Pulling away from the curb Signal, mirror, shoulder, then go
Before you pull away from the curb: signal, check your mirror and look over your left shoulder for the blind spot. Start only when you can do it safely: let the traffic that is already on the road pass first.
CVC 22106 · CVC 22107 (signal) · CA Driver's Handbook, "Signaling" and "Blind Spots" · DMV DL 955 (no mirror or shoulder check: critical error)What should you do before pulling away from the curb?
Signal, check your mirrors and look over your left shoulder into the blind spot. Pull out only when it is safe, after traffic in the lane has passed (CVC 22106).
Why this rule exists
Drivers on the road do not expect a parked car to move. Your mirror misses the car or bike right beside your rear corner; only a look over the shoulder shows it.
Step by step on the road
- Signal left first, so others know what you plan to do.
- Check your mirrors for traffic coming from behind.
- Look over your left shoulder into the blind spot beside your rear corner.
- Let traffic already on the road pass; pull out only into a clear gap.
- Move into the lane smoothly, then cancel the signal.
Common mistakes
- Pulling out on the mirror alone and missing a car or bike in the blind spot.
- Pulling out because the signal is on, so a car behind has to brake.
- Forgetting the signal, or leaving it on afterwards.
On the DMV drive test
DL 955 wants the turn signal on before you pull away from the curb and canceled afterwards, and a check of the traffic to the left and behind you before you go. Not looking in your mirrors or over your shoulder when pulling from the curb or the side of the road is a critical driving error: the test is failed.
Based on the DMV’s Driving Test Criteria (DL 955) and its score sheet (DL 32). How the drive test works ›Questions people ask
Do you have to signal when pulling away from the curb in California?
Yes. The Handbook says to signal before pulling away from the curb, and the DMV drive test wants the signal on before you pull away.
Which shoulder do you look over when pulling away from the curb?
Your left, toward the traffic lane, for the blind spot your mirror misses (Handbook, "Blind Spots").
Who has the right-of-way when you pull out of a parking spot at the curb?
The traffic already on the road. Do not start a parked vehicle until the move can be made with reasonable safety (CVC 22106).
Test yourself
Kees' three questions on this rule, the “Did you know?” facts and his tip come with the drive, in Voorrah! Pro.
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