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Difficulty: MediumReversing and Turning

When performing a parallel parking manoeuvre behind a parked vehicle on the left side of the road, in which order should you carry out the necessary safety and control steps?

  1. 1Pull up parallel to and level with the target vehicle, leaving approximately one metre of clearance, and secure the car.
  2. 2Select reverse gear and perform a thorough 360-degree observation, checking both blind spots and all mirrors.
  3. 3Release the handbrake and reverse slowly in a straight line until your rear wheels align with the rear bumper of the vehicle alongside.
  4. 4Turn the steering wheel towards the kerb while reversing slowly under clutch control and scanning continuously.
  5. 5Turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction to straighten the vehicle parallel to the kerb as the front clears the car ahead.

Answer

The correct sequence begins with positioning parallel to the target vehicle, followed by selecting reverse gear and checking all blind spots, reversing straight to the reference point, steering towards the kerb, and finally counter-steering to straighten parallel to the kerb.
Safe reversing requires a methodical sequence: establishing a parallel starting position, selecting reverse gear and checking 360-degree blind spots before moving, reversing straight to the reference marker, steering into the space under continuous observation, and counter-steering to straighten parallel to the kerb as specified in Highway Code Rules 201 and 202.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Align the vehicle alongside the parked car with approximately one metre clearance and apply the parking brake.
The vehicle is positioned in a secure and controlled starting position.
Starting from a parallel and secured position provides a consistent baseline for reference points.
2
Select reverse gear and carry out 360-degree all-round observations, including interior and door mirrors as well as blind spots.
The reversing lights illuminate to warn other road users and surrounding hazards are identified.
Highway Code Rule 202 requires checking blind spots and all around before reversing commences.
3
Release the handbrake and move straight back under precise clutch control until reaching the reference alignment point.
The vehicle reaches the turning point with its rear aligned with the adjacent car's bumper.
Reversing straight initially prevents early turning that could swing the front out into traffic or clip the adjacent vehicle.
4
Turn the steering wheel towards the kerb while maintaining slow speed and continuous observation.
The vehicle enters the parking space at a 45-degree angle towards the kerb.
Controlled entry angle directs the vehicle into the space while active scanning monitors approaching road users.
5
Counter-steer towards the road as the front of the vehicle clears the vehicle ahead.
The vehicle aligns straight and parallel to the kerb within the parking space.
Straightening the wheels brings the vehicle flush with the pavement without striking the kerb.

Key Concept

Safe procedural execution and observation sequence during a parallel reversing manoeuvre
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Reversing and Turning

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