Driving test manoeuvre "how to" videos
In the past, we have made something similar to the current "how to" video for manoeuvres. This is a very popular trend with many contibutors in the training sector using the popular Youtube platform to host their videos. Recently, a number of our pupils have been researching this sort of thing on-line in between driving lessons and coming across all sorts of advice from would be gurus
To be fair, some of it is good, but not much. So we have updated our own videos and guides so that you can review and revise with 100% accurate content to match the way we teach and practice these manoeuvres on lessons. So bookmark this page or download the .pdf file, and you will always have access to the latest accurate information for your revision. New videos will be added if and as things change
METHOD RETENTION IS THE KEY TO GOOD MANOUEVRING. IF YOU CANNOT REMEMBER HOW TO IT WILL END UP COSTING YOU MORE MONEY AND MAYBE EVEN YOU TEST
In order to keep this facility free to you, I produce the content myself, and I do not claim to be a video production engineer, so please let me know if something doesn't seem quite right. Your input is much appreciated
Steve
Common rules for ALL manoeuvres:
ALWAYS reverse slowly, stopping regularly to check the mirrors and blindspots by completing a FULL 360deg check before re-starting or changing direction
DO NOT try to check the mirrors while reversing, YOU WILL NEGLECT the safety observations. SAVE YOURSELF MONEY by adopting this approach NOW
ENSURE that you have a plan of action BEFORE you start the manoeuvre ESPECIALLY if it is on the road
These guideliness apply to ALL MANOEUVRES and so are not necessarily repeated throughout the videos
DO NOT MOVE WHILE YOU ARE LOOKING AT THE MIRRORS. WHEN YOU ARE MOVING, STOP THE CAR TO CHECK MIRRORS, THEN CHECK ALL AROUND AGAIN BEFORE MOVING, LOOK OUT OF THE WINDOWS WHEN MOVING
PARALLEL PARKING
Parallel Parking - Graphic
No-one likes it. Some are competent, many are not. The test standard does not require you to squeeze your car into a tiny gap between 2 cars
Our "keep it simple" approach is a winner. Stick with the method and you will succeed
If you can count to 1, you can do this
Once you have viewed the animated video, this in-car view will make more sense
This is not a complicated manoeuvre by any means, but as with most things if you can't remember what you're doing, it is not going to end well, so use these videos together to improve your knowledge and retention
REVERSE BAY PARKING
Bay Parking - Graphic
This video has it's focus on the technical nature of this manoeuvre. Showing positions and angles for accuracy, it demonstrates how to position and reverse park your car into a bay on your left
The technique works exactly the same to the right, but is "mirrorred" so you would start on the right and swing to the left. We teach to the left at first as it is a natural progression from the 3 point turn, but switch practice to reversing to the right as test day approaches
Bay Parking - In Car
Having seen the technical detail demonstrated in the animated video, this in-car multi-view version is to focus on the necessity and frequency of your observations
Practice will normally be in a quiet car park, it is up to the examiner where this is done on test. We need to accept that as the driver, reversing safely and the safety of others is our responsibility and consequently observations are critical (see general reversing notes)
FORWARDS BAY PARKING
Forwards Bay Parking - Graphic
One of the newer test manoeuvres, when done to the test standard, is relatively easy
Done in a public car park, somewhere in the town, you will be asked to select a bay (on the right is easiest), drive in forwards and then reverse out (usually) in the opposite direction
As we teach, full lock and position with your nose for reverse parking, we stick to the formula to minimise the chance of confusion
Forwards Bay Parking - In Car
Having seen the technical detail demonstrated in the animated video, this in-car multi-view version is to focus on the necessity and frequency of your observations
Practice will normally be in a quiet car park, mostly at the test centre at the end of the test, but one day it will be busy. We need to accept that as the driver, reversing safely and the safety of others is ours and consequently observations are critical (see general reversing notes)
PULL UP ON THE RIGHT
Pull up on the right - Graphic
"Pull over and park on the right" to give this manoevure it's full name
You WILL be asked to pull up on the left "somewhere safe" several times during your test. Maybe on a slope, or behind a parked car. This is simply to check your parking and moving away skills and observations
However, if and when you are asked to pull up on the right, you will need to take extra care as you are crossing traffic and will reverse once parked
The reverse element is for "2 car lengths (8m)" and then rejoin traffic when safe to do so (multiple window, mirror, and blind spot checks)
Pull up on the right - Multiview
So the graphic video demonstrates what this exercise entails, but that isn't the half of it
There are so many additional observations required to complete this manoeuvre safely it is very easy to forget, so get in the practice of 'doubling up' on everywhere you look
When pulling away on the opposite side of the road, BOTH blind spots need to be checked with the 2nd left-hand blind spot check being conducted as you move away with a signal, as this is the high risk area
The 'straight reverse' isn't even on the agenda unless you can't keep it in a straight line !! Park straight and reverse straight