Manoeuvre 1: Parallel Park
What happens
The examiner will ask you to pull up alongside a parked car, then reverse back and park neatly behind it, close to the kerb, within about 2 car lengths of the parked car.
Step by step
- Pull alongside the parked car, about half a metre away, with your rear bumper roughly level with theirs.
- Check mirrors and blind spots. Select reverse and move slowly back.
- When your rear window is level with the other car's rear bumper, turn the wheel sharply to the left (full lock).
- As the front of your car clears the parked car's rear, begin turning the wheel to the right to straighten up.
- Adjust so you're parallel to the kerb, no more than 30cm away, and within the 2-car-length zone.
Common faults
- Mounting the kerb — move more slowly and steer more gradually
- Finishing too far from the kerb — straighten too late
- Poor observations — check mirrors and blind spots throughout, not just at the start
Manoeuvre 2: Reverse Bay Park
What happens
Usually in the test centre car park. You drive past a bay, then reverse into it, finishing neatly within the bay lines. You then drive forward out of the bay.
Step by step
- Drive slowly past the target bay, positioning yourself to reverse into it (typically 1–2 bays past the target).
- Stop and check all around — mirrors, blind spots, behind you.
- Select reverse. Move slowly back, turning smoothly into the bay.
- Check repeatedly as you reverse — examiners mark for observations throughout.
- Straighten the wheel when the car is aligned with the bay lines. Reverse until fully in the bay.
- Apply the handbrake, select first gear, then drive forward out of the bay when safe.
Common faults
- Straddling bay lines — take the reference points slowly and adjust early
- Not checking blind spots throughout — this is heavily marked
- Reversing too fast — this gives less time to steer accurately
Manoeuvre 3: Forward Bay Park
What happens
The opposite of the reverse bay park. You drive forward into a marked bay, then reverse out, checking carefully for hazards as you exit.
Step by step
- Approach the bay slowly, positioning to enter straight.
- Drive forward into the bay, finishing neatly within the lines.
- Secure the car (handbrake, neutral/park).
- Before reversing: check all mirrors and both blind spots. Visibility is limited when reversing out.
- Reverse slowly out of the bay, checking constantly in all directions.
- When clear of the bay, drive away normally.
Common faults
- Insufficient observation reversing out — this is the main failure point; pedestrians and vehicles can appear quickly
- Reversing too fast — you need time to respond to hazards
Manoeuvre 4: Pull Up on the Right and Reverse
What happens
The examiner asks you to pull up on the right-hand side of the road (facing oncoming traffic) and then reverse back about two car lengths, then drive away.
Step by step
- Signal right, check mirrors and blind spot, move to the right-hand side of the road.
- Park parallel to the right-hand kerb, close but not touching.
- Check mirrors. Select reverse.
- Reverse back approximately two car lengths, keeping close to the kerb and checking all around — particularly for oncoming traffic.
- Signal left, check mirrors and blind spot, then move off when safe.
Common faults
- Parking too far from the right-hand kerb
- Not checking for oncoming traffic when reversing — you're now facing the wrong way
- Failing to signal when moving off
Emergency Stop (1 in 3 Tests)
Not one of the 4 manoeuvres, but worth knowing. The examiner signals with a raised hand and says "Stop!" — you brake firmly and bring the car to a stop as quickly as possible. Do not look in mirrors before braking. Keep both hands on the wheel and brake in a straight line. Apply the clutch just before stopping (not before braking).
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FAQs
How many manoeuvres are in the driving test?
One. The examiner picks from 4 possible manoeuvres. You cannot know in advance which one will be asked.
Is there a turn in the road (3-point turn) in the current test?
No. The 3-point turn (also called the turn in the road) was removed from the DVSA test in December 2017. It is no longer assessed.
Can I fail on a manoeuvre?
Yes. Hitting a kerb, straddling bay lines, or poor observations during a manoeuvre can result in a serious or dangerous fault — both cause an automatic fail.