Bay parking techniques

You may be asked to perform either forward or reverse bay parking during your practical test. This is often done at the test centre car park at the start or end of your test.

Reverse bay parking

Method 1: 90-degree approach

1. Position your car at a 90-degree angle to the bay
2. When the first line of the bay reaches your left mirror, full lock left
3. Check around constantly while reversing
4. Straighten up when you're in the bay
5. Adjust position if needed

Method 2: Angled approach

1. Drive past the bay at a slight angle
2. Look over your left shoulder to target the bay
3. Steer towards it while reversing
4. Adjust steering as needed to centre in the bay

Forward bay parking

1. Approach at a slight angle if possible
2. When your right mirror is level with the left line, steer right
3. Straighten as you enter the bay
4. Stop with a safe distance from any obstacle ahead

Tips

• Take it slowly. there's no time limit
• Use reference points your instructor teaches you
• It's fine to pull forward and adjust
• Stay within the lines and reasonably central