Manoeuvres

Reverse parking into a bay, step by step

Bay parking looks fiddly but it is mostly about reference points and slow, controlled steering. Here is a reliable method.

1 min read Beginner Reviewed by an ADI
ME Written by Clear Drive, reviewed by Mark Ellison Approved Driving Instructor · ADI 224189 · Updated 11/06/2026

Set up your position

Drive slowly past the bay you want, keeping a sensible gap from the parked cars. Aim to line your car up so you have room to swing in. Check all around, because observation matters as much as accuracy here.

Reverse and straighten

Reverse slowly while steering toward the bay. Use the lines in your mirrors as a guide, and straighten up once the car is sitting square between them.

If you drift, stop, correct your steering, and continue. A pause to fix your position is always better than rushing it.

Slow car, fast hands. Keep the car barely moving so you have time to steer and to keep checking your mirrors and blind spots.
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