Moving Away using POM or POSM?

If you’ve spent any time around learner drivers, you’ll have heard the phrase “POM”—Preparation, Observation, Move. It’s been around for years, and for good reason. It’s simple, memorable, and it works.

But as with most things in driving, once you move from learning to drive into teaching someone else to drive—especially for ADI Part 3—you start to realise that simple doesn’t always mean complete.

The Traditional Routine: POM POM = Preparation → Observation → Move This is what most learners are taught when moving off from the side of the road. 1. Preparation Before the car moves, you prepare it: Clutch down Select first gear Find the bite point Set a little gas You’re getting the car ready to go—nothing more, nothing less.

Moving away using POM or POSM

The Traditional Routine: POM

POM = Preparation → Observation → Move

This is what most learners are taught when moving off from the side of the road.

1. Preparation

Before the car moves, you prepare it:

  • Clutch down

  • Select first gear

  • Find the bite point

  • Set a little gas

You’re getting the car ready to go—nothing more, nothing less.

Preparation then Observation

2. Observation - Now you check it’s safe:

  • Centre mirror

  • Right mirror

  • Right blind spot

You’re asking one simple question: “Is it safe to move off?”

3. Move - If it’s safe:

  • Release the handbrake

  • Move off under control

Straightforward. Clean. Effective.

using posm to move away from the side of the road

Why POM isn't always enough

Why POM Isn’t Always Enough

Here’s where things start to shift—especially from an instructor’s point of view.

POM works well when you’re not affecting anyone else.

But what if:

  • There’s traffic behind you?

  • A driver is approaching quickly?

  • You need to communicate your intention?

That’s where POM starts to fall short. Because driving isn’t just about what you do—
it’s about what others expect you to do.

POM or POSM

Introducing POSM (or POSSM)

To bridge that gap, many instructors use a slightly more complete routine:

POSM = Preparation → Observation → Signal → Move

(Some will refer to it as POSM, emphasising the signal stage—but the principle is the same.)

Breaking Down POSM Properly

1. Preparation

Exactly the same as before:

  • Clutch down

  • First gear selected

  • Bite point found

  • Gas set

No changes here.

Introducing POSM (or POSSM) To bridge that gap, many instructors use a slightly more complete routine: POSM = Preparation → Observation → Signal → Move (Some will refer to it as POSM, emphasising the signal stage—but the principle is the same.)

Observations - SIGNAL

2. Observation

Your safety checks:

  • Centre mirror

  • Right mirror

  • Right blind spot

This is still about safety—but now it also informs your next decision.

3. Signal

Now comes the key addition.

If your movement could affect other road users, you signal:

  • Right indicator on

This tells others:
“I’m about to move off.”

And here’s the important teaching point:

You don’t signal out of habit.
You signal when it benefits someone else.

That’s a crucial distinction for ADI Part 3.

POM or POSM?

4. Move

Only when it’s safe:

  • Release the handbrake

  • Move away smoothly

  • Cancel the signal if needed

The Real Difference: Communication

The difference between POM and POSM isn’t mechanical—it’s awareness.

  • POM is about controlling the car

  • POSM is about interacting with the road

And that’s exactly what examiners are looking for.