Moving Off from the Kerb in South Australia
Moving off from the kerb is one of the five slow speed manoeuvres used in South Australian VORT preparation. It tests whether you can move from a parked position into traffic safely, with correct mirror checks, signal timing, blind spot observation, give way judgement and smooth vehicle control.
This guide explains the procedure in plain English for learner drivers and overseas licence holders in Adelaide. It is a training guide only and does not replace official South Australian road rules.
What Is Moving Off from the Kerb?
Moving off from the kerb means starting from a stationary parked position and entering the traffic lane safely. In a test situation, the examiner is looking for more than just “driving away”. The driver must show a safe sequence.
Prepare the car
Make sure the vehicle is secure, select the correct gear and be ready to move without rolling back or stalling.
Observe properly
Check mirrors, signal for at least 5 seconds, then check mirrors again and the blind spot before moving.
Give way and move smoothly
Enter the lane only when safe, accelerate smoothly, stay in control and cancel the signal.
Why This Manoeuvre Matters
Moving away from the kerb can look simple, but it is a common place for serious mistakes. A vehicle entering the traffic lane from the side of the road must give way to traffic already travelling in that lane.
Traffic may be close behind
If you move too early, another vehicle may need to brake, slow down or change direction because of you.
Blind spot can hide danger
Motorcycles, bicycles, cars leaving driveways and vehicles turning from side roads may not be obvious in the mirror.
Step-by-Step: Moving Off from the Kerb
The following procedure is based on the South Australian Driving Companion task sequence and adapted into plain English for lesson preparation.
Secure the vehicle first
If the park brake is not applied, apply it correctly. The vehicle should be secure before you start the moving-off sequence.
Check mirrors and signal
Check the centre mirror, then the right mirror, then signal right for at least 5 seconds before changing direction from the side of the road.
Prepare the pedals and gear
In an automatic, keep your right foot on the footbrake and select Drive. In a manual, press the clutch and select first gear.
Prepare power if needed
Apply appropriate power. In a manual, use the clutch friction point. On a hill, prepare enough power to prevent rolling backwards or stalling.
Check again before moving
Check the centre mirror again, then the right mirror, then over your right shoulder for the blind spot. Watch for traffic from behind, driveways, roads opposite and U-turning vehicles.
Give way and decide
If another road user is close enough that your movement may affect them, stay still and wait. Move only when the gap is safe.
Look forward and release the park brake
Once it is safe, look where you want the car to go, release the park brake and begin moving smoothly.
Accelerate smoothly and cancel the signal
Move into the lane smoothly, build speed safely, stay in your lane and cancel the signal once the movement is complete.
Moving Off Uphill
Moving off uphill is the same safety idea, but the vehicle may roll backwards if the driver is not prepared. The hill start should be smooth, controlled and safe.
Automatic vehicle
Keep the footbrake controlled, select Drive and apply suitable power before releasing the park brake. Hill-start assist may help, but the driver still needs full control.
Manual vehicle
Use the clutch friction point and enough power to prevent rolling backwards or stalling.
Key result
The car should move away smoothly without stalling, rolling backwards or forcing another road user to react.
Observation Pattern
A common mistake is checking once and then moving without checking again. The safer pattern is: first mirror check before signal, then final mirror and blind spot check before movement.
| Stage | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Before signalling | Centre mirror and right mirror. | To understand what is behind you before telling others your intention. |
| During the 5-second signal | Keep monitoring traffic behind and beside you. | Traffic conditions can change while you are waiting. |
| Before moving | Centre mirror, right mirror and right blind spot. | To confirm the lane is safe before entering traffic. |
| While moving | Look forward and keep scanning the lane ahead. | To steer smoothly and build speed safely. |
Common Mistakes
Signalling too late
The signal needs to be given for at least 5 seconds before moving from the side of the road.
No final blind spot check
Checking the mirror only is not enough. A right blind spot check is needed before moving.
Moving into a small gap
If another vehicle has to brake, slow down or change direction because of you, the gap was not safe.
Rolling backwards
This is a common uphill problem. Prepare the brake, power and gear before releasing the park brake.
Looking sideways while moving
After the final observation and decision, look forward before the car moves.
Forgetting to cancel signal
After entering the lane and finishing the movement, cancel the indicator so you do not confuse others.
What Can Cause a “Not Yet Competent” Result?
In a test or assessment situation, moving off from the kerb may be marked as not yet competent if the driver does not complete the required parts safely, legally and in sequence.
High-risk problems
- Failing to signal for the required time before moving.
- Moving without a proper mirror and blind spot check.
- Failing to give way to traffic already in the lane.
- Causing another road user to brake, slow down or avoid you.
- Rolling backwards or stalling on a hill.
- Moving with poor control or poor steering position.
- Not completing the steps in the correct sequence.
Instructor Tips
Do not rush the 5 seconds
Signal timing is not decoration. It gives other road users time to understand your intention.
Wait for a real gap
A safe gap depends on traffic speed, your confidence and how quickly your vehicle can move away.
Prepare before looking
If the car is not ready, you may waste the safe gap. Prepare the gear, brake and power before the final blind spot check.
Look forward before moving
Once you have decided it is safe, guide the car by looking where you want it to go.
How This Connects to VORT Preparation
Moving off from the kerb is part of the five slow speed manoeuvres in the VORT. It shows whether the driver can combine signal timing, observation, give way judgement and smooth vehicle control.
Signal timing
The right signal must be used early enough before the vehicle changes direction from the kerb.
Give way judgement
The driver must remain stationary until it is safe to enter the lane.
Vehicle control
The car should move smoothly without stalling, rolling back or sudden steering.
To prepare properly, practise with a driving instructor first. Do not practise moving off into busy traffic until you can complete the sequence safely.
Other VORT Manoeuvre Guides
Moving off from the kerb is one of the five slow speed manoeuvres. You can also read the other manoeuvre guides when they are available.
Angle park
Reverse parallel park
Three-point turn
U-turn
All insights
VORT overview
Official Reference
Use official sources for licensing and road-rule information because requirements may change.