Pulling up short.

[Starman 2112]

What is the drivers logic when they pull up short of the car in front of them (normally about 10 feet), then when you pull up behind them and stop, they pull forward and close the gap? Is this is in the Highway Code?

[ck1]

The theory is that you stop short of the car in front and then as you see a car approaching you from behind you slowly move forward to close the gap, apaprently this reduces the chance of somebody going into the back of you - especially useful if a big lorry is approaching, if it cant stop you have some room to get out of its way. Theres lots of tactics like this that you can learn on advanced driving courses which are quite useful, all about you controlling other drivers behaviour and reducing risks. If the car doesnt move forward to close the gap until you have stopped behind them they are defeating the object really

[dougielogan]

If there is a woman driver in front it is a safety thing, she might select the wrong gear or stall it, if there is a space you can drive round her! (only kidding)

Dougie

[landie]

It is a defence mechanism which gives you room for maneouvre. Not only will it afford space to move forward, as stated by ck1, but it also allows room for you to move around the car in front if, for instance, you were about to be rear ended at speed (anywhere in an emergency). It is impossible to take any avoiding action if you are already close to the vehicle in front.

[Grunty]

Police drivers are taught to stop so they can see the tyres of the car in front, for the reasons already given.

Dougie is incredibly brave.

[derekpara]

I agree with the above answers. These are the things you leardn from experience and taking a keen interest in driving AFTER you have passed the (basic) driving test. Crash-course takers take note.

The reminder for this technique is ' Tyres and Tarmac'

That's what you should be able to see when you stop behind another vehicle.

[Deskpro]

The other good reason for this is that even if your are rear ended, if you have plenty of space to your front your car will be able to travel a distance without hitting anything else, thus reducing the impact forces on you.  Being hit from behind can still cause injury but a lot less than also hitting a vehicle in front. 

[PhilD]

As with the other answers it gives you room to get out the way if you see that a car coming up behind cannot stop. It also makes it easier if the car in front breaks down. I was also taught if the vehicle in front is a van or lorry to position you car so that you can see his mirrors so he know your there if he has to reverse.