Vehicle Controls, Maneuvers and Parking: Precision at Low Speed
Maneuvers test whether you can place the vehicle exactly where you intend. Master the clutch–brake–accelerator relationship (in a manual), the steering technique (pull–push, hands at 9 and 3), and the mirror–signal–maneuver routine for every change of direction.
Core maneuvers: parallel parking, bay parking, three-point turn, hill start, and reversing. Each has a reference point - for parallel parking, align your rear bumper with the front car's rear bumper before turning in; for a three-point turn, use full lock, check all mirrors, and reverse only when the way is clear. Hill starts require clutch bite and handbrake release in sequence to avoid rolling back.
Parking rules: do not park on pedestrian crossings, bus stops, yellow lines, or within 5 metres of a junction; park facing the direction of traffic; use the handbrake and leave the vehicle in gear (or 'P' for automatic).
Traps: questions that ask what to do before reversing (check mirrors, look over your shoulder, and ensure no children or obstacles are behind); questions about rolling back on a hill (the answer is always 'apply the handbrake and use clutch bite'); and questions about parking on a hill (turn wheels toward the kerb when facing downhill).
Rule of thumb: mirror, signal, maneuver - in that order, every time.