The Yard Manoeuvres
Alley Docking:
Alley docking is a maneuver commonly tested during the K53 driving test.
During this exercise, you will be required to reverse your vehicle into a specially marked bay and then drive out again safely and under control.
You may be required to perform the maneuver by:
Reversing and turning to the left, or
Reversing and turning to the right (heavy vehicles are normally tested on the right-hand side only).
The purpose of this exercise is to demonstrate your ability to control the vehicle accurately while reversing in a confined space.
Test Requirements
When performing the alley docking maneuver, you must:
Reverse into the demarcated bay without touching any obstacles.
Maintain full control of the vehicle throughout the maneuver.
Observe properly and check mirrors frequently.
Complete the maneuver within the allowed attempts.
Exit the bay safely after successfully parking.
Rules and Restrictions
During the alley docking test:
You Will Be Allowed Only Two Attempts.
You are allowed a maximum of two attempts to complete the maneuver correctly.
A second (final) attempt may only be made if the first attempt was unsuccessful and no obstacle was touched during the first attempt.
You May Stop During the Maneuver
Stopping is permitted at any stage of the maneuver.
Taking a moment to reassess your position is often better than rushing.
No Forward Movement into the Bay
Once you begin reversing into the bay, forward movement is not permitted while entering the bay.
The maneuver must be completed using reverse gear only until the vehicle is correctly positioned.
Avoid Contact with Obstacles
You must not:
Touch or bump the kerb.
Touch any poles, barriers, cones, or other obstacles.
Drive over boundary markings.
Cause any obstacle to move.
No Change of Direction
Once you have started reversing into the bay:
You may not change direction by moving forward and then reversing again.
The maneuver must be completed as a continuous reversing movement.
Starting Procedure
Before beginning the maneuver:
1. Position the vehicle at the designated starting point.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Select neutral (manual transmission) or Park (automatic transmission) if instructed to wait.
4. Observe the surrounding area.
5. Listen carefully to the examiner's instructions.
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Alley docking is a maneuver commonly tested during the K53 driving test.
During this exercise, you will be required to reverse your vehicle into a specially marked bay and then drive out again safely and under control.
You may be required to perform the maneuver by:
The purpose of this exercise is to demonstrate your ability to control the vehicle accurately while reversing in a confined space.
Test Requirements
When performing the alley docking maneuver, you must:
Rules and Restrictions
During the alley docking test:
You Will Be Allowed Only Two Attempts.
You May Stop During the Maneuver
No Forward Movement into the Bay
Avoid Contact with Obstacles
You must not:
No Change of Direction
Once you have started reversing into the bay:
Starting Procedure
Before beginning the maneuver:
1. Position the vehicle at the designated starting point.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Select neutral (manual transmission) or Park (automatic transmission) if instructed to wait.
4. Observe the surrounding area.
5. Listen carefully to the examiner's instructions.