Driving Test Manouevres(continued.)

Reverse Parking On The Road

This manouevre is often called "parallel parking" and makes use of the vehicle's manouevrability in reverse gear to park in a restricted space.

Remember that you may be a hazard to other road users as you carry out this set piece.

Position and Observation.
Good all round observation is essential throughout this manouevre.
Position your car reasonably close to and parallel to the parked vehicle ahead of the gap, just slightly ahead of it.
Use the POM routine, as discussed in previous postings.
Using clutch control, reverse slowly, with some left steering. Look around, especially your right hand blind spot.
Try lining up the rear offside (right hand side) of your car with the nearside headlamp of the vehicle behind the space you are entering.

Straightening Up In The Gap.
Straighten up by steering to the right. Make sure you avoid clipping the car in front.
When you are sure the front of your vehicle is clear of the car in front use enough right steering to gently bring your car reasonably close to the kerb. Straighten your wheels by steering left, and adjust as necessary.

The gap you use should be at least one and a half times the length of your own vehicle.

The professional driving instructors at John Lowe Driving School, will have a lot of tips to bring this manouevre down to size, and with some practise you will not have any problems with it.