SENIOR DRIVER SAFETY
Moving Off from the Kerb Safely: A Calm Observation Routine
Moving away from the kerb is a short manoeuvre, but it places the vehicle into the path of traffic, bicycle riders and motorcyclists. The safest routine separates preparation from movement: set the controls first, communicate the intention, make a final direct check and give way before the car leaves the kerb.
The South Australian Driving Companion sequence is specific:
The five-second signal is a warning, not a reservation of space. The driver moving off must give way to vehicles already travelling on the road, including bicycles and motorcycles. If a road user enters the blind spot during the signal period, wait and repeat the final observation.
Prepare before movement
Older drivers may find it useful to set the seat and mirrors before starting the engine, reduce cabin distraction, keep the foot brake firmly applied while selecting gear and deliberately pause before the shoulder check. On a hill, use the park brake and vehicle controls to prevent rollback. If neck movement is restricted, correctly adjusted mirrors or blind-spot technology may help, but they do not automatically replace the required direct check; seek individual professional advice if a safe check cannot be made.
The South Australian Driving Companion sequence is specific:
1–4
If needed, apply the park brake so the vehicle cannot creep.
- Check the centre mirror, then the right mirror.
- Signal right for at least five seconds.
- Select first gear in a manual or Drive in an automatic and prepare smooth power.
5–8
Check the centre mirror again, then the right mirror, then look over the right shoulder into the blind spot.
- Include traffic from driveways, roads opposite and vehicles making U-turns.
- If safe, look forward, release the park brake and accelerate smoothly away.
- Avoid rolling back or stalling and cancel the signal.
Helpful adjustments for older drivers
Older drivers may find it useful to set the seat and mirrors before starting the engine, reduce cabin distraction, keep the foot brake firmly applied while selecting gear and deliberately pause before the shoulder check. On a hill, use the park brake and vehicle controls to prevent rollback. If neck movement is restricted, correctly adjusted mirrors or blind-spot technology may help, but they do not automatically replace the required direct check; seek individual professional advice if a safe check cannot be made.
Common unsafe habits
Common unsafe habits include looking over the shoulder too early and then moving without rechecking, signalling while immediately pulling out, watching only the right mirror, drifting away from the kerb before a gap is available, failing to give way to a cyclist and leaving the signal operating after joining the lane.
A useful self-check
A useful self-check is: “Mirrors, signal, prepare, mirrors again, shoulder, give way, move.” If any part becomes unclear, remain at the kerb and begin the observation sequence again.
Safety information and official sources
The five-second signal is a warning, not a reservation of space. The driver moving off must give way to vehicles already travelling on the road, including bicycles and motorcycles. If a road user enters the blind spot during the signal period, wait and repeat the final observation.
My Licence: The Driving Companion, Unit 1 Task 3
Review date: 15 August 2026.