I passed my test about 2 weeks ago and I have sorted insurance out on my mums car a couple of days ago. I am still getting used to the clutch and it being abit bigger than what I was used to, but I cannot to bay parking.
The test centre I went to didnt ask you to bay park, (only two of the three, turn in the road, parallel park and reverse round the corner.) I spent while in a car park the other day practicing trying to park and its now really happening! I seem to be able to get in the space in the end, but go over the lines alot on the way in - I couldnt park if anyone was parked at the side of me!!
Has anyone got any tips or techniques they could suggest? Thanks!
When I was learning I got taught to start reversing and put the wheel on full lock when the door handle of my car gets to the third line before the space I want to get into (it's quite hard to explain!) but now I'm in a car with no power steering it's hard to get that right, so I have to judge it myself...if I think I'm going to go over, I go forward a bit to straigfhten up and then reverse in. But usually I can;t be arsed to do that and just drive in forwards! It's easier reversing out!!!
Last edited by lovelee-jublee : 22-02-2006 at 14:57.
I think i use the same technique as lil_lee and it is hard to explain so i will draw a picture
Drive up so that line 4 is in line with your mirror and then as soon as you start to reverse lock to the left.
That makes it sound easy but it depends how far away from the cars on the left you are etc so you still have to watch where you are going. If it looks like your going to hit then just drive out and start again.
For safety reasons (to enable a quick exit in case of fire or other emergency) do not forget to 'reverse park' in the bay. (ie with front of carfacing forward).
I had a difficulty bay parking, but since my test centre didn't examine you on bay parking either I never really worked on it that much.
You say you'd never be able to park between two cars, but I actually find this a lot easier. The lines in the road are difficult to see when you are reversing into the space, especially when you get close. Two cars on the other hand are impossible to miss, so as long as you can actually drive the car, and always have it under control (that way the chance of you hitting them is much reduced) perhaps try parking between two cars?
I had a difficulty bay parking, but since my test centre didn't examine you on bay parking either I never really worked on it that much.
You say you'd never be able to park between two cars, but I actually find this a lot easier. The lines in the road are difficult to see when you are reversing into the space, especially when you get close. Two cars on the other hand are impossible to miss, so as long as you can actually drive the car, and always have it under control (that way the chance of you hitting them is much reduced) perhaps try parking between two cars?
That's what my instructor said - between cars gives you something to aim for...also on my test he said the best space is by the wall so you've got a clear marker, but I was too scared of walloping the car at that point!!!
just stick the wheel on full lock when you get three lines before your bay, hope for the best! I had one on my test, it was fine. if youre not quite straight, bring it back forward and turn a little earlier! theyre really not that hard
i was taught to look through your rear side window while reversing and as soon as you seen the far corner of the car you are reversing next to, full lock the direction your heading and as long as you can still see the corner of the car you will not hit them.
I tend to drive up to the space from as far away as i can, then drive towards it then back away from it, whilst braking, so that when I stop the rear of the car is roughly pointing at the space. Then it's just reversing and turning into the space, using the wing mirrors to look down the side of the car to see where you are in relation to the space. By the time you're about a third of the way into the space, you'll be near-enough straight on in the space, so look back and reverse straight in.
As people have said, it is actually easier if there are cars next to the space you're going into, because they're easier to see than the lines on the floor.
Yes but it takes more time on the way in, and usually you goto part at a peak time e.g. around lunchtime and that just pisses people off, also I would have to time how long it takes to drive nose out because it takes seconds to reverse out
Argument two
Its safer to drive out nose first because you can see better.
You should be checking anyway no matter what way the car is facing, unless you have two H2's each side of you your vision will not be any more obscured.
Argument three
I am being chased by people who want to abduct me so it is quicker to drive out nose first.
It is probably quicker under duress but really, don't be paranoid. You are not in the SAS and aliens do not want to stick things in your spleen. Car parks are perfectly safe as long as you don't live in a chavland or the urals.
I can only park where there's only one car next to me, or in disabled spaces! Luckily, my sister is disabled and most of my friving is picking her up or dropping her off.
I can only park where there's only one car next to me, or in disabled spaces! Luckily, my sister is disabled and most of my friving is picking her up or dropping her off.
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Bay Parking
I love your picture!!! 
I did draw it by hand at first and then realised i havent got the software installed for my scanner 
Re: Bay Parking
