Driving Reference Points When Pulling Up Next to the Kerb
Learning to pull up close to the kerb can be surprisingly difficult when you’re first learning to drive. You may feel as though you’re either going to hit the kerb or leave too much space between your car and the pavement.
One of the easiest ways to improve this is to use a reference point.
A reference point gives you something inside the car to look at which helps you judge where the left-hand side of your car is in relation to the kerb.
The important thing to remember is that reference points can be different from one car to another. So rather than memorising one exact position, it’s better to learn how the reference point works in the car you’re driving.
Why is it difficult to judge the kerb?
When you’re sitting in the driver’s seat, you can’t actually see the left-hand front wheel.
This can make it difficult to know exactly how close you are to the kerb.
When you’re learning, you might look at the kerb and think:
“That looks really close!”
But when you get out of the car, you may find there’s actually quite a large gap between the tyre and the kerb.
This is completely normal.
You’re learning to judge where parts of the car are that you can’t directly see.
That’s where a reference point can help.
What is a reference point?
A reference point is simply a fixed point that you can use to judge the position of your car.
For example, your driving instructor might show you that, from your normal driving position, the kerb appears to line up with a particular part of the dashboard or bonnet.
When the kerb reaches that position, you have a better idea of how close the car is to it.
It isn’t about staring at the reference point and ignoring everything else.
You should still be looking around, checking your mirrors and watching what’s happening around you.
The reference point is simply helping you judge the position of the car.
How to find your kerb reference point
There isn’t one reference point that works for every car.
The seating position, dashboard, bonnet and shape of the car can all make a difference.
A good way to find yours is to practise with your driving instructor.
Step 1 – Pull up somewhere safe
Find a quiet road where you can practise pulling up next to the kerb.
Don’t worry about getting it perfect straight away.
Step 2 – Get reasonably close to the kerb
Slow the car down and gently move towards the kerb.
Your aim is to finish reasonably close and parallel to the kerb, without touching or mounting it.
The Highway Code advises drivers to stop as close as they can to the side when stopping at the roadside.
Step 3 – Look at what you can see
Once you’ve stopped, have a look at where the kerb appears in relation to your dashboard, bonnet or another part of the car.
This is where your instructor can help.
They may be able to show you a particular point and explain:
“When the kerb appears to meet this point, you’re about the right distance away.”
Step 4 – Check from outside
If it’s safe to do so, get out and have a look at the actual gap between the car and the kerb.
This is one of the best ways to understand your reference point.
You might be surprised at how close — or how far away — you actually are.
Then try again.
After a few attempts, your eyes and brain start to connect what you can see from the driver’s seat with where the car actually is.
Don’t rely on the reference point alone
Reference points are useful, but they shouldn’t become something you stare at every time you pull over.
Your main priority is always safe driving and good observation.
Before pulling over, you need to consider what’s happening around you, including traffic, cyclists, pedestrians, parked vehicles and other hazards.
During your driving test, you’ll be asked to pull over and pull away as part of the test.
The examiner isn’t looking for you to use a particular reference point.
What matters is that you can bring the car to a safe position without creating a hazard.
What if you’re too far from the kerb?
If you regularly finish with a large gap between your car and the kerb, your reference point may need adjusting.
You may simply be stopping too early.
Try creeping forward very slowly while keeping the car under control. As you get closer to the kerb, pay attention to what the kerb looks like from your normal driving position.
You can then use this as a guide the next time you pull over.
Remember, don’t turn towards the kerb just because your reference point says you should.
Your reference point is there to help you judge distance — not to replace observation.
What if you’re too close to the kerb?
If you keep ending up with the tyre very close to, or touching, the kerb, you may be moving too far towards it.
Again, use your practice sessions to find the position that gives you the right amount of space.
Your aim isn’t to get the tyre touching the kerb.
You want the car to be close, controlled and parallel.
Being able to judge this consistently will make pulling over feel much easier.
A reference point is only a starting point
One thing learners sometimes forget is that a reference point isn’t an exact measurement.
Your position can look slightly different depending on:
- How you’ve adjusted your seat
- The type of car you’re driving
- The shape of the road
- The camber of the road
- Whether the kerb is straight or uneven
- Whether you’re driving uphill or downhill
This is why it’s better to understand what the reference point is helping you judge, rather than simply memorising:
“The kerb must be here.”
If you change cars, your old reference point may not work anymore.
Practise until you don’t need to think about it
At first, you may have to consciously think:
“Where is the kerb?”
Then:
“Where is my reference point?”
Eventually, you’ll start judging the position of the car without having to think about it so much.
That’s the goal.
Reference points are there to help you develop your judgement. They’re not something you’ll necessarily need forever.
The more you practise pulling over, checking your position and then looking at the result, the better your judgement will become.
Final tip for learner drivers
Don’t be afraid to ask your driving instructor to show you your specific kerb reference point.
Every learner and every car is slightly different.
Spend a few minutes on a quiet road practising: