MOVING FROM THE KERB

Hands on the steering wheel at “10 minutes to 2”.

How? - see CAR CONTROLS section – Steering technique.

Overall, the engine must run idle for at least 30 seconds before you drive off.

This warm-up saves on engine repairs. 10 seconds is the absolute minimum. When starting in a confined garage, let the engine run idle for 10 seconds, then move the car out of the garage, and let it run idle out there for at least 30 seconds. (With fully synthetic motor oil, several seconds of warm-up will suffice.)

Overall, the right turn signal must indicate for at least 5 seconds before you pull out.

5 seconds of signalling before starting from a stationary position is a requirement of ARR (r.48 (3)). 5 seconds equal 8 ticks of the turn indicator.

By signalling a turn, you signal your intention to other road users, but remember that signalling in itself does not give you priority and does not oblige others to give you way.

Look: in the centre mirror – in the right side mirror – over the right shoulder out the side window (blind spot) for anyone approaching from behind.

This ternary check ensures good observation. You are looking, on the one hand, for pedestrians and animals in close vicinity on your right – you can pull out only when there is none; and on the other hand, for vehicles that would be forced to slow down or swerve if you pull out without enough time to accelerate to the speed of traffic – you should give them way. With the rest of the vehicles you can go ahead. Practically, you can ignore vehicles farther than 2 light pole spans from you.

You check the right blind spot by looking into the right-side front door window, and to see the rear of the right blind spot you have to look over the right shoulder, casting a backward glance just in front of the rear door support.

Photo: Changing lanes - Checking the right blind spot

A common mistake here is to check mirrors and the blind spot when you are not ready yet to move off. This bad habit should be corrected as early as possible: always check mirrors and the blind spot just before moving off.