Parking, Reversing and Manoeuvres
Manoeuvres are assessed on observation and control as much as on the final position. Before any manoeuvre - parallel park, bay park, three-point turn, reversing around a corner - stop, check mirrors, look all around including blind spots, and signal if it helps others. Reverse slowly, using the clutch to control speed and the steering to control direction; keep glancing forward and to the sides, not only at the mirror.
Parallel parking: pull alongside the vehicle ahead with a small gap, reverse until your rear aligns with theirs, steer toward the kerb, straighten as you enter the space, and finish close to and parallel with the kerb without touching it. Bay parking: approach wide, use reference points on the vehicle and markings, and correct early rather than late. Three-point turn: check both directions, turn across, reverse with full observation, then forward out - and abort if traffic appears.
Traps: relying on mirrors alone while reversing (blind spots hide children, cyclists and low obstacles); touching the kerb; finishing too far from the kerb; and forgetting to check for traffic before opening the door. On a hill, secure the vehicle with the handbrake and appropriate gear before leaving it.
Worked example: reversing into a space between two cars. Stop, select reverse, check all around, reverse slowly until the rear is aligned, steer in, straighten, stop before the obstacle behind, apply the handbrake, select neutral or park, then check before opening the door.