In short The examiner asks for one of three reversing exercises: parallel parking behind a parked car, parking in a bay (reverse in and drive out, or drive in and reverse out), or pulling up on the right, reversing about two car lengths and rejoining the traffic. You also do a normal stop, pull out from behind a parked car and a hill start, and on some tests an emergency stop.
Updated 9 November 2026 · Source: GOV.UK car driving test guidance, checked 9 November 2026
The three reversing exercises
- Parallel parkingReverse in behind a parked car, within about two car lengths
- Bay parkingReverse in and drive out, or drive in and reverse out
- Pull up on the rightStop on the right, reverse about two car lengths, rejoin
Every one is marked on the same things: control (slow and smooth), accuracy (where you finish) and observation (looking all round, all the time, and reacting to other road users). Observation is where most marks are lost.
Practise on roads like the ones around your test centre with the Driving Test Routes app
Pull up on the right
- When the examiner asks, check mirrors and signal right, then cross to the right-hand side of the road when it is safe, and stop reasonably close and parallel to the kerb.
- The examiner asks you to reverse for about two car lengths. Before moving, look all round, including both blind spots.
- Reverse slowly in a straight line, looking mainly out of the back window and checking ahead and to the sides.
- Stop, and when asked to drive on, look all round again, signal if it helps anyone, and rejoin the left side of the road when it is safe.
Common faults: crossing in front of oncoming traffic, poor observation while reversing (especially over the left shoulder) and pulling away into the path of other traffic.
Stops and starts
- Normal stop: pull up at the side of the road in a safe, legal place, using mirror, signal, manoeuvre.
- Pulling out from behind a parked vehicle (the angled start): look all round, including the blind spot, and steer out without clipping the car in front.
- Hill start: move off on a slope without rolling back.
- Emergency stop: on some tests only. Stop quickly and under control when the examiner gives the signal.
Manoeuvres no longer on the test
The turn in the road and reversing round a corner were dropped from the car test in December 2017, so you will not be asked to do them. They are still useful skills to learn.
Take a mock test that scores your stops, braking and smoothness
Frequently asked questions
How many manoeuvres are on the driving test?
One reversing exercise (parallel park, bay park, or pull up on the right), plus a normal stop, pulling out from behind a parked vehicle, a hill start, and on some tests an emergency stop.
Can I choose which manoeuvre I do?
No. The examiner chooses, so practise all three.
Can I correct a manoeuvre if it goes wrong?
Yes. Pulling forward to correct the position is allowed if you do it safely and keep looking all round. Taking several corrections, or hitting the kerb, can be marked as a fault.
Is the turn in the road still on the test?
No. The turn in the road and reversing round a corner were removed from the car test in December 2017.
Read next
Practise on the roads around your test centre
The Driving Test Routes app turns your phone into a practice coach for the practical test.
- Practice routes around UK test centres, with voice directions
- Mock tests that score the drive and list the faults to work on
- All 21 show me tell me questions, with photos of each control
- An emergency stop drill that times your reaction