In short
Forward bay: aim diagonally so the bay sits to the left of your windscreen, then turn into it once your shoulder is level with the line. Reverse bay: drive past, stop with the third line visible in your left mirror, full left lock, reverse slowly while watching the nearside line. Both manoeuvres are about line awareness, not speed.
Updated 2026-06-06 · 6 min read · By Driving Routes Editorial
Forward bay parking
Approach at a slight angle. As your shoulder lines up with the painted line of the bay you want, full lock toward the bay. Straighten as your bonnet centres in the bay. Stop with at least a couple of feet to the front line.
Reverse bay parking
Drive past the bay you want. Count the lines passing your driver's window. Stop when the third line is visible in your left mirror (right mirror if you are reversing right). Full left lock, reverse slowly while watching the nearside painted line track equally in your mirror.
Common faults
- Reversing too fast (control fault).
- Hitting the line (control fault if minor, fail if dangerous).
- Looking only at mirrors — examiner expects over-the-shoulder observation too.
- Ending up partly in the next bay — repark, control fault at worst.