So, as outlined in a previous post, during your driving test you will be asked to demonstrate one of four manoeuvres. By the time your test comes around you should have had plenty of practice doing these during your lessons with your driving instructor. This post is going to help you understand what is required of you for the reverse bay park.

Usually, if this is the manoeuvre you get, you will be asked to demonstrate it either at the very beginning or end of the test as it is carried out in the test centre car park. The examiner will ask you to reverse into a space of your choice, ending up within the bay. Whilst it is always preferable to achieve this on your first attempt it is not essential, if you do make a mistake it is fine, as long as you keep everything safe. You are allowed to make the necessary corrections to end up within the bay.

So, firstly you will need to choose a bay that you feel comfortable with. Most people would choose a space with no vehicles parked either side so that if you do make a mistake there will be no risk to over vehicles, but others find it useful to have another car to use as a guideline, it’s entirely up to you and you don’t need to tell the examiner which bay you have chosen. In the Kettering Driving Test Center the bays are all on your left so you’ll need to position yourself ready to reverse on the left hand side. You may have been taught the 45 degree park or the 90 degree park, both are fine, as long as you end up in the space. Take your time and be sure to make good observations throughout the manoeuvre to ensure you keep everything safe and are aware of your surroundings.

Once you have finished the manoeuvre, secure the car by pulling the handbrake and putting the car into neutral. The examiner will then proceed with the rest of the test, or, if this is the end they will finish their paperwork before informing you of your result.