“In this lesson, you will learn how to safely drive into and reverse out of a parking bay on the left.
The key points are:
– Making the choice to drive in
– Driving in safely
– Leaving the parking bay
Reversing into bays will often be easier and 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 when parking against a wall or in a car park where there is not a lot of spaces.
Entering a parking bay on the left is similar to turning left into a side road, however the space is much narrower and so you’ll have to swing out to line up with the bay when the space around you is clear. Move across to the right in order to get enough space to steer into the bay.
Be prepared to give way to any vehicles that are coming towards you or who might try to pass on your left.
Here, the driver signals left to inform others of his intended actions. Keep looking all around as you steer in, aim for the centre of the bay and drive in slowly using clutch control. Secure the car with a handbrake.
In very tight spaces, you might need to shunt back and forwards to line up with the bay. If this is the case, make sure that you take full precautions before reversing. You must be aware of what is happening all around the car.
Keep a constant lookout for pedestrians, especially small children who might be hard to see. Here, the driver waits until the pedestrian is clear of his car before starting to reverse.
Car parks can be hazardous with moving vehicles and pedestrians in close proximity. You must always be prepared to give ways to other vehicles, waiting for them to pass if necessary, before you start to reverse.
While you have to look behind to see where you are going, you need to make frequent glances to the front and sides to make sure it is safe to continue, pausing if necessary as you glance around.
Here, the driver stops to look around when about halfway out of the bay. Remember, you must always be prepared to give way to pedestrians and other car park users.
Finally, when parking in car parks, always lock your car and make sure any valuables are out of sight when leaving your car unattended.”
