Bay Parking – UK Driving Test Guide

Bay parking is one of the key maneuvers tested in the UK driving practical test. You may be asked to perform this maneuver either at the beginning or the end of the test, typically in a driving test centre car park or a public car park. Mastering bay parking demonstrates control, awareness, and accuracy when parking in designated spaces.

What is Bay Parking?

Bay parking involves positioning your car neatly inside a marked parking bay without crossing the lines. In the UK driving test, you may be asked to:

  1. Reverse Bay Parking – Reverse into a bay and drive out.
  2. Forward Bay Parking – Drive forward into a bay and reverse out.

The examiner will specify which maneuver you must perform. If the test centre does not have bay parking facilities, this maneuver will not be tested.

Types of Bay Parking

Bay parking can be categorized into two types based on how you enter the bay:

  1. Reverse Bay Parking
  2. Forward Bay Parking

Reverse Bay Parking

This is the most commonly tested method because it provides better visibility when exiting.

Step 1. Choose a Suitable Bay

  1. The examiner may assign or let you choose.
  2. Ensure enough space on both sides.

Step 2. Position the Car

  1. Stop about one car’s width away from the bays.
  2. Keep the car parallel to the bay lines.
  3. Align your rear wheels with the third line from the target bay.

Step 3. Prepare and Observe

  1. Handbrake on, select reverse gear, and signal (left or right).
  2. Do a full 360° observation – mirrors and both shoulders.
  3. Wait if anyone is nearby (pedestrian or car).

Step 4. Start Reversing

  1. Release handbrake and reverse slowly.
  2. Turn the wheel full lock towards the bay.
  3. Keep checking mirrors and blind spots throughout.

Step 5. Adjust if Needed

  1. If not straight, pause and realign.
  2. Use mirrors to check you're inside the lines.

6. Stop and Secure

  1. Straighten wheels once fully inside the bay.
  2. Apply handbrake and go to neutral (manual) or park (auto).

Reverse Bay Parking

Forward Bay Parking (Right-Side Bay)

Sometimes, the examiner may ask you to drive forward into a bay and reverse out.

Step 1. Choose and Prepare

  1. Pick a bay with space on both sides, if possible.
  2. Keep far left for max turning space.

Step 2. Position and Align

  1. Drive until your right wing mirror lines up with the first line of the target bay.
  2. Do a full 360° check. Wait if any cars or pedestrians are nearby.

Step 3. Enter the Bay

  1. When clear, turn full right and drive in slowly.
  2. Stay inside the bay lines; adjust if needed.
  3. Stop, straighten wheels, apply handbrake, and go to neutral/park.

Step 4. Check Your Position

  1. Compare your wing mirror with nearby parked cars – if mirrors align, you’re properly in the bay.
  2. If unsure, secure the car, open your door briefly to check (then close it!).
  3. Adjust if needed before asking the examiner to check.

Step 5. Reversing Out

  1. Before reversing, do a full observation (mirrors + blind spots).
  2. Reverse slowly, watching both sides for traffic or pedestrians.

Forward Bay Parking

Common Mistakes That Cause Test Faults

  1. Failing to check mirrors and blind spots before moving.
  2. Misjudging the angle and ending up outside the bay.
  3. Crossing the white bay lines (minor or serious fault depending on severity).
  4. Reversing too quickly without control.
  5. Not adjusting when incorrectly positioned.

Tips for Passing the Test

  1. Go slow – Smooth, controlled movements are key.
  2. Use your mirrors – Regular checks to stay safe.
  3. Keep calm – If it’s not perfect, correct it rather than forcing it.
  4. Practice in a test centre car park – Many have different bay layouts.

Additional Resources