KERBSIDE STOP

Explication

In the driving test, the officer may tell you to “pull over”, which is just another name for this manoeuvre.

Switch on the left turn signal 3 seconds or 1 light pole span before pulling over.

An average span between street lights approximately equals stopping distance of an average car at an average speed, which, in turn, equals 3 seconds, and most drivers consider signalling change of direction for the length of this distance or for 3 seconds, whatever comes first, a sufficient warning to others. 3 seconds equal 5 ticks of the turn indicator.

Ref.#3 p.2 states you should signal 30 metres before you turn or pull over.

If you are not in the leftmost lane yet, change to it:

Look: in the centre mirror – in the left side mirror – over the left shoulder out the side windows (blind spot) for cars approaching from behind in the leftmost lane.

This ternary check ensures good observation. You are looking, on the one hand, for pedestrians and animals in close vicinity on your left – you can move over only when there is none, and on the other hand, for cars and bikes that would be forced to slow down to drive round you if you change lanes – you should give them way. With the rest of the vehicles you can go ahead. Practically, you can ignore cars and bikes farther than 1 light pole span from you.

You check the left blind spot by looking into the both left-side windows, and to see the rear of the left blind spot you have to look over the left shoulder into the rear door window; overall, checking the blind spot should take less than half a second. If you are head-checking blind spot for too long you may drift out of the line of traffic.

Photo: Changing lanes - Checking the left blind spot

For details see BLIND SPOT AND MIRROR CHECKING TECHNIQUE section.