Learning how to drive can often be a difficult and dreadful process. Preparing for the practical test typically takes about 45 hours of driving lessons and an additional 20 hours of independent driving (with friends or family who have held a driving licence for over 3 years).
Some of the trickiest manoeuvres include the following:
- Parallel Parking
- Three Point Turn
- Reverse Park in Bay
- Reverse in a Straight Line
- Emergency Stop
We will look at them in more detail in this article and show you that there is nothing to fear if you remember to practice with your instructor, as well as independently and follow our simple pieces of advice below.
Parallel Parking
Parallel parking is one of the least favourite driving manoeuvres for all drivers. A study interviewing 2000 motorists claimed that 47% of its respondents have at least once attempted a parallel park only to drive away stressed and frustrated as other motorists were waiting behind them.
A fundamental aspect to remember about parallel parking for your test though is to always carry out a six-point check involving mirror, signal, mirror, look above your shoulder and go when safe to do so. Pay attention to your reference point when reversing and always remember when it’s time to turn your wheel. Your instructor will show you the correct reference point and guide you through the process until you master it. Remember though, if you are asked to perform a parallel park during the test, always stop for pedestrians, delivery robots and any potential hazard, and only resume the manoeuvre once safe to do so.
Three Point Turn
A three-point turn is when you turn into a road (either from a major into a minor or a minor into a major road). Your instructor will probably lead you to a quiet residential area to get some practice initially, and, once you become more confident, test how you do with incoming traffic. Always remember to take your time and only turn into the read once safe to do so, looking for that gap in traffic.
Reverse Park in Bay
Despite involving a reversing element, we promise that a reverse park in the bay is just as easy as a forward park in the bay manoeuvre. Make sure the space you’ve decided to perform the reverse park in the bay is big enough for you to fit in and that you have room to perform the manoeuvre safely. Your instructor will teach you where the reference point is, when to start turning the steering wheel and how to turn it. When both white lines show on your wing mirror you know you’ve done the manoeuvre correctly. Don’t forget that you can carry out a reverse park-in bay in any empty parking space with your friends and family during your independent driving lessons.
Reverse in a Straight Line
This is one of the first moves you will be taught in your driving lessons. It’s fundamental to fully get it right as with it all other manoeuvres required in your test and as a motorist, will be easier. It’s fundamental to constantly check your mirrors when reversing just in case hazards pop up suddenly on the road. We recommend only practising this manoeuvre with your instructor to be on the safe side when it comes to performing it on your test.
We hope our article has given you more peace of mind when it comes to the trickiest manoeuvres. However, should you have any further queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Tags: *New_Drivers *Driving_Manoeuvres *Tips_And_Tricks *Driving_How_To *Driving_Test
Written by Lucrezia | 2.3 min read
16 Jan 2023
