For learners
The test manoeuvres
You are asked to do ONE reversing manoeuvre on your test, and about 1 in 7 tests also include an emergency stop. Whichever you get, the examiner wants full control, all-round observation, and for you to give way to anyone who approaches.
01
Parallel park at the side of the road
- Pull up alongside the parked car, roughly a car's width from it; select reverse and take all-round observation, especially over both shoulders.
- Reverse slowly; as your car reaches the back of the parked car, steer towards the kerb to bring the car in at an angle.
- Once clear of the parked car, straighten, then steer the other way to bring the back of the car parallel to the kerb.
- Keep looking all round throughout and stop if anyone approaches. Finish reasonably close to and parallel with the kerb, without touching it.
02
Park in a bay
- The examiner tells you whether to drive in and reverse out, or reverse in and drive out (it depends on the test centre).
- Take all-round observation before moving, then line up on your reference point and move slowly.
- Steer to bring the car between the bay lines, keeping inside the markings, and straighten up centred in the bay.
- When you leave, take full all-round observation, especially over both shoulders, and give way to anyone in the car park.
03
Pull up on the right, then rejoin
- Check mirrors, signal right, take all-round observation, then cross and stop on the right, close and parallel to the kerb.
- Traffic now approaches on your driving side, so take full all-round observation and wait for a safe gap.
- Reverse in a straight line for about 2 car lengths, keeping control and looking mainly through the rear window.
- To rejoin, check mirrors and blind spots, signal, and pull out only when you will not make any oncoming vehicle slow or change course.
04
The emergency stop
- About 1 in 7 tests include it. The examiner briefs you first, then raises a hand and says "Stop".
- Stop as quickly and as safely as possible, keeping full control, as if a child had run out.
- Note: the old "turn in the road" (three-point turn) and "reverse around a corner" are no longer tested, though they are still worth practising for real life.
05
What counts as a fault
- A driving fault (minor) is not dangerous on its own, but repeating it can become serious.
- A serious or dangerous fault, such as hitting the kerb hard or poor observation that makes someone react, fails the test.
- You can have up to 15 driving faults and still pass; 16 or more, or any one serious or dangerous fault, is a fail.
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