How To Perform A Reverse-Parallel-Park

Reverse-Parallel-Park:

Selecting the Parking Spot:

Look for a suitable parking space that is at least one and a half times the length of your vehicle. Ensure there are no obstructions or parking restrictions in the chosen spot.

Approach and Signal:

Left signal first. Check your blind spot the side you are parking at first. Approach the parking spot at a slow speed and activate your left turn signal to indicate your intention to park.

Position Your Vehicle:

Position your vehicle parallel to the parked cars, (no less than 1 meter from the car your are parallel to) leaving approximately half a car length between your vehicle and the car in front. Ensure you're aligned and parallel to the cars beside the parking space.

Checking for Traffic:

Check your mirrors and blind spots for any approaching vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians. Yield to any oncoming traffic before proceeding.

Prepare for Reverse:

Shift your vehicle into reverse gear and double-check your surroundings. Ensure your mirrors provide clear visibility of the area behind your vehicle.

Observation Sequence:

Look behind through the back window. Perform the observation sequence by checking your rearview mirror, left-side mirror, and over your left shoulder to assess the space behind your vehicle.

Commence Reversing:

Begin reversing slowly, while steering towards the parked car behind the open space. Use gentle steering inputs to control the trajectory of your vehicle.

Monitoring Position:

Continuously monitor your position in relation to the parked cars and the curb. Aim to position your vehicle at a 45-degree angle to the curb as you approach the space.

Straighten Your Wheels:

Once your vehicle's rear bumper aligns with the rear bumper of the parked car behind the space, straighten your wheels by turning the steering wheel to the right.

Continue Reversing:

Proceed reversing until your vehicle's front bumper is parallel with the rear bumper of the parked car in front of the space.

Adjusting Your Position:

Park half a meter from the kerb and no more than 1 meter. While you park, making sure you have at least 1 meter space back and front of your car from other cars. Use subtle steering adjustments to position your vehicle within the space, ensuring it's centered and aligned parallel to the curb.

Completing the Park:

Once properly positioned, shift your vehicle into park (P) or engage the handbrake. Turn off your turn signal to signal the completion of the maneuver.

Checking Surroundings:

Before exiting your vehicle, thoroughly check your surroundings for any pedestrians, cyclists, or approaching traffic.

Exiting Safely:

Open your door cautiously and ensure it's safe to exit. Look out for any oncoming traffic before stepping out of your vehicle.

By meticulously following these detailed steps, you can confidently execute a reverse parallel park between cars in Australia. Practice in a quiet area to refine your skills before attempting the maneuver in busier traffic conditions.

In your driving test, you may be asked to perform a reverse parallel park. Making sure, you follow the steps above. You can do up to 4 manoeuvres. You can't reverse more than 7 meters from the car at front. If you can't park within 1 meter from the kerb or mount the kerb then it turns into an immediate fail item in your practical driving test.

Is touching the kerb is a fail?

No. Brushing the kerb loose one point but not an immediate fail item in your drivers test.

Do I always need to signal?

Yes. always signal left before your maneuvers starts.

Is a reverse parallel park a must thing to do in my driving test?

No. It depends on the driving test examiners on the day. You might get instead a three- point -turn and not a reverse parallel park.

Driving Test Pro, our driving teachers are specialised in reverse parallel park with very simple techniques. Book a driving lesson near you to find out more.