Learning How to Pull Up on the Right Manoeuvre
The “pull up on the right” manoeuvre involves parking on the right-hand side of the road and reversing about two car lengths. Because this goes against the normal traffic flow, it is more controversial and must be done very carefully.
It’s worth noting:
– The Highway Code does not recommend parking facing against the traffic
– It is illegal to park facing against the traffic at night (unless in a marked parking bay)
Regardless of opinion, this manoeuvre is now part of the UK driving test. It is simple in theory, but because it is naturally more hazardous, learners can fail easily if they rush or miss observations.
This guide explains:
– What the examiner wants to see
– How to pull up on the right step by step
– Common problems and how to avoid them
We’ll walk you through pulling up on the right, reversing and moving off in a safe area first.
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What Is the Examiner Looking For?
The examiner is looking for three key skills:
- Control – moving the car slowly and smoothly, always under control
- Accuracy – good road positioning and distance from the kerb while you stop and reverse
- Observation – constant awareness of other road users and pedestrians, and reacting safely when things change
How to Pull Up on the Right
The examiner will ask you to pull up on the right when it is safe. They will choose a suitable stretch of road – no double yellow lines, and enough room to park safely.
You do not need to stop on the left first. This guide assumes you already know how to safely stop the car.
1) Pull Up on the Right in a Suitable Location
Pull up on the right in a suitable location
Once the examiner has given the instruction, look ahead and choose a safe place on the right-hand side of the road to stop.
You do not have to stop behind another vehicle. Sometimes you may need to, or another vehicle may pull in ahead of you while you are setting up. You must adapt safely.
- Avoid parking directly behind another vehicle if you can – it makes pulling away harder, because your view ahead is blocked.
- Avoid pulling up too close to a junction or opposite a junction.
- Try not to stop across a driveway where you could block someone getting in or out.
- Unless the road is very wide, avoid stopping directly opposite a car parked on the left – this can make the road too narrow and block traffic.
2) MSM and Road Positioning
Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre
Once you have chosen your stopping point, use the MSM routine:
– Check your interior mirror
– Check your right door mirror
– Quick glance into your right blind spot
– If it is safe, signal to the right
Then:
- Position your vehicle just to the left of the centre of the road (right side of your lane), as if you are about to turn right.
- Be ready to stop and give way to oncoming vehicles.
- If you do stop to give way, take another check of mirrors and blind spot before you move again.
We’ll start on quiet roads in Hackney before building up to busier situations at your pace.
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3) Pull Over to the Right
Move across the road on the right
Move carefully over to the right-hand side of the road, using a fairly shallow angle.
A shallow angle:
– Reduces the chance of hitting the kerb
– Makes it easier to finish parallel with the kerb and with straight wheels
- If you had to stop to give way to oncoming traffic, leave a good gap (around 8 car lengths) between where you waited and where you plan to stop. This helps you avoid a steep angle.
- Stop about 20–30 cm away from the kerb – close, but not touching.
- Avoid hitting or mounting the kerb – this is likely to be a serious fault.
- Try to stop straight and parallel with the kerb, with your wheels straight. This makes the reverse much easier.
- Cancel your signal once you’re parked. If you are on a slope, you can use the handbrake to secure the car.
4) Reversing and Moving Off
Reversing and moving off
The examiner will now ask you to reverse for about two car lengths. If you have stopped straight and parallel with the kerb, this part should be straightforward.
- Select reverse gear. Before moving, check ahead for oncoming vehicles. If there are any, wait for them to pass.
- Check your mirrors, then look in the direction you are going – out of the rear window.
- Reverse very slowly (walking pace). Keep looking all around: ahead, behind, mirrors and blind spots.
- If a vehicle passes close by on your side of the road, pause and let it go. If a vehicle passes on the opposite side, you can usually continue, but still be cautious.
- If another vehicle pulls in in front or behind, stop and wait until they have finished.
- When you have reversed about two car lengths (or when the examiner tells you to stop), secure the car: stop, handbrake on, select neutral.
- To move away, select first gear, look ahead, check your interior mirror, left door mirror, and left blind spot. Look ahead again and, if safe, signal left and move off.
Complications and Reference Points
The pull up on the right exercise will usually be straightforward. However, traffic, parked cars and narrow roads can create complications.
To handle these calmly on test day, you need:
– Good reference points for where your car is on the road
– A clear routine for what to do if another car appears behind, in front or opposite
– The confidence to stop, wait and reset if needed
Practising this manoeuvre with a qualified instructor helps you build reliable reference points so you always know where you are in the road and how much space you have.
We’ll practise this manoeuvre step by step on real test-style roads in Hackney and East London.
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