By The Acclaim Team on January 13, 2021 in News
You can be a confident driver preparing for the test, but even some of the best drivers struggle with basic driving maneuvers, including parking in the parking bay, backing into the parking bay, parallel parking and emergency braking.
Whether you have already booked your test or are just starting to learn to drive, it is absolutely essential that you understand the driving test maneuvers and how best to demonstrate them. Because the driving test examiner will ask you to perform a random maneuver, it is important that you perform all four maneuvers successfully and confidently.
Of course, there are other important driving maneuvers that are not included in the driving test but are still important for you to learn when you become a self-employed driver.
This guide explains the driving test maneuvers you should demonstrate during your driving test, with some expert tips on how best to perform them.
parking bay
One of the most important maneuvers is parking in the bay, a basic maneuver you probably use every time you drive your car. Parking in the bay is divided into two front and rear parking maneuvers. While many prefer Advanced Bay Park, reversing Bay Park is much safer and, in some cases, much easier than Advanced Bay Park.
However, knowing how to safely demonstrate both maneuvers is vital as you may be asked to demonstrate during your driving test, but you may only be able to demonstrate one.
Your examiner will ask you to select a parking space to enter, which you must maneuver into while staying within the lines.
Forward bay parking
You should start by choosing a bay that is easiest for you, remembering to avoid bays with vehicles on either side if you can.
Move to the left and give yourself plenty of space and time to prepare. Check your mirror and blind spots to plan your turning point and ensure you disrupt pedestrians and other motorists as little as possible.
Make sure the path is completely clear before going fast while moving slowly. Turn the fully locked steering wheel to maneuver the vehicle into position, then straighten and slowly drive forward until fully in the passenger compartment. Stop the vehicle and apply the parking brake.
To get out of the bay, you need to do all the necessary checks – make sure all blind spots and mirrors are checked before going into reverse. Start backing up to your reference point and do a U-turn until clear. Shift into first gear, display, check, then drive on.
parking backwards
Choose your bay and try to position yourself in the middle of the street to have enough room to maneuver, with about two cars behind the bay, which is usually the third line of the bay.
Adjust the steering wheel fully and slowly steer the vehicle back into the chosen parking space. Take your time and check your side mirrors as you go. As you enter the bay, check your mirrors and straighten until the waylines are on either side of the vehicle. Keep going backwards and stop when you're fully paid off. Shift the transmission into neutral and apply the handbrake.
If the examiner tells you to get out, shift into first gear and point left or right before getting out. Be sure to check all mirrors and blind spots, and be on the lookout for pedestrians or other drivers.
Parallels Park
The most complex maneuver for many is parallel parking, which involves critical positioning, slow movement, and checking blind spots and mirrors at each corner. The trick is to reverse slowly but steer quickly.
If your examiner asks you to demonstrate parallel parking, you will be asked to park in a gap behind another vehicle that is pulling alongside. This maneuver is important to learn if you live in a city or where parking is restricted where you live, such as on a row house street.
To start, pull over to the side of the car and position yourself in your seat so that the driver's or passenger's side window lines up with the front of the vehicle next to you (or the rear bumper if the car is rear-facing). is. in the opposite direction).
Check your mirrors and blind spots and keep an eye on the rearview mirror. Fully lock the steering wheel and back up slowly as you approach the parallel parking space. Line up the rear tires with the rear bumper of the other car in front of you (or the front bumper if the car is facing the opposite direction).
Stop the car and check your mirrors and blind spots. Turn the steering wheel back a full turn and keep the reverse drive smooth and steady. Once you see the curb in the rear-view mirror and the vehicle in front is clear, turn the steering wheel another full turn. Keep steering and driving backwards until you are parallel to the curb.
Make sure the car is positioned so that there is enough space on either side for other vehicles to drive away safely. If necessary, straighten up and apply the handbrake to secure the car.
Pull up on the right
Turning right is one of the most controversial maneuvers in the DVSA driving test, as it encourages novice drivers to exit where drivers are generally advised not to park against the flow of traffic. However, stopping to the left is not always possible when there is parking only on the right side of the road, so it is important to learn this maneuver safely for the future.
Your examiner will ask you to stop on the right side of the road if it is safe to do so before backing up two cars and then safely back onto the road.
To safely demonstrate proper footing, you must first find a safe location that avoids curbs, turns, or intersections and where it will least disturb other drivers. It's also important to ensure you have full visibility of your surroundings from where you intend to stop.
Use your mirrors, signal, then maneuver to safely turn right, first checking that there is no one in your blind spot. Unfortunately, if you don't check your blind spots, you won't pass the test. Before stopping the car, stop in a safe place and bring the vehicle parallel to the curb to avoid obstacles for oncoming vehicles. Stop the car and put the handbrake on.
When pulling away, check your blind spots and your mirrors before slowly reversing two cars before stopping and re-applying the handbrake. Once it's safe, point left and back up safely, getting back on the road.
emergency stop
While we understand that the emergency stop is not necessarily a maneuver, your examiner may ask you to demonstrate it safely during the DVSA test. The emergency stop tests your ability to stop the vehicle quickly without losing control and demonstrates your awareness of the hazard and your speed of reaction. It is therefore worth preparing for the hazard awareness part of your theory test!
Your examiner will brief you before asking you to demonstrate emergency braking, so you know in advance what to expect. The examiner will first check your mirrors and blind spots before making sure the road is clear (in both directions) before shouting "stop" and raising your hand.
Emergency stops aren't always convenient, and for some, they can even be frightening. However, it is a critical maneuver and can save lives as it prepares you for the worst-case scenario.
It is important that you wait for instructions and act immediately. It is also important that you know if the vehicle has ABS (anti-lock braking system) or not before taking the test as this will change your reaction. If the vehicle has ABS, you must press the brake pedal and the clutch at the same time. However, there may be occasions when you need to brake and clutch - so you need to check with your instructor beforehand.
Practice leads to perfection
Pass your driving test with confidence and hit the road fast with our industry-leading driving instructors. All of our teachers are super friendly and it's quick and easy to book online or call the office and a member of staff will walk you through your options.
Here at Acclaim Driving we are always here to help you with your driving test needs. If you have any questions about passing the driving test, we are happy to help or call us on 0800 838 440. Book your driving lesson now or contact us for more information.