🚗 Leaving the curb
Every road test starts with it, and New York's manual gives pulling out of a parking space six numbered steps — a full sweep of head turns, mirrors, and signals before the wheels move. Examiners watch the very first departure closely because it shows your checking habits before anything else does.
What the examiner is watching for
- ✓Wheels straightened first, and a look over the RIGHT shoulder through the rear window for hazards
- ✓The signal on before the car moves, not as it moves
- ✓Side-mirror and interior-mirror checks for vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians
- ✓The final look over the LEFT shoulder before driving into the traffic lane
Step by step
- 1Straighten your wheels; if parallel parked, back toward the vehicle behind and turn the wheels away from the curb.
- 2Turn your head over your right shoulder and check through the rear window for anyone approaching.
- 3Signal your move into traffic and watch the interior mirror for what's behind.
- 4Check the side mirrors for oncoming vehicles, bicyclists, and other road users.
- 5Look over your left shoulder through the rear window and begin rolling forward slowly, clearing the car ahead.
- 6Take one more look over the left shoulder, and enter the traffic lane only when it's safe.
Mistakes that cost points
- ✗Pulling out on mirrors alone — the sequence demands head turns in both directions
- ✗Signaling as you move instead of before
- ✗Clipping the parked car ahead because the wheels weren't straightened first
- ✗Creeping into the lane and forcing traffic to brake for you
The other 5 skills NY grades
FullPass is an independent study aid. Road-test guidance is written from official DMV test requirements; your examiner and the Department of Motor Vehicles remain the final authority.