UK Driving Test Manoeuvres — All Four, Step by Step
The examiner will ask you to perform one of four manoeuvres on the day. You don't know which one — so master all four. Here is the exact DVSA-approved technique for each.
Practise with SteerClear Full practical test guide1 — Parallel park
Pull up beside a parked car, roughly level with it, with about a metre of clearance. Reverse steadily: when your rear wheels are level with the parked car's rear, full lock left (or right on one-way streets). Straighten up, creep back, finish within two car lengths. All-round observation throughout.
2 — Reverse bay parking
Most common on test. Find a bay with clear bays either side. Align your car so the target bay is over your shoulder. Reverse slowly, steering so your car tracks into the bay straight. Check mirrors constantly. Stop within the bay markings.
3 — Forward bay parking
Drive into a bay, straighten up within the lines. Once stopped, you'll be asked to reverse out. Observe fully before moving, steer to the correct side of the aisle, straighten up.
4 — Pull up on the right, reverse two car lengths, rejoin
The newest and most-failed manoeuvre. Signal right, check mirrors + blind spot, pull up on the right-hand kerb. Reverse exactly two car lengths in a straight line, all-round observation. Then signal, check mirrors + blind spot, rejoin the traffic.
Common faults on all four
- Poor observation — not checking mirrors or blind spots at the right moments.
- Hitting the kerb — a serious fault.
- Ending up outside the bay markings or more than two car lengths away.
- Taking too long — examiners expect reasonable pace.
How to practise
Repeat each manoeuvre at a quiet time (early Sunday, empty supermarket car park) until you can do it without thinking. Then do it at your actual test centre. SteerClear replays the exact roads and car parks at your chosen centre with live AI scoring.