Performing a driving manoeuvre allows drivers to park their vehicles safely and effectively in situations where it is not feasible to park on the left side but feasible to park on the right.
It is also beneficial in busy city streets with limited space for parking on the left. However, you might be required to show this technique during your driving examination.
While it's not advised in the Highway Code, you can legally pull up on the right side of the road. Before including it in the new driving test, the DVSA consulted the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). If you are learning to drive with an instructor, they will tell you when it's appropriate.
The length of the car is, typically, about 15.7 feet (4.8 metres), and two car lengths would be around 31.4 feet (9.6 metres).
But don’t worry, you don’t need to be exact, as the examiners won’t measure how far you've reversed. If you find this part of the manoeuvre difficult, use a guide like a lamppost or a tree to gauge the distance as you reverse.
The learner is tested to see if they can drive oncoming traffic and park near the kerbs. At the end of the lesson, they will check your use of the handbrake and gear shifts after stopping and awareness of your surroundings when reversing and moving off. Key focus areas include:
You will be told to keep going and to perform another manoeuvre if a vehicle blocks your path. You can still proceed if a car is in front of you, as the examiner may direct you if needed.
Check Mirrors and Blind Spots: As they prepare to move off, first check mirrors and blind spots to check for pedestrians, cyclists or cars.
While performed correctly, these steps will enable drivers to reverse for two car lengths after pulling up on the right – and can be safely moved off without incident.
Pulling up on the right is important for safe and highly efficient driving, especially in urban environments. If you know the rules and can manoeuvre so you do this correctly and are aware of the surroundings; you shouldn’t have problems with this manoeuvre during the driving test and in everyday situations.
Stick to the examiner’s guidelines and practise the right steps so that your confidence and skills will gradually develop on the road.