Driving Test Manoeuvres
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How To Do All The Reversing Manoeuvres Required For Your Driving Test!
You will need to know how to perform all of the following four reversing manoeuvres for your Practical driving test. The examiner will ask you to do ONE of them during your test:
Reverse Around A Corner - (reversing into a junction - either to the right or left)
Turn In The Road (aka "3 Point Turn") - (turning in the road using reverse gear)
Bay Parking - (reverse parking into a bay)
Parallel Parking - (reverse parking on the road)
You can't choose which manoeuvre you do on your driving test, so you need to know how to do ALL of them correctly!
Each of the manoeuvres requires careful vehicle control whilst taking effective observations to deal with other road users and pedestrians.
In addition, around one in every three test candidates will be asked to perform an emergency stop.
Many learner drivers worry about the reversing manoeuvres required for the driving test, but if you learn how to do them properly and get plenty of practice, they're a lot more straightforward than they seem at first glance!
Read on for links to detailed step-by-step instructions and video tutorials on how to do all the manoeuvres required for your driving test.
Reverse Around A Corner - (reversing into a junction - either to the right or left)
Turn In The Road (aka "3 Point Turn") - (turning in the road using reverse gear)
Bay Parking - (reverse parking into a bay)
Parallel Parking - (reverse parking on the road)
You can't choose which manoeuvre you do on your driving test, so you need to know how to do ALL of them correctly!
Each of the manoeuvres requires careful vehicle control whilst taking effective observations to deal with other road users and pedestrians.
In addition, around one in every three test candidates will be asked to perform an emergency stop.
Many learner drivers worry about the reversing manoeuvres required for the driving test, but if you learn how to do them properly and get plenty of practice, they're a lot more straightforward than they seem at first glance!
Read on for links to detailed step-by-step instructions and video tutorials on how to do all the manoeuvres required for your driving test.
The content of this page is copyright of CDT (author) February 2012. Please DO NOT copy or reproduce elsewhere either in print or online.
The advice given on this page has been written by fully qualified Driving Standards Agency Approved Driving Instructors (DSA ADIs) and is intended only for UK drivers and those taking the UK Practical Driving Test.
Please be aware that road traffic legislation and what is considered good driving practice varies throughout the world!
Can You Choose Which Manoeuvre You Do On Your Driving Test?
No you can't choose which manoeuvre you're going to do!
The examiner will decide which manoeuvre they want you to demonstrate and there's no discussion or arguments allowed!
Driving Test Manoeuvres
All the manoeuvres you could be asked to carry out on your UK Practical Driving Test!
How To Reverse Around A Corner
Reversing around a corner into a side road on the left on your driving test
Reversing around a corner involves reversing your vehicle approximately 2 - 3 car lengths into a side road (usually on the left) under control and reasonably close to the kerb.
Click the link below for detailed step-by-step instructions and video tutorials which will show you how to reverse around a corner (right click the link to open in a new tab or window)
Click the link below for detailed step-by-step instructions and video tutorials which will show you how to reverse around a corner (right click the link to open in a new tab or window)
How To Do A Turn In The Road (aka "3 Point Turn")
Turning in the road using forward and reverse gears on your driving test
Turning in the road involves turning your vehicle around within the width of the road to face in the opposite direction by use of forward and reverse gears.
This manoeuvre is often (incorrectly) referred to a "three point turn", but there is no restriction on the number of "turns" you can make - three turns is (obviously!) the minimum amount in which you can turn around to face the other way, but depending on how wide the road is, you may take five turns or more!
Click the link below for detailed step-by-step instructions and video tutorials which will show you how to do a turn in the road (right click the link to open in a new tab or window)
This manoeuvre is often (incorrectly) referred to a "three point turn", but there is no restriction on the number of "turns" you can make - three turns is (obviously!) the minimum amount in which you can turn around to face the other way, but depending on how wide the road is, you may take five turns or more!
Click the link below for detailed step-by-step instructions and video tutorials which will show you how to do a turn in the road (right click the link to open in a new tab or window)
How To Bay Park
Reversing into a parking bay on your driving test
Bay parking involves reversing into a marked parking bay either to the left or the right.
This manoeuvre is carried out at the DSA Test Centre car park either at the beginning or end of the test. NB - you will not be asked to perform the bay parking manoevure at Test Centres that do not have a suitable car park. Check with your Test Centre or driving instructor to find out whether bay parking is carried out at the centre where you will be taking your test.
Regardless of whether your Test Centre has the facilities to carry out this manoeuvre, learning how to reverse properly into a parking space is a skill that will be invaluable to you once you pass your test - I highly recommend that all learner drivers should know how to bay park!
Click the link below for detailed step-by-step instructions and video tutorials which will show you how to bay park (right click the link to open in a new tab or window)
This manoeuvre is carried out at the DSA Test Centre car park either at the beginning or end of the test. NB - you will not be asked to perform the bay parking manoevure at Test Centres that do not have a suitable car park. Check with your Test Centre or driving instructor to find out whether bay parking is carried out at the centre where you will be taking your test.
Regardless of whether your Test Centre has the facilities to carry out this manoeuvre, learning how to reverse properly into a parking space is a skill that will be invaluable to you once you pass your test - I highly recommend that all learner drivers should know how to bay park!
Click the link below for detailed step-by-step instructions and video tutorials which will show you how to bay park (right click the link to open in a new tab or window)
How To Parallel Park
Reverse parallel parking on your driving test
Parallel parking involves reversing your vehicle to park behind another vehicle which has been parked next to the kerb.
Click the link below for detailed step-by-step instructions and video tutorials which will show you how to parallel park (right click the link to open in a new tab or window)
Click the link below for detailed step-by-step instructions and video tutorials which will show you how to parallel park (right click the link to open in a new tab or window)
How To Do An Emergency Stop
Emergency stop on your driving test
The emergency stop involves showing the examiner that you are able to stop your vehicle as quickly as possible whilst under control should an emergency situation arise while you were driving.
Unlike the four set reversing manoeuvres, the emergency stop does NOT require you to reverse your vehicle, but as one in three test candidates will be asked to perform the emergency stop exercise and it's often regarded as a "driving test manoeuvre", I've included it here.
Click the link below for detailed step-by-step instructions and video tutorials which will show you how to do an emergency stop (right click the link to open in a new tab or window)
Unlike the four set reversing manoeuvres, the emergency stop does NOT require you to reverse your vehicle, but as one in three test candidates will be asked to perform the emergency stop exercise and it's often regarded as a "driving test manoeuvre", I've included it here.
Click the link below for detailed step-by-step instructions and video tutorials which will show you how to do an emergency stop (right click the link to open in a new tab or window)
Can You Take Your Seatbelt Off When Reversing On Your Driving Test?
Yes, you can take your seatbelt off when carrying out any of the reversing manoeuvres on your driving test - but it's not advisable!
It's very easy to forget to put it back on afterwards - which won't impress the examiner at all!
Further Help
If you need more help, here's a few links to some highly recommended books and software that will not only help you to pass your driving test, but will teach you good, safe driving practice - for life!
Recommended PC Software: "Driving Test Success"
The Driving Test Success range of learner driver software from Focus Multimedia
Driving Test Success All Tests 2012 Edition (PC)
by Focus Multimedia Ltd
"The best and most comprehensive learner driver product on the market." - Approved Driving Instructor News
* THEORY TEST - all the OFFICIAL DSA revision questions, explanations and practise questions
* HAZARD PERCEPTION TEST - practice hazard perception video clips
* PRACTICAL TEST - 50+ video tutorials
* MOCK DRIVING TEST - watch a mock driving test from inside the car
* ROAD SIGNS TEST- test yourself on road signs
* The Highway Code
* Learn anywhere on your iPod, mobile phone or portable music player
Back to driving test manoeuvres index
Recommended DVD: "Driving Test Success" (no computer required)
Interactive DVD version of the Driving Test Success range of learner driver software from Focus Multimedia
Driving Test Success All Tests DVD 2012 Edition (Interactive DVD)
by Focus Multimedia Ltd
For those who don't have access to a computer, this interactive DVD is invaluable. It will run on a DVD player or DVD compatible games console and enables those without a PC to get useful visual help and practice for both the Theory and Practical tests.
DVD 1 - THEORY TEST
DVD 2 - HAZARD PERCEPTION TEST
DVD 3 - PRACTICAL TEST
Gain the confidence and knowledge you need to pass your Driving Test using this fully comprehensive DVD.
Includes more than 50 video driving lessons and tutorials for all the manoeuvres required on your driving test.
Back to driving test manoeuvres index
Recommended Book: "Driving: The Essential Skills"
The Official DSA Guide to Driving: The Essential Skills
The Official DSA Guide to Driving: the essential skills (Paperback)
by the Driving Standards Agency
This book has been written by the Driving Standards Agency - the people who set the driving test!
This book explains clearly and precisely all the skills you need to show the examiner during your driving test and how to achieve them.
If you drive to the standard outlined in this book, not only should you pass your driving test, but you will be a safe and considerate driver after you pass.
Back to driving test manoeuvres index
How To Pass Your Driving Test
Links to more information pages to help you pass your driving test!
Right click the links below to open in a new tab or window
More Information About The UK Theory Test
Theory and Hazard Perception Test
Traffic Signs Quiz
Preparing For Your Driving Test
Learning To Drive A Car
How To Find A Driving Instructor
How To Beat Driving Test Nerves
What Happens During The Practical Driving Test
Practical Driving Test (Cars)
Study Aids For Learner Drivers
Recommended Books For Learner Drivers
Best DVDs For Learner Drivers
Gift Ideas For Learner Drivers
Foreign Language Translations For The UK Driving Theory Test
Theory Test In Punjabi
Theory Test In Urdu
Theory Test In Polish
More Information About The UK Theory Test
Theory and Hazard Perception Test
Traffic Signs Quiz
Preparing For Your Driving Test
Learning To Drive A Car
How To Find A Driving Instructor
How To Beat Driving Test Nerves
What Happens During The Practical Driving Test
Practical Driving Test (Cars)
Study Aids For Learner Drivers
Recommended Books For Learner Drivers
Best DVDs For Learner Drivers
Gift Ideas For Learner Drivers
Foreign Language Translations For The UK Driving Theory Test
Theory Test In Punjabi
Theory Test In Urdu
Theory Test In Polish
Driving Test Talkback!
Comments or questions about taking your driving test? Ask here!
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bt55
Nov 14, 2010 @ 11:23 pm | delete
- Beginning drivers need every advantage possible. Good informational product. We are in the US and had not considered the differences in beginning driver preparation and testing .
Well Done and Thanks to you !
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Reply
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MiltonKeynesDrivingLessons
Jul 21, 2010 @ 5:44 pm | delete
- Great page, I like your tip about not taking off your seat belt when manouvering, it can be very easy to forget it's off (unless your car beeps at you like a maniac :P )
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Driving Test Maneuvres - Index
How to do all the maneuvres required for your UK driving test
- Can You Choose Which Manoeuvre You Do On Your Driving Test?
- How To Reverse Around A Corner
- Reversing Around A Corner Tips
- How To Do A Turn In The Road (aka "3 Point Turn")
- Turn In The Road (3 Point Turn) Tips
- How To Bay Park
- Bay Parking Tips
- How To Parallel Park
- Parallel Parking Tips
- How To Do An Emergency Stop
- Emergency Stop Tips
- Can You Take Your Seatbelt Off When Reversing On Your Driving Test?
- Further Help
- Recommended PC Software: "Driving Test Success"
- Recommended DVD: "Driving Test Success" (no computer required)
- Recommended Book: "Driving: The Essential Skills"
- How To Pass Your Driving Test
- Driving Test Talkback!
- Driving Test News
Driving Test News
- Black boxes to cut cost of motoring for young drivers
- Like the black boxes installed on aircraft, Telematics record information about the pilot - or driver's - actions. The units measure speed, acceleration, G-force and mileage. Aggressive manoeuvres and fast cornering are flagged up on a small dashboard ...
- P-plate driver blows 0.033
- Police immediately approached Alexander, 18, who admitted to the dangerous manoeuvre, telling officers he was being stupid, the court heard. Detecting a smell of liquor on his breath, police breath tested the P-plater and he returned a breath/alcohol ...
- Licence test to get tougher
- Learner drivers will be expected to have at least 120 hours of driving experience before sitting the one-hour-long restricted test which will judge their ability to manoeuvre the car through a three-point turn, a parallel park and reverse around a ...
- F1: Lotus new 2012 driver Raikkonen tops day one in Jerez pre-season test
- Kobayashi, who has been famous for his feisty and daredevil manoeuvres over the past few seasons, did not disappoint in terms of the performance he delivered in testing today. The Japanese driver completed an astonishing 106 laps in the C31, ...
by CDT
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