How Do You Safely Shift Into Drive and Pull Away?

Your first movement matters. A new driver should learn to move from a complete stop without surprising other road users, losing control of the vehicle or overlooking a nearby hazard.

Quick answer: To pull away in an automatic car, keep your foot on the brake, select Drive and check the area ahead and around you. Signal when entering traffic or leaving a curb, check mirrors and the appropriate blind spot, and yield to pedestrians, cyclists and approaching vehicles. When the path is clear, release the parking brake as appropriate, ease off the foot brake and accelerate gently. Never treat a turn signal as permission to move.

Before you move: a quick safety checklist

  • Vehicle ready: The engine or electric-drive system is ready; there are no urgent dashboard warnings.
  • Seat and belt: Proper driving position and restraints are set before movement.
  • Brake controlled: Your right foot stays firmly on the service brake while you select Drive.
  • Path checked: No person, pet, obstacle or moving vehicle occupies your intended route.
  • Signal and yield: Indicate your intention when required, but wait for a safe opening.
  • Parking brake: Release as directed by the vehicle’s owner’s manual when ready to move.

Step by step: safely pulling away in an automatic car

  1. Pause with the brake applied. Confirm the engine is running or the vehicle shows its READY indication. Remain stopped while you prepare to move.
  2. Identify your direction of travel. Check for nearby pedestrians, bicycles, vehicles, curbs and obstacles. If visibility is blocked, wait or get a better view.
  3. Select the proper gear. With the service brake pressed, shift from Park into Drive for forward travel. Verify the gear selection on the dashboard.
  4. Signal and check again. When leaving a curb or entering a lane of traffic, signal as appropriate. Use mirrors and a brief blind-spot check, while keeping awareness of what is in front of you.
  5. Yield until the path is clear. Wait for pedestrians, cyclists and oncoming traffic. Do not pull out just because another driver waves you forward.
  6. Release the parking brake and move smoothly. Once ready and safe, release the parking brake as appropriate, ease off the service brake and gently apply the accelerator. Continue scanning as you enter the lane.

Why does an automatic vehicle move when you release the brake?

Many automatic cars exhibit creep: the vehicle may roll forward slowly in Drive even without accelerator input. Electric vehicles may behave differently depending on their settings, including one-pedal driving and automatic hold functions. New drivers should learn how their specific vehicle responds in a safe practice area, using the owner’s manual and a qualified supervising driver.

How do you know when it is safe to enter traffic?

Look for a gap that gives you enough room to merge without forcing another road user to brake or swerve. Check traffic from every relevant direction, including pedestrians and cyclists near the curb. You are responsible for yielding when leaving a parking space, driveway or curb; using your signal does not establish right-of-way.

Should you look over your shoulder before moving?

Yes, when it is relevant and safe. Mirrors can miss nearby vehicles, bicycles and other road users in blind spots. Make a quick glance toward the area you intend to enter; then return your attention ahead. A shoulder check supports—not replaces—mirror use and direct observation through the windows.

What changes when leaving a driveway or parking lot?

Move especially slowly where visibility is restricted and people may cross your path. Watch sidewalks, parking-lot aisles, shopping carts, reversing vehicles and small children. When crossing a sidewalk to enter the street, yield to pedestrians and other traffic as required. Stop and reassess if you cannot see safely.

What about a manual-transmission vehicle?

A manual vehicle uses a clutch and gear-selection procedure rather than simply shifting into Drive. A new driver must coordinate the clutch, first gear, brake and accelerator under qualified supervision. The same hazard checks, signaling and yielding principles still apply. Never practice clutch engagement near moving traffic until you can control the vehicle reliably in a safe area.

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Frequently asked questions about pulling away

Should you keep your foot on the brake when shifting into Drive?

Yes. Keep the brake applied while selecting Drive in an automatic vehicle. Release it only after confirming the intended path is clear and you are prepared to move.

Do you need to signal when leaving a parking space or curb?

Use the appropriate turn signal before entering a traffic lane or pulling away from a curb, as required by local law. Signaling does not give you the right-of-way; yield until it is safe.

Why are mirrors not enough before pulling away?

Mirrors and cameras have limited views. Before moving into a traffic lane, check the relevant blind spot with a brief shoulder glance when safe and maintain awareness of pedestrians and cyclists.

What is brake creep in an automatic car?

Many automatic cars begin rolling slowly when you release the brake in Drive or Reverse, even without pressing the accelerator. Keep the brake controlled until the path is clear.

When should you release the parking brake?

Release it only after the vehicle is ready to move, the proper gear is selected, and you can maintain control with the service brake. Consult the owner\u2019s manual for electronic parking brake behavior.

What if another car, cyclist or pedestrian approaches as you start moving?

Wait. Keep the brake applied, let the approaching road user pass, and recheck the intended path before pulling out. Never rush because another driver is waiting behind you.

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Sources and further reading

Published October 29, 2026. General educational guidance; consult your vehicle manual and local driving rules.