Reverse parking (parallel parking)

This excercise is designed to test you on the following areas:
Observation
Car control
Accuracy

The key to this manoeuvre is to keep the car moving slowly using good clutch and brake control.



A. Drive slowly past the target vehicle keeping a clearance of 1m look straight ahead and stop the car when you are level with the front of the target vehicle. Select reverse gear straight away to warn other road users you intend reversing.
Check all round to ensure it is safe. Look in direction of travel (behind you!) Reverse back slowly until you can see the end of the target vehicle in the quarter light window.

B. When you can see the end of the target vehicle in the quarter light window Check all round to ensure it is safe then turn the wheel one full turn to the left.

C. When your left door mirror lines up with the wheel arch of the target vehicle Check all round to ensure it is safe then steer gently full steering lock to the right.

D. Check the position of the back left wheel using the left door mirror (which you are permitted to lower so you can see the kerb). As the car becomes parallel with the kerb straighten the wheels by turning the wheel half and then one full turn to the left.

E. You should complete the manoeuvre within 1 car length of the target vehicle and be reasonably close to the kerb.


2Pass Video Lessons:   Parallel Parking


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