Welcome to Section Five

What are you like in a tight space? This section is all about slow speed manoeuvres...

Did you know that bumps in car parks cost insurance companies £millions every year in the UK alone? The photo shows a car park bump in Northern Ireland - they don't mess about there!

"OK" I hear you say, my car has reversing sensors and so I'm immune. Not so, many bumps happen when going forwards! Plus, if a toddler runs out behind your car, the sensors will be too late...

By the end of this section you will be able to get your car into places that other drivers just can't reach! Safely...

Set manoeuvres

The UK Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency use a series of set manoeuvres during Learner, Part-Two and Cardington tests to examine low speed control and the driver's ability to maintain effective observation when manoeuvring in tight spaces – the information in this section is based on these manoeuvres and covers virtually all slow speed eventualities.

Because all the slow speed manoeuvres required share three common factors – Observation, Control and Accuracy – I have linked them all together in this section's main study and practise sessions.

Low speed manoeuvring is an area of driving that anyone should be able to perfect without the need for special training. All you need to do is to find somewhere quiet and practise. The theory of manoeuvring is covered in DVSA Driving Manual (Essential Skills) and in these notes.

The commentary driving project, will help you to continue with the development of your talking skills and start to develop a 'talk-through' style of commentary. This will help you to plan your driving better and is essential if you are completing this course as part of your training to become a driving instructor.

This week starts with the basics of Observation, Control and Accuracy. Get plenty of practise with manoeuvres – especially your observation.