Driving Test Manoeuvres

Which manoeuvres could you be asked to do?

You won’t know which manoeuvre you will be asked to complete until the examiner gives you the instruction during your test. You could be asked to complete one of the following:

• Parallel parking – reverse into a parking space at the side of the road.
• Reverse bay parking – reverse into a parking bay and drive forward out.
• Forward bay parking – drive forward into a parking bay and reverse out.
• Pull up on the right and reverse – pull up safely on the right-hand side of the road, reverse about two car lengths, then safely rejoin traffic.

What is the examiner looking for?

During the manoeuvre, you need to demonstrate good control and effective all-round observation. You should remain aware of pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles and anything else that could affect what you are doing.

Your observations should continue throughout the manoeuvre. If another road user approaches, you need to recognise the potential risk and respond appropriately.

The aim isn’t simply to memorise reference points. You need to show the examiner that you can control the car, observe effectively and make safe decisions throughout the manoeuvre.

Can you correct the manoeuvre?

Don’t assume that a manoeuvre has gone wrong simply because the car isn’t exactly where you wanted it to be. If necessary, you can adjust while maintaining good observations and control of the vehicle.

What matters is how you deal with the situation. Stay calm, keep the car under control, and keep checking around you before making any correction.

Emergency stop

You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop. This is separate from the reversing manoeuvre and is included in approximately one in every seven driving tests.

The examiner will explain the procedure before asking you to perform the emergency stop. You will need to react quickly, stop the car under control and make effective observations before moving away again.

Practising your driving test manoeuvres

The more experience you have carrying out manoeuvres in different locations, the easier it becomes to judge the car’s position and movement. Try not to rely entirely on memorised reference points. Learn to understand where the car is and where it is going.

Practise Between Your Driving Lessons

Manoeuvres become easier with practice. During your lessons, concentrate on slow-speed control, accurate positioning and effective observations rather than simply trying to memorise reference points.

During private practice, try manoeuvres in different suitable locations so you become comfortable judging the car’s position for yourself. Remember to keep looking around throughout the manoeuvre and respond appropriately to pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles.

You can practise these skills with an appropriate supervising driver between your professional driving lessons.