Driving skills syllabus

20   Reverse parallel park

Aim

• To legally and safely reverse parallel park between two stationary vehicles. 

Situation

• In a 50km/h zone.
• On a two-way road where there is 50 metres of visibility ahead and behind, and with a suitable place to park between two vehicles. 

Note: the first time you practise this, it's a good idea to try the steps without parking between other vehicles or by using cones (if available).

The driver should

• Indicate right for at least three seconds before positioning the vehicle to the left of the parking space. Position the vehicle just ahead and parallel to the space (normally this will be alongside the vehicle parked in front of the space).
• Indicate right for at least three seconds before reversing.
• Search all around for hazards, using mirrors and a head check.
• When it's safe to go, reverse right into the parking space. Once the back of the vehicle is well into the parking space, bring the front of the vehicle in to the right, without touching other vehicles or the kerb.
• Get the vehicle parallel to the kerb (within 300mm) and within the parking space with equal space in front and behind the vehicle. 
• Use no more than four direction changes to straighten the vehicle.
• Put the gears in neutral (manual) or park (automatic) and put the handbrake/park brake on.
• After successfully parking, safely re-enter the traffic flow.
• Perform the tasks at least two times.