RMS Driving Test Manoeuvres: Kerbside Stop

During your RMS Driving Test, there will be times that you will be required to conduct a kerbside stop.  Many learner driver’s can often find this manoeuvre somewhat tricky as they are still learning to judge distance.  You will find that once you get your licence, kerbside stops will be repeated on a daily basis.

During your driving test, you will not only just perform a kerbside stop, you will also perform this manoeuvre when doing a three point turn or reverse park.

Where are kerbside stops conducted?

Common sense should prevail when choosing appropriate spots to perform kerbside stops or any parking for that matter.  Parking across driveways, in clearways or bus zones is simply just a ‘no go zone’ unless you would like to get a ticket from the authorities or have your car towed away – at your expense!  So the best practice is to simply, check the area and relevant signage to ensure that you are parking in an appropriate place.

Another common error most drivers forget is to leave at least three (3) metres to any double unbroken separation line as this allows enough space for other vehicles to safely pass. For more parking rules see, http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/safety-rules/road-rules/parking.html

How to do a kerbside stop?

To safely and effectively perform a kerbside stop, follow these simple steps.

1.  When you are planning to do a kerbside stop, you need to be scanning ahead to find a suitable spot that permits parking.  We have seen time and time again, driver’s that start to perform a kerbside stop only to realise that certain signage will not allow parking causing the driver to re-enter the traffic without due care and attention.  You will also need to be aware of other traffic conditions and pedestrian activity.
2. Once you have found a suitable location, indicate your intent accordingly (blinker) providing enough warning for other motorists to know your intention.
3. Once you have done this, check your rear view mirror to ensure cars travelling behind you are aware and are slowing down.  Depending on the direction that you are going to park, ensure to check the relevant mirror.  E.g if you are parking to the left, ensure to also check your left side mirror.  If you are travelling along a one-way street and are going to park on the right side, ensure to check your right side mirror also.
4. After indicating your intent and once you have checked your mirrors, you must check you blind spots by conducting a head-check in the direction in which you are moving.  For instance, if you are parking to the left side of the road, check your blind spot by conducting a head-check to the left and vice-versa to the right.
5. If your blind spots are clear, then proceed cautiously in the direction that you wish to park (left or right).  Ensure to approach the kerb slowly and safely.
6. Before coming to a complete stop, ensure that your vehicle is straight and parallel and closer than than 50cm from the kerb.  If parking behind another vehicle, make sure to leave at least one (1) metre.
7. Once you are happy with the vehicles final position (as outlined above), apply the hand-brake and select Park (P) if in an automatic or first gear if driving a manual vehicle.

Did you know that when leaving the kerb, you need to signal your intention (blinker) for at least five (5) seconds before pulling out?  Remember, you must check your blind spot in the direction that you are moving particularly in residential streets as neighbours apposite maybe leaving their driveways.