Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumReversing and Turning

In an off-street car park, a driver intends to reverse into a marked perpendicular parking bay on the left. What is the correct chronological sequence of steps required to carry out this manoeuvre safely under Highway Code rules?

  1. 1Position the vehicle parallel to and approximately two metres out from the row of bays, stopping just past the target bay.
  2. 2Select reverse gear and perform a thorough 360-degree observation, checking all mirrors and blind spots for approaching road users.
  3. 3Reverse slowly using clutch control and apply full left steering lock once the vehicle reaches the designated reference point.
  4. 4Straighten the steering wheel as the car becomes parallel to the bay markings and verify equal lateral clearance in both door mirrors.
  5. 5Continue reversing straight back until the vehicle is fully within the bay boundaries, then secure it with the parking brake and select neutral.

Answer

The correct sequence starts with positioning the vehicle past the bay, selecting reverse gear with 360-degree observations, reversing slowly while applying steering at the reference point, straightening the wheels as the vehicle aligns with the markings, and finally reversing fully into the bay before securing the vehicle.
Executing a perpendicular bay park requires a systematic sequence: establishing proper lateral positioning past the bay, selecting reverse gear and performing 360-degree observations, reversing at walking pace while steering at the reference point, straightening the steering as the vehicle aligns parallel to the lines, and finally securing the vehicle once fully inside the bay.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Drive forward past the selected bay, keeping roughly two metres from the bay openings, and come to a complete stop.
The car is in the optimal starting position with enough space to swing into the bay.
Correct initial positioning ensures the car has sufficient room to turn without clipping adjacent vehicles.
2
Engage reverse gear and conduct complete all-round observations including left and right blind spots.
Reversing lights illuminate to signal intent, and hazards such as pedestrians or reversing cars are identified.
Highway Code Rule 202 mandates checking all around for pedestrians and other road users before moving in reverse.
3
Begin reversing slowly under precise clutch control, turning the steering wheel fully to the left upon reaching the turning reference point.
The vehicle pivots into the target parking bay at a controlled, safe speed while monitoring front swing.
Low speed allows full control, while timely steering ensures the rear wheels enter cleanly between the bay lines.
4
Unwind the steering to straight as the vehicle becomes parallel with the bay lines, checking both side mirrors.
The vehicle trajectory straightens and lateral spacing between adjacent lines is confirmed.
Straightening prevents over-rotation and ensures equal clearance on both sides of the vehicle.
5
Reverse straight back until the vehicle is completely inside the bay markings, then apply the parking brake and select neutral.
The manoeuvre is completed with the vehicle securely parked within bay limits.
The car must not overhang the car park aisle or cross boundary lines, ensuring total safety and compliance.

Key Concept

Procedural safety routine for perpendicular 90-degree reverse bay parking
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Rate this question

Topics

Reversing and Turning

More questions from this topic