The four possible manoeuvres
Since 2017, the driving test includes one manoeuvre chosen by the examiner. You will not know in advance which one it is. You need to be confident in all four, because any of them can appear on your test.
Parallel parking
You are asked to pull up alongside a parked vehicle and then reverse into the space behind it, parallel to the kerb. The examiner is looking for reasonable accuracy (within about two car lengths of the vehicle you parked behind), control at low speed, effective observation including blind spot checks, and a final position reasonably close to and parallel with the kerb.
This is the manoeuvre most candidates find hardest. The key reference points vary by car, so Tomas works out the specific visual cues for the vehicle you will test in and drills them until they are automatic.
Forward bay parking
You are asked to drive forward into a marked bay, stop within the lines, and then reverse out. The examiner checks your accuracy, observation on the way in, and particularly your observation when reversing out (where your view is most limited).
Reverse bay parking
The reverse of the above: reverse into a bay and then drive out forwards. Most drivers find this more natural because you have better visibility when you drive out. The challenge is the reversing accuracy: ending up centred in the bay with all wheels between the lines.
Pulling up on the right and reversing
The newest addition to the test, introduced in 2017. You are asked to pull up on the right-hand side of the road (something most learners have never done), then reverse back approximately two car lengths, then rejoin the normal traffic flow. The examiner is testing your ability to deal with an unusual situation safely, particularly your observation of oncoming traffic throughout.
General principles across all manoeuvres
- Slow and controlled is always better than fast. Use clutch control to creep if you need to.
- Observation matters as much as accuracy. Look all around, not just in the direction you are moving.
- Small corrections are better than big ones. If you are slightly off line, one small steering adjustment is better than a dramatic correction.
- A minor fault for accuracy is recoverable. A serious fault for not checking blind spots is not.
