Pull up on the right and reverse
What is Pulling Up on the right
Pulling up on the right is one of the manoeuvres you may be asked to complete on the UK driving test.
The examiner will ask you to pull up on the right-hand side of the road when it is safe to do so, then reverse for around two car lengths, keeping reasonably close and parallel to the kerb, before rejoining the traffic safely.
See Telford Test Route Tips
See This In Action at My driving Lesson
Why you need to know it
Knowing how to pull up safely on the right is important because there may be times when you need to stop on the opposite side of the road, such as parking outside a house or reaching a safe stopping place.
It teaches you to judge approaching traffic, cross the road safely, control the car close to the kerb and then rejoin the correct side of the road safely. It is also one of the manoeuvres you may be asked to demonstrate during your driving test.
Pulling up on the right - Look and assess
Pulling Up on the Right – Look and Assess
Before moving across to the right, look well ahead and assess the whole situation. Check for approaching traffic, cyclists, pedestrians, junctions, driveways and anywhere it would be unsafe or inconvenient to stop.
Make sure there is enough time and space to cross without causing another road user to slow down, stop or change direction. Don’t just look for a gap — make sure the gap is safe.
Looking for parked vehicles
Looking for Parked Vehicles
Before pulling up on the right, look for parked vehicles on either side of the road. Make sure there is enough space to pull in safely without stopping opposite another parked vehicle and unnecessarily narrowing the road.
Think ahead too — you need enough clear space to reverse for around two car lengths and then move away safely afterwards.
If there are oncoming vehicles
If There Are Oncoming Vehicles
If there are vehicles approaching, don’t cross over in front of them. Slow down if necessary and allow them to pass before moving across to the right.
Think of it like a right turn, if you were trying to turn right and vehicles were coming, you would move across to by the centre line and stop. You would wait for the vehicles to go past and then go. The same applies to pulling up on the right.
Make sure the road is clear and there is a large enough safe gap to complete the movement without making an oncoming vehicle slow down, stop or change direction.
Mirrors and Blindspot
Mirrors and Blind Spot
Before moving across to the right, check your mirrors and right blind spot to make sure it is safe.
Look particularly for cyclists, motorcyclists or other vehicles that may be overtaking you. Once you are certain the area around the car is clear, you can begin moving across safely.
Pulling up correctly
Pulling Up Correctly
Once it is safe, move across to the right smoothly and under control. Aim to finish reasonably close and parallel to the kerb, without touching or mounting it.
Keep the car slow as you pull in, straighten the steering and stop in a safe position where you have enough space to reverse.
If your view is blocked
If Your View Is Blocked Before Driving Off
If parked vehicles or other obstructions block your view, don’t move out until you know it is safe.
Edge backwards or forwards very slowly to improve your view, checking carefully for approaching traffic, cyclists and motorcyclists. Only move back across to the left when you have a clear view and a safe gap.
How to move off
How to Move Off
When you are ready to move off from the right, prepare the car and make effective all-round observations.
Check your mirrors, look carefully for traffic approaching from both directions, and check your blind spot for cyclists, motorcyclists or pedestrians.
When there is a safe gap, move away smoothly, cross back to the left-hand side of the road, straighten the car and continue when it is safe to do so.
Forward Bay Park
Learn how to do the reverse bay park, including the reference points you need to position the car accurately and safely within the parking bay.
Pull up on the right
Learn how to pull up on the right and reverse, including the reference points and observations you need to position the car safely and accurately.
Reverse Bay Parking
Learn how to reverse bay park including the reference points, steering and observations you need to position the car safely, accurately and close to the kerb.
Emergency Stop
Learn how to perform an emergency stop, including the observations, braking and control needed to stop the car quickly, safely and under full control.