Bay Parking — Forward & Reverse Guide

On the driving test

You may be asked to drive forward into a bay and reverse out, or reverse into a bay and drive out. The examiner will tell you which to do. This usually takes place at the test centre car park.

Reverse Bay Park — Step by Step

1

Pick your bay

Pick your bay

The examiner will tell you to park in a bay. Choose one with empty bays on either side if possible.

2

Position your car

Position your car

Drive past the bay and stop when the bay is roughly level with your rear wheels. Position about 1.5 metres out from the bays.

3

Check all around

Check all around

Check all mirrors and blind spots before reversing. Look behind over your left shoulder.

4

Steer into the bay

Steer into the bay

Reverse slowly, steering full lock towards the bay. Keep checking all around.

5

Straighten up

Straighten up

As your car enters the bay, straighten the wheel to end up centred and straight.

6

Adjust if needed

Adjust if needed

You're allowed to pull forward and readjust once. Use mirrors to check your position between the lines.

Forward Bay Park — Step by Step

1

Approach slowly

Approach slowly

Drive towards the bay at walking pace. Position yourself so the bay is on your left or right.

2

Turn in

Turn in

When the first line of the bay is roughly level with your front door mirror, steer full lock into the bay.

3

Straighten and stop

Straighten and stop

As you enter the bay, straighten the wheel to centre your car. Stop before hitting the end.

4

Reverse out

Reverse out

Check all around, then reverse out slowly. Steer to straighten once clear of neighbouring cars.

Common Faults

Crossing the bay lines
Readjust — you're allowed to. Use your mirrors to check your position.
Not observing enough
Look all around before and during the manoeuvre. Other cars may be moving in the car park.
Going too fast
Keep the car at a slow walking pace. You need time to steer accurately.

Related Guides & Tools

Parallel Parking Guide

Step-by-step parallel parking with reference points.

Emergency Stop Guide

What to expect and how to do it safely.

Common Test Faults

Top 10 reasons learners fail and how to avoid them.

Stopping Distances Calculator

Learn the Highway Code stopping distances.

Practice bay parking in 3D

Try this manoeuvre on real roads near your test centre in our photorealistic simulator.

Start Practising Free