might be misleading (for example if there is no one to benefit).
-
Make sure you have selected the correct gear and can move away without
stalling or rolling back, especially on hills.
-
When moving off from the side of the road, check carefully for traffic and wait if
necessary. Do not force other road users to slow down or change direction sharply.
-
When moving off from behind a parked vehicle, make sure the road ahead is clear and you have enough room
to pull out safely.
-
Once you have moved off, build up speed gradually, keep a safe distance from the
vehicle in front and stay aware of what is happening around you.
These moving off rules are based on Rules 159โ160 of the UK Highway Code, which explain the
observations you must make before moving off and the general behaviour expected when you are using the road.
Want to see the Highway Code moving off rules?
View the
Highway Code using the road rules .
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Typical moving off situations
- Moving off from the kerb on a quiet residential road after practising a manoeuvre or
stopping for a short time.
- Moving off on a hill, making sure you do not roll back and that you can join the
traffic flow safely.
- Moving off from behind parked vehicles where you need to check carefully for oncoming
traffic and cyclists.
- Moving off at junctions and side roads when you have stopped to give way or to turn.
- Moving off in slow-moving or queuing traffic, keeping pace with the traffic ahead
without harsh acceleration or braking.
- Joining dual carriageways or slip roads, where you need to build up speed and merge
with faster traffic safely.
In all of these situations, examiners will be looking for good control, effective observation and
clear decision-making before you move off.
Moving off in real driving situations
Moving off safely is a skill you'll use every time you drive. You'll rely on the moving off rules whenever you:
- Pull away from the side of the road after stopping to check directions, drop someone off or park briefly.
- Rejoin the traffic flow after stopping at traffic lights, pedestrian crossings or temporary road works signals.
- Move off again in stop-start traffic, keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
- Move off when visibility is reduced. For example, in rain, fog, darkness or bright low sun.
In your practical driving test, examiners will expect you to move off smoothly, without stalling,
avoid rolling backwards on hills, and always carry out proper mirror and blind spot checks
before you set off.
Moving off theory test questions in the DVSA theory test
Moving off appears in the multiple-choice part of the DVSA theory test in several ways. You may be asked:
- What checks you must make before moving off from the side of the road.
- When you should use your mirrors and blind spot checks before signalling and moving away.
- How to avoid causing danger or inconvenience to other road users when you move off.
- What you should do when moving off from behind parked vehicles or in heavy traffic.
Explore a sample of the latest DVSA theory test revision questions in Driving Theory 4 All's
theory test questions and answers
section.
Source: Department for Transport (GOV.UK) - The Highway Code. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.