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Pulling Up on the Right – All You Need to Know

Table of Contents

Why is it Necessary to Pull Up on the Right?

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.

Understanding the Legalities of Overtaking on the Right

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.

How Long Is Two Car Lengths?

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.

What Does the Examiner Want?

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:

  • Careful Observations: Be aware of other road users and use the MSM routine.
  • Accuracy: Without needing instructions, position the vehicle correctly.
  • Control: Slow down and be good planners and judges.

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.

Choosing an Appropriate Place to Pull Up on the Right

  • Safety: Always prioritise safety when navigating the roads to ensure the well-being of yourself and fellow road users.
  • Visibility: As with all aspects of sight, it is important to predict and be ready to manage hazards you can see coming toward you in the front, back, and sides.
  • Space: Make sure there’s enough space to pull up safely without blocking other vehicles and find a large enough area to park the truck parallel to the kerbs.
  • Traffic: Consider the traffic going around you, and don’t stop in a way that will obstruct other drivers. Choose a place without a lot of passing traffic.
  • Road Conditions: Think about what the road will be like by surface, slope, and potential hazards, and make the road wide enough that we can do the manoeuvre safely without interfering with traffic coming up.

Reversing and Departing After Stopping on the Right

  • Prioritise Safety: Remember to look for traffic and pedestrians. Use the MSM (Mirrors, Signal, Manoeuvre) method to pull up parallel to the kerbs.
  • Assess Surroundings: Recheck for any vehicles or pedestrians before you reverse. Be aware of mirrors and blind spots.
  • Reverse with Caution: Reverse carefully several car lengths to take care of the curb and parked cars.
  • Final Check Before Moving Off: Perform one last cheque around your car. Slowly move forward if there is a parked car in front of you, and only when it’s safe do you accelerate to merge back to the left side of the road.
Stopping on the Right

Off After Completing the Manoeuvre, Safely Moving

Check Mirrors and Blind Spots: As they prepare to move off, first check mirrors and blind spots to check for pedestrians, cyclists or cars.

  • Signal to the Left: If you indicate left, do so to let other road users know you will re-join traffic.
  • Move off Slowly: Slowly and carefully retire and proceed if it is safe. This means you can check out the traffic and adjust your speed accordingly.

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.

Wind-Up Discussion

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.

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