Bay parking

December 2017: Driving into parking bays is now included in ADI Part-Two. You will find a video about this manoeuvre, and all aspects of bay parking here.

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Although this is an easy manoeuvre in a busy car park, it takes a little time to master the accuracy required to centre your car into an empty bay with no cars alongside to act as reference points – this is how it is sometimes tested.

With a little practise reversing in to a bay becomes easier and safer than driving in. There is less shunting backwards and forwards and therefore less opportunity for scrapes and bumps, or running into children!

Reversing in also has security benefits; it will be easier to get away if you are under threat (or perceive that you might be). You can simply drive forwards, even if a would be assailant manages to open one of the doors.

Click for more information about car park security on the Driving Alone page at smartdriving.co.uk.

If you have not already done so, print and complete your Training Outcomes Worksheet for this unit - you might wish to revise your outcomes before doing the practical exercises.

Next: Read the overview of the manoeuvre in Step 2.