There are three standard and one optional reverse manoeuvres that you will be required to know how to perform. You will be asked to perform one of them as part of your driving test, with the option of the additional one.
These manoeuvres are:
- Turning in the road (3-point turn)
- Reversing around a corner
- Reverse parking
- Reversing into a parking bay (optional)
You should practice these manoeuvres specifically with your driving instructor, and with family and friends, so that you get a feel for their usage in normal driving. Around town, you will probably find that reverse parking and bay parking are your most important day-to-day manoeuvres, incorporating elements of the other two.
Turning In The Road
Note that this manoeuvre isn’t called a three-point turn. You don’t have to take three points to do it; it’s just quicker that way. You can take as many points as you want, so long as you are under control, and don’t take more than the allotted five minutes to turn. Remember to check your mirrors and blind spots often during the manoeuvre, in case cyclists sneak up on you, and be ready to give way if another road user appears during your manoeuvre. If they wait for you, don’t panic, just finish your manoeuvre.
Reverse Around A Corner
This manoeuvre you might think you need to be psychic for, as you can’t see around corners, but you don’t, you just need to maintain control of the vehicle. If another road user appears during your manoeuvre, be ready to give way, or move out of their way safely, and re-start the manoeuvre. The two most common causes of failing this manoeuvre are over-steering, causing you to strike the kerb, or under-steering, causing you to end up too far from the kerb. There is no quick way around this; you just need to practice with your instructor.
Reverse Parking
The most common reason for failure in this manoeuvre is mounting the kerb. Remember it is allowed for you to adjust mirrors and remove your seatbelt for a clearer view to the rear. If you have been driving with family or friends, the chances are you will have had to use this manoeuvre in real life in a far smaller space than you will be allowed on your test. Remember you have the extra space, and remember to stay in control of the vehicle, and give way to other road users. If you think you are coming in too sharp or are about to strike the kerb, stop, and re-position yourself. The examiner is testing your ability to park safely, not perfectly.
Reversing Into A Bay Parking Space
This manoeuvre is optional to the driving test, but is almost certain to be assessed if there is a car park at the test centre, or if you pass a car park in the course of your test. As most driving tests are conducted in urban areas, you will almost certainly meet a car park of some sort. In order to correctly pass this manoeuvre, you must squarely park the car between the bay lines. Remember that crossing the bay lines before the car is parked is not immediately an issue, provided that you straighten up safely before you finish.
