Test manoeuvres

By the end of this topic you can

• You can reverse around a left-hand corner close to the kerb and continue straight back
• You can turn the car around on the road safely
• You can move off on a hill without rolling back
• You can park legally and safely at the end of a drive
• You can keep all-round observation throughout every manoeuvre

What you need to know and understand

• For a car, the reverse around a corner is done along the left-hand kerb.
• After reversing around the corner you continue back in a straight line for about three car lengths.
• Car candidates must use direct observation (looking front, sides and rear, including blind spots); a reversing camera can be used only in addition.
• If you are out of position you may ask to repeat the reverse, but a fault may already have been recorded.
• Turning the steering wheel while stationary (dry steering) is not marked as a fault in the turnabout.
• Park assist is not permitted when parking on the test.
• Hitting or mounting the kerb, going off course, or poor control during a manoeuvre can be marked as a fault.

Reversing around a corner

1. Stop on the left before the corner, then check all round.
2. Reverse slowly, looking mainly through the rear window and checking your left mirror for the kerb.
3. As the corner begins, steer left at the right moment to follow the kerb, glancing all round regularly.
4. Watch for traffic and pedestrians at every stage; stop and let them pass if needed.
5. Straighten up and continue back in a straight line close to the kerb for about three car lengths, then stop.

The turnabout

You turn the car to face the other way using forward and reverse gears. Before each movement, check all round, including blind spots, and give way to anyone approaching.

Keep the car slow with good clutch control, steer briskly, and stop before the kerb rather than bumping it. Take the number of moves you need to do it safely; neatness matters less than control and observation.

Hill start and parking

• Hill start: hold the car with the handbrake, find the biting point, check mirrors and blind spot, release the handbrake as you add gas, and move off without rolling back
• Parking: choose a legal spot, signal if needed, check around you, and park close to and parallel with the kerb
• Avoid yellow lines, footpaths, disabled bays and anywhere that causes obstruction
• Secure the car with the handbrake and choose a suitable gear or park

Common mistakes

• Looking only in the mirrors while reversing. Car candidates need direct observation.
• Reversing too fast. Keep the car at walking pace or slower.
• Bumping the kerb in the turnabout. Stop earlier and steer more briskly.
• Forgetting to check for traffic before each part of the turnabout.
• Rolling back on the hill start. Use the handbrake until you are ready.

Test yourself: Test manoeuvres

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.