Prepare the space
Select a legal, reasonably sized parking bay and assess its layout before you begin. Look for pedestrians, shopping trolleys, children, bollards and vehicles that may move. Position the car according to the manoeuvre your instructor has taught for that parking arrangement. Signal when required, but remember that an indicator does not give you priority over other traffic.
Reverse with constant observation
Before selecting reverse, check mirrors, look over your shoulders where possible and use any fitted camera or sensors as supplements only. Reverse slowly enough to stop immediately if a person appears behind the vehicle. Continue checking forward as well as backward: the front of the car can swing out while you steer into a bay. Pause whenever your view is blocked.
Use reference points wisely
Your instructor may show alignment markers on the windows, mirrors or door handles. These can help you learn the geometry, but they change with car size, seating position and parking-bay dimensions. Do not depend on a single reference point while ignoring the actual space. If the car is crooked, stop, check around and make a controlled correction instead of steering sharply at the last moment.
Finish by securing the vehicle
Straighten the wheels as needed, park fully within the marked area and leave enough clearance for passengers or neighbouring vehicles. Apply the parking brake and choose the correct transmission position according to the vehicle manual. Before opening the door, check for approaching cyclists and other traffic.
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