Reverse Parking / Parallel Parking

The three key elements for this manoeuvre  is : 

Control 

Throughout the manoeuvre the speed must be controlled with either the gas and biting point, or the clutch down and brake method. Coasting is not permitted. Steering should be along the lines of the pull/push method. No crossing of the arms.  Your speed must remain very slow and consistent for the duration of the reverse park manoeuvre using the gas and biting point technique. Ideally the car should not stop during the reverse parking manoeuvre unless necessary; but in real life this is not always possible. It is better to stop and start again rather than to reverse too fast, simply because too much speed will mess up any manoeuvre

Observation

All of the observations in the reverse parking manoeuvre are all around observations. When you are in the reversing phase of the manoeuvre you must remember that an all around observation is necessary before every turn of the wheel.

Never reverse towards a pedestrian on the kerb, so if you see one near to the area that you are reversing towards you must stop and apply the handbrake; wait until they have passed and then perform Prepare, Observe Move routine with an all around observation. The same applies if you see another road user except that in this case you would stop and see what they want to do. Let them pass if they can and if they want to. Let them watch if they want to. If they cannot pass because of parked vehicles on the opposite kerb you are expected to recognise this and not stop. If you did stop for any length of time in that position you would merely be blocking the road.

Effective observation cannot be emphasised enough. It is no use just learning when to turn your head. You have to be looking for movement as well. Turning your head at the right time is of use if you fail to see the line of oncoming vehicles.

Accuracy

The manoeuvre must be completed within two car lengths of the vehicle in front. You must also finish parallel and near to the kerb. If you need to correct your position you are allowed to move forward and backwards to get it right, but too much will be not be classed as accurate enough.

Whilst reversing there are several methods that are equally correct to complete the reverse parking / parallel parking manoeuvre, two of these methods are outlined below.  Both methods described   rely on accurately timed and quick steering.

Moving off

As the car is stationary and parked you will need to carry out the POM routine:

PREPARATION :  Clutch down, first gear gas and biting point.

OBSERVATION:   An all around observation is preferred to check for pedestrians as well as other road users.

MANOEUVRE:  Move off gently not forgetting  a second shoulder check.

Where to stop

Pull up a normal passing distance away from the target car and half a car length past it.  Check your mirrors before you stop in case you need to indicate your intention to stop to a following road user. They do sometimes pop out of drives or junctions when you least want them to. Indicate if necessary before stopping for other people. If there is anyone around that you think might benefit from the signal then you should apply it. Stop, apply the handbrake and select reverse gear. Perform preparation and an all around observation before looking over your left shoulder and if its clear start to reverse.

The reverse

The sequence for the steering now can vary upon the method that you have chosen. What does not change is that an all around observation is required before each turn of the wheel. 

METHOD ONE

The order of steer is left, right, right, left. Each turn of the wheel is one full revolution or 360 degrees whichever is the easiest for you to remember. Reverse until the back of your car is parallel with the back of the other one and turn left. At an angle of roughly thirty degrees turn to the right. Reverse a short distance nearer to the kerb (Just long enough to perform an all around observation as it happens) and then turn right. Using the left wing mirror as a guide wait until the car is parallel before performing the last turn to the left to straighten the wheels. Once the car is stationary apply the handbrake and select neutral. 

METHOD TWO

The order of steer is left full lock, right full lock, and left to straighten the wheels. Reverse until the back of your car is slightly past the back of the other one and steer to full left lock. At an angle slightly beyond forty five degrees turn to full right lock. Using the left wing mirror as a guide wait until the car is parallel before performing the last turn to the left to straighten the wheels. Once the car is stationary apply the handbrake and select neutral.