When reverse parking during a driving test, you must be extra keen to ensure you don’t mess with the other cars when backing into the space.
If you are reverse parking for the first time, I recommend you start with a larger space rather than squeezing the car in between others.
Reverse parking adds to your visibility when leaving the parking space since your car’s front will be facing the road, giving you a clearer view than driving into the space.
Let’s learn more about reverse parking for an easier time during your driving test. Keep reading
How to Reverse Park Like a Pro
1. Find the Right Spot
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The first thing you should do is find the right spot to park your car. If you are doing this as a beginner, I recommend a space that’s not between cars. However, you must learn how to reverse park between them.
A space without cars on the sides increases visibility and reduces your chance of colliding with other vehicles. Remember the parking rules for an effortless encounter.
2. Drive Past the Parking Space
After finding the appropriate parking space, you can drive past the parking space such that the rearview mirror aligns with the outside line. The rear bumper should be at the third line from the space you are about to pack your car.
The line gives you a visual reference, and you can pull forward and turn your car in perfectly. Aligning with the third line works for sedans, and if you have a truck or SUV you might have to move to the fourth line.
3. Turn on Your Signal
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Turning the signal might seem to be an obvious thing but as a beginner, you might forget to do it when backing up in your driving test which means you will lose some marks.
Turn the signal in the direction of the parking space, and it will signify to everyone behind you that you intend to get into the space. Turn on your emergency hazards or blinkers to alert other drivers of your intention to back into the parking space.
4. Shift to Reverse and Turn the Wheels
Shift your car in reverse and if your parking space is on the right, turn the wheels to the right until they lock whether you are right or left-handed.
Before reversing your car check that no cars or pedestrians are approaching using your rearview mirror especially if you are parking in a busy or public parking lot.
5. Glance in All Directions
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Before you reverse your car, turn your head to check the direction in which you are reversing. Don’t think of your backup camera at this time since you are not allowed to use it during your driving test.
Pull the car forward and turn a little away from the spot to give yourself enough room to check the surroundings as you keep backing.
6. Continue Moving Backward
Move backward slowly to ensure you do it correctly, remember the examiner is watching what you are doing.
Start straightening the car’s steering wheel as you enter the spot. The best guide to straightening is when the rear bumper gets halfway into the space. With more practice, you will easily straighten the wheels to make them parallel to the spot.
Reverse with the wheels straight until the car is fully in the spot. Check that the car doesn’t touch the lines that mark the parking space and that the front bumper is even with the end of the lines. Be careful enough not to hit the curb or the car behind you.
Don’t forget to glance at the mirrors as you look over your shoulders when reversing.
7. Adjust the Car Accordingly
Check that the car sits well in the parking space; you can even open the door to ensure it’s in the correct position. Don’t panic if the car isn’t straight in the parking space, you can pull forward and get in again.
Shift your car to parking mode and let the examiner comment on whether he is satisfied before you get ready to move out of the space and continue with your driving test.
When opening the door after angle parking, your car is gentle enough not to hit the car next to yours. The parking allows you to move out smoothly.
Can I Use Cones for Reverse Parking?
Practicing reverse parking with cones will help you master the art since they will indicate the way to follow for effortless parking. Keep the cones while observing the dimensions of a parking space.
Ensure that the cones are well set and should be tighter on the passenger’s side which proves tough. Follow the above step for angle parking, and you can read our article on parallel parking with cones for more information.
What are the Reverse Parking Tips When Parallel Parking in a Driving Test?
Parallel parking requires you to reverse your car before entering the parking space. You must check that you are well-positioned before reversing into the parking space.
At this point, your mirrors are vital and help to ensure that you leave a good space between the curb and that you won’t hit the car behind you.
Parallel parking can be draining at times, and when parking for your driving test, don’t be in a hurry, take your time and do it precisely, and your examiner will understand. For more information, check out our article on how to master parallel parking.
How do I Reverse Park to the Left?
Regarding reverse parking on the left, there’s no difference in the steps to follow when reverse parking on the right. The only change is you should align your car tires to the left before backing up by turning the steering wheel to the left and then a little turn to the right.
Ensure you check the left mirror to ensure there’s enough spacing and the rearview mirror to check there are no obstacles.
Final Thoughts
Reverse parking during your driving test requires you to be very keen. With more practice before the test, you will maneuver easily. Your mirrors are vital in parking plus don’t forget to signal your intention of parking in the space.
Prepare adequately for a test to avoid tension and panic. Your examiner may request you to show your skills in reverse parking to the right, left, or parallel parking. The above simple reverse parking tips will help you capture every detail in reverse parking.