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Manoeuvres

Parallel Parking Step by Step

Park parallel to the kerb behind a stationary vehicle — a classic manoeuvre broken down into clear steps.

7 min read

Parallel parking (also called reverse parking) involves reversing into a gap behind a parked vehicle. It's one of the four possible manoeuvres on the driving test. The key is slow speed, good observations, and accurate reference points.

The Full Guide

Pull up alongside the car you're parking behind. Aim to be about one metre away from it and roughly level with it — your rear bumper aligned with theirs, or a car length ahead at most. Signal left, check your mirrors. You're now ready to begin reversing.

Common Faults

Starting the initial angle too early — ending up at a steep angle
Getting too close to the lead vehicle — risk of hitting it
Not checking mirrors throughout — especially the left mirror for kerb distance
The front swinging too far out — not checking for oncoming traffic
Finishing too far from the kerb (over 30cm is a fault)
Not signalling or cancelling signal correctly

What the Examiner Looks For

You come to a controlled, accurate final position within 30cm of the kerb
You don't touch either parked vehicle or the kerb during the manoeuvre
Correct all-around observations throughout — not just mirrors
Appropriate response to any passing traffic (pause if needed)
Controlled speed — not rushed

Quick Tips

1Slow is smooth — there is no time limit on manoeuvres
2The kerb in your left mirror is your best friend — watch it throughout phase 3
3If your final position is way off, you may correct once before the examiner loses patience
4Look over your left shoulder regularly — not just in mirrors

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