Driving Test Manoeuvres

Overview

There are now four possible manoeuvres that you could be asked to complete as part of the driving test. All of the driving test manoeuvres have a reverse element to them. During your lessons, I’ll cover these relatively early on, as they help develop clutch control, observation, reversing and steering — all crucial elements of driving.

You may also be asked to perform an emergency stop, although this only happens on approximately 1 in 5 tests.

If your driving test is booked or you are thinking of booking, I’d recommend reading my post on driving test tips.

Parallel Park

The aim of the parallel park is to show that you can safely reverse park behind a parked vehicle at the side of the road. There are several different methods of doing this, but whatever method you use, the main focus should be on safety and observation.

You should aim to finish within two car lengths of the vehicle in front, reasonably close to the kerb without touching it, and with good all-round observations throughout.

Many people consider this the most difficult of the driving test manoeuvres. However, with practice and a method that works for you, it becomes manageable for almost everyone.

If another car approaches while you’re part way through this (or any other) manoeuvre, come to a complete stop. This shows the examiner that you’ve seen the vehicle. You are creating the obstruction, so give the other driver the choice to wait or carefully drive around you.

The same applies to pedestrians: if someone is close to your vehicle, pause until they are safely clear before continuing. Imagine how it feels to be a pedestrian with a reversing learner car coming towards you — your job is to keep everyone safe.

Once you are straight behind the vehicle and happy with your position, come to a stop and secure the car.

Pull Up on the Right

The pull up on the right manoeuvre checks that you can safely cross the carriageway, stop on the right-hand side of the road without causing inconvenience, then reverse and rejoin traffic safely.

You will be asked to:

• Cross from the left to the right side of the road and stop in a safe position.
• Reverse for around two car lengths, keeping good control and observation.
• Rejoin traffic when it is safe, moving back onto your normal side of the road.

Because you are on the “wrong” side of the road, the observations are slightly different. We’ll cover these in detail during your lessons, but as always the key is to look well ahead and around the car before making any movement.

Remember, this isn’t something you would normally do in everyday driving. You wouldn’t usually drive or park on the right-hand side, so you must time this manoeuvre carefully so it doesn’t affect other vehicles or pedestrians.

Signals are required when crossing from left to right and again when moving back to the left.

Bay Park (Forward)

You may be asked to drive forwards into a parking bay in a car park, either at the test centre or somewhere on your route.

The goal is to stop neatly between the bay lines, not too far forward, and without sticking out of the back of the bay. As always, effective observations are crucial — check for cars and pedestrians before and during the manoeuvre.

The main focus of this manoeuvre is not just how you get into the bay, but how you get back out. When reversing out, use all-round observation, keep your speed very low, and be prepared to stop if any vehicles or pedestrians appear nearby.

Bay Park (Reverse)

There are several different methods for reversing into a bay, and different instructors use different reference points. The exact method you use is less important than doing it safely and finishing between the lines.

Use smooth clutch control, slow speed and accurate steering to guide the car into the bay. Aim to stop with the car fully inside the lines and your wheels straight before the manoeuvre is complete.

Effective mirror and blind spot checks are essential throughout. This manoeuvre may take place in a public car park during the test route or at the end of the test back at the test centre.

Emergency Stop

The emergency stop is an additional exercise that is carried out in a small percentage of tests. You will always practise this with your instructor before the test so you know what to expect.

This is the only manoeuvre where observations are not required beforehand, as the examiner will check it’s safe before giving the signal.

When the examiner gives the signal, stop the car as quickly and safely as possible: firm brake, then clutch, keeping your hands on the wheel until the car has fully stopped. Once the car is secure, the examiner will explain what to do next.

I hope this guide has been useful. If you need any help or further advice, get in touch.