Learning to drive

Pulling up on the right-hand side manoeuvre

This manoeuvre was added to the driving test at the end of 2017 to reflect real-life driving situations. Its name: the pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for 2 car lengths and rejoin the traffic manoeuvre. Catchy.

What you'll be asked to do

There's 3 parts to this manoeuvre:

1. Pull up on the right-hand side of the road
2. Reverse for 2 car lengths
3. Rejoin the traffic

The stretch of road that you'll be asked to do this on will be straight and pretty quiet - but there might be a light flow of traffic to keep your eye on.

Here's the official DVSA video of this manoeuvre:

 

The manoeuvre process

 

1. Pulling up on the right-hand side

   You'll be asked to pull up on the right-hand side when it's safe to do so.

   Just like every move you make on the road, the first thing to do is your mirror, signal, manoeuvre checks. You'll most likely be moving across the flow of traffic coming towards you, so it's really important to make sure it's safe before you move.

   Once you've indicated right, gently move over and pull up on the right-hand side - being careful not to hit the kerb.

2. Reversing 2 car lengths

   Once you're stationary, you'll be asked to reverse for around 2 car lengths. Don't worry if you don't know EXACTLY what this distance is - the examiner won't be jumping out the car with a measuring tape. But it's still important you have a good feel for how far that is.

   NOTE: if another driver pulls in front of you before or during the manoeuvre, the examiner will advise you on what to do - like moving further back to increase the space again. If a driver blocks you from reversing completely, the manoeuvre will be stopped and attempted later on in the test.

3. Rejoining the traffic

   The last part of this manoeuvre is rejoining the traffic and the main thing to remember here is your blind spots will now be on the left side.

   Do your checks - mirror, signal, manoeuvre and away you go.

What the examiner is looking for

• You're able to show proper care for the safety of other roads users when pulling to the right, reversing and moving off
• You're able to prove you're competent with reversing and moving off unsupervised
• Your overall awareness, planning and judgement skills

Want more info on the driving test manoeuvres? Here's how to bay park.