Skill 17: Reversing
You should be able to reverse smoothly and safely while under complete control. This includes reversing to the left and right around sweeping curves and sharp corners.
You need to be confident reversing:
- Around a left and a right corner – including square and gently curved corners as well as on the straight
- On a level road
- On a gradient
- On a narrow or wide road
- On a flat road or one with a camber
- On the left and right-hand sides of the road
- Into driveways
- Into and out of parking spaces
You should know how to:
- Reverse accurately and smoothly
- Steer in the correct manner
- Make use of effective all-round observation
- Reverse without undue delay
- Take account of the way the car moves when you’re reversing
Skill 18: Turning the car around
To turn the car around, it’s often easiest and safest to use a roundabout or reverse into a side street. However, if these options are not available, you should be able to turn the car around in the road.
You need to be able to turn the car around:
- On a flat road or one with a camber
- Under full control
- Accurately judging the width of the road
- While looking for and responding to other road users
- Without running into or mounting either kerb
You should know how to:
- Observe carefully all around throughout the manoeuvre, especially checking their blind spots
- Respond safely to other road users
- Coordinate the hand and foot controls so the car moves smoothly
- Steer in the correct manner while turning as tightly as possible
Skill 19: Parking
You should be able to park safely at the side of the road or using a bay in a car park.
You need to be able to:
- Coordinate your hand and foot controls well, so that the car moves smoothly
- Keep a reasonable distance from other vehicles
- Observe all around while manoeuvring and not just rely on mirrors
- Know where you’re allowed to park so that it’s legal, safe and convenient
- Perform this manoeuvre accurately, signalling when they need to
- Park without becoming a danger or obstruction to other road users
Skill 20: Emergency stop
You should be able to scan and read the road ahead to cut down the risk of having to make an emergency stop.
When carrying out an emergency stop, you should be able to brake as quickly as possible while keeping the car under full control.
You need to know:
- How to coordinate the brake and clutch pedals so that the car comes to a stop under full control
- The limitations of anti-lock braking systems (ABS)
- How different road and weather conditions can affect stopping safely
- How to control a skid if one occurs
- How to move away safely again after you’ve made an emergency stop
