Reverse parallel park

Reverse parallel parking is a manoeuvre in which the driver reverses a vehicle into a narrow parking space, typically between two cars parked along the curb, so that the vehicle is positioned parallel to the edge of the road. It is commonly known as parallel parking or reverse parking. However, during the VicRoads driving test, examiners will not require candidates to park behind a vehicle unless there are at least two empty parking spaces available for reversing into.

When performing a reverse parallel park, you must:

• Completes the reverse park in no more than 4 vehicle movements and no more than 2 minutes

• Check mirrors and signal left for a minimum 3 seconds before coming to a stop next to the parked car

• Looks out the rear window immediately before reversing

• Does not reverse more than 7 metres behind the rear of the vehicle in front

• Finishes with the front and rear left wheels within 300mm of the kerb

• Finishes with the front of the car between 1 - 2 metres behind the rear of the vehicle in front

• Does not hit the kerb heavily enough to cause discomfort to the vehicle occupants

When leaving the park:

• Check mirrors and indicates right for at least 5 seconds

• Make a head check after activating the turn indicator and immediately before pulling out from the kerb

• Pulls out from the kerb in either 1 or 2 movements (1 reverse movement if required and 1 forward movement)