Four Tips For Bay Parking

Parking in bays is one of the things that many new learners struggle with, as it requires them to maintain control of the vehicle while also observing everything around them as they reverse into fairly tight spots. It is enough to make even the most confident learner drivers a little nervous when they first attempt it, so it is important to understand the technique behind the manoeuvre and to follow these pointers to make sure that you get it right.

Take Your Time

You don’t need to rush your efforts during your test, as you will generally have about four minutes to complete the manoeuvre. As such, you need to take your time, make sure that the vehicle is aligned properly and take it nice and slow. Furthermore, by keeping the car as slow as possible you will also maintain much more control over it, which will make your parking efforts much more accurate in the process.

Be Wary of Slopes

While the majority of carparks that you attempt the move in will be completely flat, there may be occasions when you are asked to park in a bay that is one a slight slope. It is important that you maintain clutch control, as allowing the car to roll a little bit constitutes giving up control of the vehicle, which will count as a mark against you on your test. Make use of the handbrake if you need to and find the bite point every time to make sure you stay in control.

Always Observe

You need to constantly look around to demonstrate to your examiner that you are looking for any potential hazards ahead. Use your mirrors effectively so that you can align the vehicle properly and ensure that the manoeuvre is being completed properly, but also make sure that you check your blind spots and that you are looking all around the car, just in case there is somebody nearby who is not paying attention.

Don’t Worry About Other Cars

Ideally, your instructor will select a carpark that is fairly quiet, giving you the chance to try the manoeuvre without having to worry about causing issues for other vehicles. However, this does not guarantee that other cars won’t come into the carpark while you are trying to park. If this happens, don’t allow yourself to become stressed out by the other vehicle. Most drivers will understand that you are a learner and will exercise a little patience with you while you try to get things right.

Persevere

Practice makes perfect in practically every aspect of driving, so it is important that you keep plugging away at the manoeuvre until you manage to get it right. If you know that the vehicle is on the wrong track, make the necessary adjustments or even consider restarting the move. This may be classed as a mark against you, depending on the leniency of your instructor, but even then you will be getting valuable practice in completing the move when under pressure, which can prove invaluable in later tests.