“When you have mastered the skill, reversing into bays will normally be easier and often be safer than driving in and reversing out. However, there will be times when driving in is appropriate. For example, if you need access to the boot.
Sometimes, you will get an opportunity to drive through one space, to park in another. This is often the best parking option as it doesn’t involve any reversing, either in or out.
When driving into a bay, you will need to line the car up with the space. If approaching from the left, this means that you will normally have to move across to the right before steering in. Take special care to make sure are that other vehicles are not trying to pass on your left. Signal left to let others know you are turning into the bay.
When approaching from the right, entering the bay is similar to turning right from a main road into a side road. Whether driving in from the left or right, always be prepared to give way to other vehicles and pedestrians. Check your mirrors and blind spots before steering in.
Unless a vehicle in front has moved, you will have to reverse out after driving forwards into car park bay.
Always take special care when reversing out, because other vehicles and pedestrians might be hard to see, especially in poorly lit, multi-storey car parks. It is often a good idea to get a passenger to stand behind and guide you out. Reverse very slowly, looking to the rear. You will also need to make quick glances to the front to make sure that the front of your car is not too close to the vehicles parked beside you.
You will normally have to reverse in a straight line for at least half a car length before you start to steer, because there will not be much room for manoeuvring.
The key points are:
– It will normally be easier and safer to reverse into a bay
– Look for a drive-through space when possible
– Driving into bays is useful if you need to access the boot
– Be prepared to give way to others when driving in
– Get a passenger to guide you out if possible
– Reverse out very slowly checking all around
