Reverse Bay Parking

Approach (choose a safe bay & set up)

• Pick a suitable bay: Clear space on either side gives you more room to work with. Slow right down, watch for pedestrians and cars cutting through bays.
• Initial positioning: Keep a sensible distance from the bay rows and align your car so you can reverse in with a smooth arc, from either the left or the right.
• Observation routine: Use mirrors early, then build your 360° observations as you set up — you don’t have priority while manoeuvring.

Routine & reference points (full turns while moving)

• Point of turn: In many hatchbacks, when the passenger door handle lines up with a bay line, that’s a good cue to begin steering. Your instructor may tweak this for your vehicle.
• Steering: Turn to full lock while moving slowly to arc the rear into the bay; avoid dry steering. Keep the car at a creeping pace for control.
• Accuracy: Aim to finish central and straight in the bay. If you’re off-line, it’s better to pause and make a small correction than to force it.

Observations, priorities & reversing aids

• Observations: Before starting, complete a full 360° check. While reversing, look mainly out of the rear and over your left shoulder, glancing ahead for updates. Remember right-shoulder checks before/when you steer right.
• Reversing cameras/sensors: Useful for spotting low obstacles or gauging distance, but they must not replace your all-round observations. Use them briefly; keep your head moving and check mirrors/windows frequently.
• Priority: In car parks, through-traffic and pedestrians often have priority. Be prepared to pause and let others pass.

1. Set up: Choose a suitable bay. Mirrors on, ease off the gas and scan for pedestrians/traffic.
2. Stop straight: Position your car straight before you begin the reverse (as per examiner’s brief).
3. Select reverse & prepare: Engage reverse; keep the car at a gentle creep. Build your 360° observations.
4. Point of turn: When your passenger door handle aligns with the near bay line, begin steering into the bay (full lock while moving).
5. Arc in slowly: Keep very slow; avoid dry steering. If you’re drifting off-line or a hazard appears, pause and correct.
6. Central & straight: Use mirrors to compare both white lines. Make a small shunt (pull forward then continue) if needed to finish accurately.
7. Finish & secure: Reverse until you’re fully in the bay. Secure the car with the handbrake and select neutral/park. If safe and necessary, you may briefly open your door to double-check your position after securing.
8. Exit (when asked): When leaving, do a full 360° check, reverse straight back to clear neighbouring cars, then steer to exit — pedestrians and through-traffic take priority.

• No waving people on: It can mislead others — show intent with your position and slow speed instead.
• Short shunts are fine: If the first angle won’t work, stop, adjust and try again — safely.
• Aids are aids: Use camera/sensors briefly; your eyes and all-round checks are what the examiner looks for.
• Slow car, fast hands: Keep the car creeping while steering decisively so corrections are easy.