Before you move your car from a stationary position, you need to be certain the road around you is safe. That's the purpose of the six-point check — a systematic scan that covers all blind spots and mirrors before your vehicle enters the traffic flow.
The Six Points in Order
The six-point check starts from your left shoulder and sweeps across to your right, ending with a look straight ahead:
- 1. Left shoulder (rear-left blind spot)
- 2. Left (door) mirror
- 3. Interior (centre) mirror
- 4. Right (door) mirror
- 5. Right shoulder (rear-right blind spot)
- 6. Straight ahead
Why Each Point Matters
Starting from the left shoulder catches any cyclist or pedestrian behind you on the nearside — the most likely position for a collision when pulling away from a kerb. The mirrors then reveal following traffic. The right shoulder catches vehicles you might cut off when pulling out. Looking straight ahead before moving confirms the road ahead is clear.
When to Perform the Check
The six-point check is required every time you move off from a stationary position: pulling away from a parking space, moving off at a junction, setting off after stopping in traffic. It is not optional and not abbreviated — all six points, every time.
Instructor's Tip
In the UK, you'll frequently move off from positions where pedestrians, cyclists, or motorcyclists may be on either side. On hills, the check is even more important because a vehicle behind may have crept forward during the hill-start manoeuvre. Build the six-point check into your pre-move ritual until it feels as automatic as putting on a seatbelt.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the order of the six-point check matter?
- The exact order varies slightly between instructors, but what matters is covering all six positions systematically before moving. Starting left and ending straight ahead is the most common taught sequence.
- Do I need to do the full six-point check if I've only been stationary for a few seconds?
- Yes. Any moving-off action requires the check, regardless of how briefly you stopped. The situation can change in seconds.
- Will the examiner mark me down if I'm too obvious about the checks?
- No — examiners need to see clear head movements to confirm you're checking. Being obvious is correct. An examiner who cannot see your check will record it as not done.