There are many different routines that should be used when driving, with the POM routine being one of them. If your driving instructor refers to the POM routine, it will be to keep your moving off process in a specific order to keep it safe and controlled. POM is an acronym for Preparation-Observation-Manoeuvre, with each part explained below.
Preparation
Preparation is the first stage of moving off in a car, and in simple terms here it means finding the biting point so that you are ready to go. Put the clutch down fully and put the car into first gear. Apply the accelerator, usually to the thickness of a £1 coin, so the engine begins to rev slightly, and bring the clutch up slowly to feel a tug at the front of the bonnet – the biting point. Hold your left foot still and keep your right foot on the accelerator slightly too – now you are prepared to move off, it’s just the handbrake securing the car.
Observation
The observation stage is where you should perform a 360 observation or 6-point check. You need to make sure there are no hazards around you. If moving away from the side of the road, your check should begin on the side of the car which is closest to the kerb and end with a blind spot shoulder check on the direction you’re pulling out on. Not checking your blind spot is a common reason for failing a driving test.
If there are pedestrians or other road users around you and they would benefit from a signal, you should put the indicator on once you have completed your observations.
Manoeuvre
After you have prepared the car to move away, completed your observations and it is all clear and safe to proceed, you can move on to the manoeuvre stage. In this instance, the manoeuvre is the process of moving the vehicle away from the side of the road from a stationary position. Usually this means pulling away to the right from the left hand side of the road. Release the handbrake, and slowly bring the clutch pedal up. As you bring the clutch up, the car will move forwards. Then, perform another interior mirror, wing mirror and blind spot check to ensure it’s still safe, and apply the accelerator to pick up speed.
When to use the POM routine
The POM is an essential routine and should be used whenever moving the car off from a stationary position – including at T-junctions, roundabouts or from the side of the road. It is the most effective way of moving off. If you think about it, would you want to look all around the car if you were not ready to move off? If you were to do the observations first, something may change or a hazard may pop up while you are preparing the car.
Applying the POM routine every time you move away ensures you move away safely and controlled.
