Burgess Hill Driving School

Becoming a proficient driver requires mastering various manoeuvres, including reversing, turning, parking, and performing emergency stops. These skills are crucial for safe and confident driving. Here’s a detailed guide to help you improve these essential manoeuvres. For more comprehensive information, visit the Ready to Pass? website.

1. Reversing

Reversing smoothly and safely is a fundamental driving skill. You should be confident in:

• Reversing around both left and right corners, including square and gently curved corners.
• Reversing on level roads, gradients, narrow or wide roads, flat roads, or roads with a camber.
• Reversing into driveways and parking spaces.

Key points to remember:

• Reverse accurately and smoothly.
• Steer correctly.
• Maintain effective all-round observation.
• Reverse without undue delay.
• Account for how the car moves when reversing.

2. Turning the Car Around

Turning your vehicle around safely often involves using a roundabout or reversing into a side street. If these options aren’t available, turning around in the road is necessary.

You should be able to:

• Turn around on both flat roads and roads with a camber.
• Maintain full control.
• Accurately judge the width of the road.
• Observe and respond to other road users.
• Avoid running into or mounting the kerb.

Essential skills include:

• Careful all-round observation, especially checking blind spots.
• Safe response to other road users.
• Coordinating hand and foot controls for smooth movement.
• Correct steering while turning tightly.

3. Parking

Safe and accurate parking is crucial, whether at the side of the road or in a car park bay.

You should be able to:

• Coordinate hand and foot controls for smooth car movement.
• Maintain a reasonable distance from other vehicles.
• Observe all around while manoeuvring, not just relying on mirrors.
• Park legally, safely, and conveniently.
• Perform the manoeuvre accurately and signal when necessary.
• Park without causing danger or obstruction to other road users.

4. Emergency Stop

Effective scanning and reading the road ahead reduce the risk of needing an emergency stop. However, if unavoidable, brake quickly while maintaining full control.

Key points to remember:

• Coordinate the brake and clutch pedals for full control during a stop.
• Understand the limitations of anti-lock braking systems (ABS).
• Know how different road and weather conditions affect safe stopping.
• Control a skid if one occurs.
• Move away safely after making an emergency stop.

Conclusion

Mastering these manoeuvres is essential for safe and confident driving. Practice regularly to improve your skills and ensure road safety. For more detailed guidance, visit the Ready to Pass? website.