Introduction
This guide is designed to help you understand and execute essential driving manoeuvres required for your driving test. The five manoeuvres covered are: Moving Off from the Kerb, Three-Point Turn, U-Turn, Angle Park, and Reverse Parallel Park. Each section provides step-by-step guidelines and checklists to ensure you perform these tasks safely and correctly. Following these instructions will help you meet the test expectations and enhance your driving skills. Remember, practicing these manoeuvres will build your confidence and competence on the road. Good luck!
For information on the Six Immediate Fail Items and how the Scoring System works, please read the following two links:
1. Moving Off from the Kerb
Guidelines:
- Identify a Suitable Space: Find a parking space large enough for your vehicle.
- Apply the Handbrake: Ensure the handbrake is firmly applied to keep the vehicle stationary.
- Check the Rearview Mirror: Look for vehicles or pedestrians behind before signaling.
- Signal to Move Off: Activate the right-hand turn signal for at least five seconds.
- Prepare to Move: With your foot on the brake, shift into drive (automatic) or first gear (manual).
- Perform Final Checks: Look in your rearview mirror, side mirrors, and over your right shoulder.
- Move Off: If safe, release the handbrake and gently accelerate away from the kerb.
Checklist:
- Select a safe and legal parking space.
- Check the rearview mirror.
- Signal for at least 5 seconds.
- Check mirrors and blind spots again.
- Release the handbrake and accelerate smoothly.
- Cancel the signal after moving off.
- Perform in the correct sequence.
Note: Follow the sequence to ensure safety and meet test expectations.
2. Three-Point Turn
Guidelines:
- Select Starting Position: Find a safe and legal spot.
- Move Off: Follow the moving off procedure; use the handbrake if necessary.
- Cross the Road: Steer quickly to the left, leaving about 1 metre from the right kerb.
- Prepare to Reverse: Select reverse gear; use the handbrake if necessary.
- Check Surroundings: Look right, left, and behind before and during reversing.
- Reverse Across the Road: Steer quickly to the right, leaving about 1 metre from the left kerb.
- Prepare to Move Forward: Select first gear or Drive.
- Check Before Moving Forward: Look left and right before driving forward.
- Move Forward: Ensure full control without obstructing traffic.
Checklist:
- Start from a safe and legal position.
- Follow the moving off procedure.
- Cross the road in full control.
- Prepare to reverse and check surroundings.
- Reverse across the road in full control.
- Prepare to move forward and check surroundings.
- Move forward without unnecessary obstruction.
Not Yet Competent Conditions:
- Failure to follow steps 1-9.
- Rolling contrary to the intended direction.
- Touching the kerb or not completing the manoeuvre within boundaries.
Note: One attempt allowed.
Reference: CBTA guideline for 3 point turn. p.s: the CBTA standard may not the same as the VORT standard.
3. U-Turn
Guidelines:
- Select the Right Spot: Choose a legal and safe position.
- Mirror Check and Signal: Check the rearview mirror and signal.
- Vehicle Placement: Position correctly to avoid reversing or hitting the kerb.
- Execute the Turn: Maintain control, check blind spots, and accelerate after turning.
- If Necessary: Stop at a junction if needed and wait.
Checklist:
- Choose a legal and safe spot.
- Signal and check mirrors.
- Position vehicle correctly.
- Execute without reversing or hitting the kerb.
- Avoid disrupting other road users.
- Maintain control throughout the turn.
Notes:
- Abort the U-turn if conditions change.
- One attempt allowed.
- Follow Australian Road Rules.
4. Angle Park
Guidelines:
- Approach the parking bay from an angle.
- Signal intention and drive into the bay without reversing.
- Position vehicle within the designated bay, parallel to the lines.
- Centralize the vehicle in the bay if possible.
Checklist:
- Signal and check behind.
- Position within the bay on the first attempt.
- Observe surroundings.
- Stop with the front no more than 300 mm from the kerb.
Exiting the Parking Bay Checklist:
- Observe surroundings before and during reversing.
- Complete the manoeuvre in one attempt.
- Reverse only as necessary.
- Check directions and signal before moving off.
Not Yet Competent Conditions:
- Failure to follow guidelines.
- Selecting an inappropriate gear.
Notes:
- One attempt allowed.
- Vehicle must be wholly within the bay and within 300 mm from the kerb.
5. Reverse Parallel Park
Guidelines:
- Start from within the parking bay; reverse if needed.
- Use the moving off procedure.
- Position vehicle for reversing.
- Reverse into the bay without touching poles or kerb.
- Complete with no more than two changes of direction.
Checklist:
- Check blind spots before and during reversing.
- Use the moving off procedure.
- Exit the bay without touching poles or kerb.
- Finish with left wheels within 300 mm of the kerb and between poles.
Not Yet Competent Conditions:
- Failure to follow guidelines.
- Obstructing traffic unnecessarily.
Notes:
- One attempt allowed.
- Refer to IFI section for any rule violations.
Follow these guidelines to perform each manoeuvre safely and correctly, meeting the requirements for the driving test.
