Vehicle controls, manoeuvres and parking
This domain tests smooth control, systematic observation and legal parking. The examiner looks for a routine you can repeat under pressure: prepare the car, check around it, signal your intention and move only when the way is clear.
Control and observation
Before moving: seat, mirrors, seatbelt, doors, neutral gear and handbrake. Use mirror–signal–manoeuvre and a shoulder check for the blind spot. Brake and steer smoothly; avoid coasting in neutral. Keep both hands on the wheel except when changing gear.
Manoeuvres and parking
Park on the right, in the direction of traffic, with the handbrake on and a gear engaged. Downhill, turn the wheels toward the curb; uphill, turn them away from the curb where there is a curb. Do not park within 5 m of a junction, on a crossing, on a bend, at a bus stop or where you block access.
Worked example
Parallel parking: pull alongside the car ahead, reverse until your rear aligns with its rear, apply full lock toward the curb, straighten as you enter, then reverse gently into the space. Before opening the door, check the mirror and look over your shoulder for cyclists.
Traps
Skipping the blind-spot check; parking against the flow of traffic; forgetting the handbrake; opening a door into a cyclist; swinging wide without signalling.