Leslie Massey
Reverse parking is a common requirement in driving tests across Australia, and it's a useful skill to have, especially in urban areas. While it can be a tricky manoeuvre to master, it's generally considered safer than parking nose-first, as it gives drivers better control of their vehicle and improves their field of vision. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps of reverse parking, from finding the right spot to adjusting your mirrors and turning your steering wheel. We'll also offer some tips for practising this skill so you can confidently reverse park like a pro.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Reverse parking is a difficult skill to master, with many drivers avoiding it due to a lack of confidence. |
| Safety | Reverse parking is generally considered safer than forward parking, as it allows drivers to have a better view of the traffic when leaving the space, reducing the risk of collisions. |
| Legality | Reverse angle parking is not permitted on the side of the road, nor in the centre of the road. |
| Manoeuvring | Reverse parking requires attention and skill to avoid collisions and ensure the safety of those around you. |
| Practice | It is recommended to practice reverse parking in empty car parks, quiet suburban streets, or in your driveway. |
| Car dimensions | Being aware of your car's dimensions will help you assess whether a parking space is large enough and how much leeway you have when reversing. |
| Observation | It is important to check your mirrors, blind spots, and surrounding traffic when reverse parking. |
| Distance | When reverse parking, maintain a distance of at least half a metre to one metre between your car and the car you are parking behind. |
| Speed | Approach the parking space at a walking pace. |
| Steering | Turn the steering wheel to the left or right, depending on your car's position relative to the kerb, to manoeuvre into the parking space. |
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What You'll Learn
Reverse parallel parking: how to do it
Reverse parallel parking is a common requirement in driving tests across Australia. It is a useful skill to have, especially when navigating urban areas. This type of parking is generally considered safer than driving into a tight space nose-first, as it allows drivers to maintain better control of their vehicle and park more precisely.
- Identify a suitable parking space: Find a space that is large enough for your vehicle. The space should be at least one and a half times the length of your car. Most designated parking spots are marked with lines and are large enough for an average car. If there are no markings, you can estimate the length of the space by pulling up alongside it and looking to see if you have about one metre in front of and behind your car.
- Position your car: Slowly drive in front of the parking space. Your rear bumper should be just in front of the space. Turn on your left indicator to signal that you intend to reverse park. As you approach the car you will be parking behind, check your central and side mirrors. Pull up next to the car at a walking pace, leaving a gap of about half a metre to one metre between your car and the parked car.
- Prepare to reverse: Line up the middle of your back passenger window with the rear tail light of the car in front. Put the car in reverse. Check your mirrors and blind spots, and look behind you to ensure the way is clear.
- Turn the steering wheel: Turn the steering wheel fully to the left and let the car begin to move by taking your foot off the brake. Continue reversing at an angle, judging the clearance to the car in front of you, until your car is parallel to the curb and within 30-45 centimetres of it. Your car should be at least one to two metres from the vehicles in front and behind.
- Straighten the wheels: Once your car is straight and parallel to the curb, turn the wheel one and a half turns to the left so that the wheels are in the straight position.
- Final adjustments: Put the car in drive and move forward slightly, stopping about one metre from the car in front. Congratulations, you have just completed a reverse parallel park!
Remember, practice makes perfect. Learners should frequently practice their driving manoeuvres to become comfortable with reverse parallel parking.
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Reverse angle parking: what's the difference?
Reverse angle parking is a safer alternative to traditional pull-in angle parking. Instead of pulling forward into a parking space, drivers back into an angled stall. This technique is also known as back-in diagonal parking, reverse diagonal parking, or reverse echelon parking (in the UK).
The primary difference between back-in and pull-in angle parking is the effect on following through traffic. Pull-in angle parking does not delay through traffic when parking, but the driver must find a gap when leaving the space. With back-in angle parking, the parking manoeuvre delays through traffic, but pulling out is easier and safer. When leaving a back-in angle parking space, drivers have an unobstructed view of oncoming traffic, reducing the risk of collisions with pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles. This improved visibility also enhances safety for children and cyclists.
In some places, the angle of reverse angle parking is aligned with the direction cars approach the parking space, allowing drivers to drive into them forwards. In other places, drivers are required to reverse into the angled space. This is often found on wide streets with room for traffic to pass. Reverse angle parking can provide more parking spaces in a given length of street, depending on site conditions.
Reverse angle parking is a relatively new concept that is becoming more popular due to its safety benefits. It is particularly useful for older drivers who have difficulty backing into moving traffic. In some cities, parallel parking adjacent to bicycle lanes is permitted, but angle parking eliminates the hazard of the "door zone". Reverse angle parking positions the back of the vehicle next to the pavement, allowing safer loading and unloading of the boot.
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How to reverse into a parking spot
Reverse parking is often considered the better and safer way to park your car. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reverse into a parking spot:
Firstly, find a suitable parking space. The space should be at least one and a half times the length of your car. This is important for the parking manoeuvre to be successful and safe. Once you have found a space, slowly drive in front of it, so your rear bumper is just in front of the space. Turn on your indicator to signal your intention to park.
Next, check for other vehicles in front and behind you, using your rearview camera or mirrors. As you approach the car you will be parking behind, check your central and side mirrors and indicate left. Pull up about half a metre away from the car, at a walking pace. Line up the middle of your back passenger window with the rear tail light of the car in front. Put the car into reverse and check your mirrors and blind spots again.
Now, turn the steering wheel to the left and slowly begin to reverse your car. Continue to check your mirrors and blind spots as you reverse, judging the clearance to the car in front of you. Once you are parallel and within 30-45 centimetres of the kerb, and at least 1-2 metres from the vehicles in front and behind, straighten your wheels and stop.
Congratulations, you have just reversed into a parking spot! With practice, you will become more competent and confident with reverse parking.
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How to reverse out of a parking spot
Reverse parking is generally considered the safer option when parking in Australia. It allows drivers to have better control of their car and to park more precisely, minimising the risk of hitting other cars or obstacles.
To reverse out of a parking spot, first, check your mirrors and indicate that you intend to leave. It is important to be mindful of any pedestrians, bikes, or vehicles approaching from both directions on the footpath and the road. Use your rearview camera and sensors if your car is equipped with them, but do not rely on them entirely. Combine their use with your mirrors and head checks. Before moving, lower your windows and turn down the radio to listen for approaching hazards.
Once you are clear to go, place your car into reverse and start turning the steering wheel, slowly moving out of the parking spot. As you do this, continue to check your mirrors and blind spots. If you are reversing out of a parallel parking spot, you may need to adjust your position by driving forward or backward until you are in a good spot to exit.
When you are clear of any obstacles, straighten your steering wheel and, if necessary, creep forward to the correct position. If you are parked on a hill or sloping driveway, turn your wheels in a direction that prevents your vehicle from moving into the path of traffic in case the brakes fail. Once you are in a safe position, you can indicate and enter the flow of traffic.
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Why reverse parking is safer
Reverse parking is considered the safer option for several reasons. Firstly, it improves safety when leaving the parking space, as the driver can see the surroundings more clearly and has an unobstructed view of traffic, reducing the risk of collisions with pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles. Backing out of a parking space, on the other hand, means navigating into unknown and changing traffic, with a hindered view due to nearby parked cars.
Secondly, reverse parking helps to maintain better control of the car and allows for more precise parking, reducing the risk of hitting other cars or obstacles. It is also easier to see what is behind you when reverse parking, making it more likely that you will be able to stop in time if a pedestrian or another car is in your path.
Additionally, reverse parking can improve traffic flow. Forward parking can sometimes block traffic flow in both directions, creating dangerous situations for other drivers. In contrast, reverse parking allows cars to park closer to the curb, making it easier for pedestrians and cyclists to navigate safely.
Finally, reverse parking can help to prevent accidents and save lives. Research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that 12,000 pedestrians and cyclists were injured, and 284 were killed, by vehicles backing up in non-traffic areas such as driveways and parking lots. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable in these types of incidents.
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