| The best way to move off is to break the maneuver down in to each sperate element.
Mirrors.
Why do we need mirrors?
When you are driving it is essential that you know what is going on around you at all times.
All modern cars are fitted with three mirrors,a centre mirror and two door mirrors.
Before changing speed or direction you must know what is happening behind and beside you and how your intended action will effect other traffic.
A good example of this would be turning right and finding a motorbike attempting to overtake,failure to see this could result in a serious collision.If you don't check ,you don't know !
As mentioned before there are two types of mirror ,centre (interior) which is made of flat glass and gives a true view of the road behind.The door mirrors are generally made of convex glass,this means they are slightly curved.The advantage of this is that they give a wider field of vision ,the disadvantage of these is that it makes following vehicles look further away than they actually are.
This is why it's a good reason to check both centre and door mirrors together to gain a true picture of what's happening around you.
Blind spots.
Even with three mirrors fitted to modern vehicles,there are still areas called blind spots that the mirrors do not cover.
When you are sat in the drivers seat,look in the right door mirror and see what is beside you.Although you will be able to see a good way behind you ,try to imagine that a small child on a bike or a vehicle coming off a drive slightly behind you and to your to your right and you find that the mirror does not pick it up.Failure to check this area could result in a collision.
For this reason ,before moving off always check over your right shoulder in to the blind spot area to check if it's safe.
Gears to go.
Once the engine is started it is time to select 1st gear.
Next press the clutch down fully and then "palm" the gear lever to the left and push forward.A little practice at this works wonders,try selecting 1st gear while looking as far down the road as possible and "feel" the selection rather than looking at it.This practice will be invaluable when on the move.
Set the gas.
This is the terminology for applying slight pressure to the accelerator pedal.If the car is fitted withn a rev counter ,you will generally set it "1" or 1000.If you dont have a rev counter listen to the sound of the engine and a slight increase in noise like a steady hum will be fine.
The biting point.
Finding the "biting point" is a major part of the move off process and a term you will hear frequently during your first few lessons.The biting point is when the clutch pedal is raised very slowly until you feel the car "tugging"and trying to move forward.Its vital at this stage that you do not lift the clutch to high as the car will probably stall (switch off).
The clutch is really just a spring that keeps the engine and the road wheels apart until you are ready to move off.As the clutch is raised it connects the drive and transfers power to the road wheels.
You will notice at this point that the engine revs die down a little and you will hear the engine tone change.
Clutch control.
The skill of holding the clutch at or around the biting point is something you will practice during the early lessons and is a major part of your early learning.
Observations.
Safety is of the upmost importance before moving off.
First check that the road ahead is clear ,there could be pedestrians about to cross the road or vehicles turning accross your path.The next check would be the interior rear view mirror to check the road behind.Assuming that all is clear then a glance to the left side and left door mirror to check for activity on the pavement or driveways.Finally the right door mirror and right blind spot check.
Beware of "nodding dog syndrome" this is where you look in to the areas mentioned but do NOT SEE.This is usually because you are looking to keep the instructor happy instead of looking to see what danger is present.
In the event of it not being safe to move ,then you will need to re check in case the situation has changed.A good example of this would be cycles who can appear in a matter of seconds and quite often along the pavement.
Do we need to signal?
After making the safety checks just mentioned,you will now have to decide whether to signal or not.
A signal should be used if it would be of benefit to other road users.Pedestrians may be thinking of crossing ahead,cyclists,opposing drivers and drivers emerging from side roads should all be taken in to consideration.
You should not signal just for the sake of it,as this may lead to failure to take effective observations.
Beware, putting on a signal just as a car or cycle is passing could lead to them braking harshly or swerving.
You have now prepared for moving off,so the next step is to release the handbrake.(This is best practiced on a level road to begin with) The car should not move ,if it does then the clutch is just a little to high.Try letting the clutch up very slowly ,try counting 1-2-3 as it comes up.Apply a little more gas and steer approx 10 minutes to the right.
Normal road position is generally about 1 meter from the kerb,when this is reached then steer 10 minutes to the left and finally centre the steering.
Look well ahead to maintain road position,you will often find that you will steer where you are looking.There are several ways of keeping your road position,you can try keeping your body in the centre of your lane (this does not apply to very wide roads) you can sometimes follow tracks in the road or an oil trail.
When approaching hazards,like parked cars look at the space that you will need to pass them and steer in to that space.
Try to avoid looking at the kerb or staring at an obstruction or you may be drawn towards it.
Check your knowlege !
What is the advantage of convex door mirrors?
What is the disadvantage of convex door mirrors?
Why is it important to check over your right shoulder (blind spot) before moving off?
Why is it good practice to "palm" the gear lever into 1st gear?
What is the purpose of the clutch?
Why is it not always a good idea to signal when moving off? | 
