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Reverse Parking - The Reverse Parking / Parallel Parking
Manoeuvre
Reverse Parking / Parallel Parking - The aim of the reverse
parking manoeuvre
The aim of the reverse /parallel parking manoeuvre is to prove that you can
reverse / parallel park into a space, in front of shops for example, should the
need arise.
There is no doubt in my mind that this reverse manoeuvre will be useful to
you after you have passed your practical driving test.
The briefing for the Reverse Parking / Parallel Parking
Manoeuvre
The examiner will of course choose the vehicle that you will use for the
reverse park manoeuvre and will get you to pull into the kerb a reasonable
distance behind it. If this is not possible they may ask you to pull up
alongside a specific vehicle asking you to bear in mind that you are about to
perform the reverse park manoeuvre upon that vehicle.
"The vehicle ahead of you is the one upon which I would like you to perform
the reverse / parallel park manoeuvre please. I would like you to pull up
alongside the vehicle and stop. Then reverse into a parking position parallel to
the kerb and within two car lengths of that vehicle".
The examiner will not necessarily use exactly these words but they will
impart the necessary information to you.
Reverse Parking - The Reverse Park / Parallel Parking
Manoeuvre
Reverse Parking / Parallel Parking - Key points of the
Reverse Park Manoeuvre
Reverse / Parallel Parking - Observations
All of the observations in the reverse / parallel parking manoeuvre are all
around observations. When you are in the reversing phase of the parking
manoeuvre you must remember that an all around observation is necessary before
every turn of the wheel.
We never reverse towards a pedestrian on the kerb, so if you see one near to
the area that you are reversing towards you must stop and apply the handbrake;
wait until they have passed and then perform P.O.M with an all around
observation. The same applies if you see another road user except that in this
case you would stop and see what they want to do. Let them pass if they can and
if they want to. Let them watch if they want to. If they cannot pass because of
parked vehicles on the opposite kerb you are expected to recognise this and not
stop. If you did stop for any length of time in that position you would merely
be blocking the road.
Reverse / Parallel Parking - Effective observations
Effective observation cannot be emphasised enough. It is no use just learning
when to turn your head. You have to be looking for movement as well. Turning
your head at the right time is of no earthly use if you fail ti see the line of
oncoming vehicles. The next time that I see a pupil turn their head at exactly
the right time and miss three cars driving towards them will not be the first.
Reverse / Parallel Parking - Speed
Your speed must remain very slow and consistent for the duration of the
reverse park manoeuvre using the gas and biting point technique.
Ideally the car should not stop during the reverse parking manoeuvre unless
necessary; but in real life this is not always possible. It is better to stop
and start again rather than to reverse too fast, simply because too much speed
will mess up any manoeuvre.
Reverse / Parallel Parking - Steering
Whilst reversing there are several methods that are equally correct to
complete the revese parking / parallel parking manoeuvre. Below I will detail
below some of the most popular.
Both methods shown below rely on accurately timed and quick steering.
Reverse Parking / Parallel Parking - Performing the reverse
park
manoeuvre
Moving off
Your car is stationary and parked so the driving plan is P.O.M.
Preparation - Clutch down, first gear, gas and biting point.
Observation - An all around observation is preferred to check for
pedestrians as well as other road users.
Manoeuvre - Move off gently, not forgetting a second shoulder check.
Where to stop
Pull up a normal passing distance away from the target car and half a car
length past it.
Check your mirrors before you stop in case you need to indicate your
intention to stop to a following road user. They do sometimes pop out of drives
or junctions when you least want them to.
Indicate if necessary before stopping for other people. If there is anyone
around that you think might benefit from the signal then you should apply it.
Stop and apply your hand brake. Change straight to reverse gear and perform
preparation and an all around observation before looking over your left
shoulder, if it is clear, and starting to reverse.
The reverse
The sequence for the steering now can vary upon the method chosen for
you by your instructor. They will know more than one method and will help to
choose the one that is best suited to you. Different pupils are taught different
methods if they are not picking up the first one that the instructor teaches
them. Instructors prefer different methods even though they can demonstrate them
all.
What does not change is that an all around observation is require before each
turn of the wheel.
Reverse / Parallel Parking - Method one
The order of steer is left, right, right, left. Each turn of the wheel is one
full revolution or 360 degrees whichever is the easiest for you to remember.
Reverse until the back of your car is parallel with the back of the other one
and turn left.
At an angle of roughly thirty degrees turn to the right.
Reverse a short distance nearer to the kerb (Just long enough to perform an
all around observation as it happens) and then turn right.
Using the left wing mirror as a guide wait until the car is parallel before
performing the last turn to the left to straighten the wheels.
Once the car is stationary apply the handbrake and select neutral.
Reverse / Parallel Parking - Method two
The order of steer is left full lock, right full lock, and left to straighten
the wheels.
Reverse until the back of your car is slightly past the back of the other one
and steer to full left lock.
At an angle slightly beyond forty five degrees turn to full right lock.
Using the left wing mirror as a guide wait until the car is parallel before
performing the last turn to the left to straighten the wheels.
Once the car is stationary apply the handbrake and select neutral.
Reverse Parking - The Reverse Park / Parallel Parking
Manoeuvre
Reverse Parking / Parallel Parking - What we are looking for
in the reverse park
manoeuvre?
Co-ordination
Throughout the manoeuvre the speed must be controlled with either the gas and
biting point, or the clutch down and brake method. Coasting is not permitted.
Steering should be along the lines of the pull/push method. No crossing of
the arms.
Observation
Observations are expected at specific points to ensure that the manoeuvre is
carried out safely.
Accuracy
The manoeuvre must be completed within two car lengths of the vehicle in
front. You must also finish parallel and near to the kerb.
