The Yard Manoeuvres
Parallel Parking
Parallel parking is a manoeuvre used to park a vehicle in a parking bay that runs parallel to the edge of the roadway.
To complete the manoeuvre, you must position your vehicle alongside the parking bay, then reverse into the space while steering accurately to align the vehicle within the bay.
The manoeuvre may be performed from either the left-hand or right-hand side, depending on the instructions given by the examiner.
For testing purposes, light motor vehicles that are normally used to tow a trailer weighing more than 750 kg will perform this exercise without the trailer attached.
Examiner's Instructions
Before commencing the manoeuvre, the examiner will instruct you to:
Position your vehicle at the designated starting point.
Prepare to perform the parallel parking manoeuvre as directed.
Understand that you may stop the vehicle at any stage during the exercise if necessary.
Note that only three movements are permitted:
1. One reverse movement into the parking bay.
2. Two additional movements to correctly position the vehicle within the bay.
Ensure that the vehicle is parked completely within the parking bay without:
1. Touching any obstacle, marker, or pole.
2. Mounting or touching the kerb.
Second Attempt
If your first attempt is unsuccessful, the examiner may allow a second and final attempt, provided that:
No obstacle, marker, or pole was touched during the first attempt.
The vehicle did not mount or touch the kerb.
No action occurred that would result in an immediate failure of the manoeuvre.
A successful parallel park demonstrates good vehicle control, accurate steering, proper observation, and the ability to safely position the vehicle within a confined space.
Regular practice will improve your confidence and increase your chances of successfully completing this manoeuvre during your driving test.
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Parallel Parking Procedure
Reversing into the Parking Bay
Check all mirrors.
Check the kerbside blind spot.
Signal your intention towards the parking bay.
Select reverse gear.
Obtain clutch control (manual vehicles) or prepare the vehicle to move slowly and under control.
Check all mirrors and both blind spots.
Release the parking brake.
Begin reversing slowly and under full control.
Steering into the Bay
Before turning the steering wheel, check the roadside blind spot.
Steer smoothly into the parking bay, ensuring that you do not touch any obstacles or mount the kerb.
Straightening and Positioning the Vehicle
Counter-steer to straighten the vehicle if an additional movement is required.
Position the vehicle completely within the demarcated parking area.
Apply the parking brake.
Select neutral (manual vehicles) or park (automatic vehicles), where applicable.
Cancel the indicator signal.
Parallel parking is a manoeuvre used to park a vehicle in a parking bay that runs parallel to the edge of the roadway.
To complete the manoeuvre, you must position your vehicle alongside the parking bay, then reverse into the space while steering accurately to align the vehicle within the bay.
The manoeuvre may be performed from either the left-hand or right-hand side, depending on the instructions given by the examiner.
For testing purposes, light motor vehicles that are normally used to tow a trailer weighing more than 750 kg will perform this exercise without the trailer attached.
Examiner's Instructions
Before commencing the manoeuvre, the examiner will instruct you to:
1. One reverse movement into the parking bay.
2. Two additional movements to correctly position the vehicle within the bay.
1. Touching any obstacle, marker, or pole.
2. Mounting or touching the kerb.
Second Attempt
If your first attempt is unsuccessful, the examiner may allow a second and final attempt, provided that:
A successful parallel park demonstrates good vehicle control, accurate steering, proper observation, and the ability to safely position the vehicle within a confined space.
Regular practice will improve your confidence and increase your chances of successfully completing this manoeuvre during your driving test.
Parallel Parking Procedure
Reversing into the Parking Bay
Check all mirrors.
Check the kerbside blind spot.
Signal your intention towards the parking bay.
Select reverse gear.
Obtain clutch control (manual vehicles) or prepare the vehicle to move slowly and under control.
Check all mirrors and both blind spots.
Release the parking brake.
Begin reversing slowly and under full control.
Steering into the Bay
Before turning the steering wheel, check the roadside blind spot.
Steer smoothly into the parking bay, ensuring that you do not touch any obstacles or mount the kerb.
Straightening and Positioning the Vehicle
Counter-steer to straighten the vehicle if an additional movement is required.
Position the vehicle completely within the demarcated parking area.
Apply the parking brake.
Select neutral (manual vehicles) or park (automatic vehicles), where applicable.
Cancel the indicator signal.