How to Stop a Car
How To Stop A Car
Our goal at Shift Gears Driving School is to ensure that you can stop your automobile without any hassle. Let’s learn to master this skill!
Choosing the Ideal Place to Stop
Finding a safe spot to pull over is the first priority. During your lessons, your instructor will help you recognize these spots. Here are some places you should avoid stopping:
- Clearways (no stopping zones)
- Areas with hazard lines
- Double yellow lines
- Within 10 meters (about three car lengths) of a junction
- Opposite a junction
- Blocking driveways or pathways
- On bends
Using the MSPSL Routine
Once you’ve spotted a safe place, it’s time to use the MSPSL (Mirrors, Signal, Position, Speed, Look) routine:
Mirrors
Check your interior and left door mirrors to see what’s behind and beside you. Think about whether signaling would benefit other road users.
Signal
Signal in good time if it helps other road users. But don’t signal too early—like before passing a side road on your left.
Position
Your instructor might give you a focal point to help line up with the curb, or you can use your left door mirror to make sure you’re about a drain’s width from the curb.
Speed
Start braking gently to avoid surprising anyone behind you. Just before the engine revs drop too low or the car starts to judder, press the clutch down fully to prevent stalling. Then, gradually increase brake pressure until the car is almost at a stop. To avoid any jerky stops, ease off the brake slightly just before stopping and then gently reapply it.
Securing Your Car
Once you’ve stopped:
- Fully apply the handbrake and shift to neutral.
- Cancel your signal and rest your feet.
Handy Tips
Avoid coasting i.e. do not press the clutch too early.
The engine brakes cause the car to automatically slow down when you release the gas. This engine brake is disconnected if you engage the clutch too quickly, which could cause the car to accelerate, particularly on curves or steep inclines.
Our goal at Shift Gears Driving School is to help you develop into a secure and capable driver. You’ll quickly become an expert at stopping your automobile if you follow these instructions!
Ready to hit the road with confidence? Book your driving lessons in High Wycombe with Shift Gears Driving School today and take the first step to learning to drive in High Wycombe! We also offer our services in neighboring areas such as Beaconsfield, Marlow, Maidenhead, Flackwell Heath, Princess Risborough, and beyond.
