REVERSING
INTO A PARKING SPACE
This is a relatively new manoeuvre, which was introduced
together with the extended driving test in order to further test your clutch
control, steering and observation. You could be asked to perform the manoeuvre
before you drive out on test, during the test or when you return to the test
centre at the end of the test. You are asked to treat the car park as if it
was at a busy supermarket SO REMEMBER YOUR OBSERVATION
If you are to do the manoeuvre before you drive off on
test you will be asked to pull the car forward out of the bay in which you are
parked and then reverse into another bay, either to the right or the left.
What
to do
Prepare the car to drive forwards. Have a good look around to make sure you are safe to move off. Drive slowly forwards and steer quickly to the right or left (depending on which parking space you have been asked to reverse into) and then straighten up so that the car ends up opposite the space into which you want to reverse. Next, have another good look around to ensure everything is safe, and then reverse slowly straight back into the new parking space making sure that your car remains between the markings of the parking bay. Observation must be maintained throughout the manoeuvre: - remember you have been told that you are in a busy supermarket car park.
If you are asked to do the manoeuvre as you return to the
test centre you will be told to drive into the test centre car park and then
reverse into a parking bay of your choice.
What
to do
Drive slowly into the car park looking for a suitable parking place. Once you have spotted one check your mirrors carefully to ensure it's safe and if it is turn so that you line up the back of the car with your chosen parking space. Straighten up and stop. Select reverse and look around to ensure that it's safe to reverse. Providing it is, reverse slowly into the parking bay making sure that the car remains between the markings of the parking bay. Alternatively, if spaces are limited, you can stop next to a car that is parked beside an empty bay so that the front corners of both cars are level. Observation and drive slowly forwards steering full lock quickly away from the parked car. As soon as full lock has been achieved start steering the opposite way for three turns. Stop, observation and reverse into the bay as if you are reversing around a sharp corner.