Which parking manoeuvres appear on the test?
During your practical driving test in Malta, the examiner may ask you to perform one or more parking manoeuvres. The most common are parallel parking, bay parking (reverse into a bay), and the turn in the road. Mastering these manoeuvres is essential for passing. Check out the driving test routes to discover where these manoeuvres are frequently requested.
Parallel parking
Parallel parking is often considered the most daunting manoeuvre, but with the right technique it becomes straightforward:
- Position yourself alongside the vehicle — Pull up parallel to the car in front of the space, about 50 to 80 cm away. Your rear bumpers should be roughly level.
- Check your surroundings — Look in all mirrors and check the blind spot before you begin.
- Steer to the left — Turn the steering wheel fully to the left while reversing slowly. Keep your speed low and constantly monitor your surroundings.
- Correct your steering — When your car is at roughly a 45-degree angle to the kerb, turn the wheel to the right.
- Straighten into the space — Continue reversing slowly and adjust your steering until the car is parallel to the kerb, no more than 30 cm from the edge.
Bay parking (reverse into a bay)
Bay parking involves reversing your car into a parking bay perpendicular to the road:
- Drive slowly past the bay — Identify the space and drive past it to position yourself correctly.
- Check your surroundings — Look in your mirrors and check the blind spot.
- Turn the wheel fully — Steer fully towards the bay while reversing slowly.
- Centre and adjust — Once the car is straight in the bay, straighten the wheel and continue reversing until properly parked.
Turn in the road
The turn in the road (three-point turn) is a classic test manoeuvre:
- Move forward across the road — Turn the wheel fully to the left and move slowly towards the opposite kerb. Stop just before you reach it.
- Reverse — Select reverse, turn the wheel fully to the right, and reverse slowly until you approach the kerb on your side.
- Move forward — Select first gear, steer left, and drive forward in the desired direction.
Common mistakes to avoid
Steer clear of these frequent errors to boost your chances of passing:
- Going too fast — Manoeuvres require a very low speed. Use clutch control to manage your pace.
- Insufficient observation — Never forget to check your surroundings continuously. Look in your mirrors, turn your head, and check blind spots.
- Hitting the kerb — Striking the kerb during parking is a fault. Keep enough distance without parking too far away.
- Too many corrections — Try to complete the manoeuvre with as few adjustments as possible. Excessive back-and-forth suggests a lack of control.
- Forgetting to signal — Always use your indicators when entering or leaving a parking space.
How to practise effectively
Regular practice is the key to success:
- Start in a quiet area — Find an empty car park or a quiet street where you can practise without pressure from other road users.
- Use reference points — Identify fixed reference points on your car (such as the wing mirrors or rear window) that help you judge your position.
- Practise with markers — Use cones or other markers to simulate parking bays.
- Vary your locations — Practise in different spots to adapt to varying conditions.
Visit the driving test routes in Malta page to explore routes examiners may use, including areas where manoeuvres are commonly tested. You can also check the test centres page for more details.
What the examiner is looking for
During parking manoeuvres, the examiner will assess:
- Your observation before, during, and after the manoeuvre
- Use of indicators
- Speed control
- Accuracy of the final parking position
- The number of corrections needed
- Your composure and confidence
Want to sharpen your parking skills and prepare as thoroughly as possible? Download the SteerClear app to explore test routes and practise on roads that examiners may use. Get ready for your test with confidence!