Today, I successfully passed my driving test with just 2 minors. Your thorough explanations of every topic truly dispelled all my doubts about navigating UK roads. Your dedication to each learner's progress is immensely valued and appreciated. Thank you for your exceptional guidance! ❤❤❤❤❤
A great tip my sister once told me, when reversing, you steer the direction you want to move your back wheels. If you want the back wheels to go right, steer to the right.
i got my first car last weekend , a 2010 Ford Fiesta 1.2L :) :) your videos are a massive part in passing the UK driving test :) :) thank you from the bottom of my heart Richard :) :)
Richard, after months of watching your videos after being recommended them by an ex-student of yours, and being encouraged by success stories in your comments, it was finally my turn to pass yesterday - with 3 minors. I couldn’t have done it at all without the help of your channel. Thank you so much for all of your hard work! ❤
Such a nice video for your country. Driving in India, you have to keep in mind the traffic behind will blow your ears off - and if you acquiesce: steal your parking space 😢
Another one I would add is turn off the stereos and wind down the windows, sometime you do indeed pick up things you cannot otherwise see, and your visibility might also improve. My most frightening experience was a cyclist that came out right around the corner behind me when I was reversing, glad I was doing a very slow speed. From that moment onwards, I always make sure to use my hearing when backing out, and try my best not needing to back out of a space.
As an ADI who has been teaching learners for over 20 years, in a word: Excellent. Well done Richard on a superb episode. Brilliantly explained and I applaud you for debunking the '3 lines' bay parking method. I sincerely wish I'd had a driving instructor like you when I learned to drive back in 1972.
My best tip is essentially to picture where your rear wheel is, and realize this is what determines where you'll end up. I say this after about 10 years as a garbage truck driver, where reversing is definitely a must-have skill. Best is of course if you can physically see your rear wheel which is tricky in most cars but easy in a lorry. In fact, most cars (modern anyway) are horribly difficult to see out of compared to a lorry.
I have a wee smart car it is the most difficult to reverse park. The wing mirrors are not fit for purpose. I struggle to reverse and end up driving nose in
What helped me enormously with reversing was driving a van - there’s no rear window, so it’s all on the door mirrors - but because you can place the corners of the van easily, you quickly learn how to position it - and confidence grows quickly. I also think that reversing on the door mirrors (using the over the shoulder for occasional checks for pedestrians or other vehicles) works well. Most modern cars allow you to angle the mirror glasses down momentarily so that you can see the kerb. Parallel parking took a while longer to master, but, I’ve never had a driveway, so I’ve had plenty of practice! Even if I had a reverse camera, I’d still use the mirrors and over the shoulder look!
You are the best. All the instructors should teach their pupils how to reverse. I have taken nearly 200 hours of driving and even after I passed I still need to go now into an empty car park and to learn how to reverse so I don't panic when I have to park. Thank you for this video.
im curious, how many driving hours is required in your country? in mine, i only had to take a minimum of 8 hours before i am allowed to take the driving test. by the way, im already driving my car for a month now and still struggle with parking but i've seen improvement in myself and i think we all just need practice. good luck on your driving!
Been watching you for the last year, passed my test 2 weeks ago and got my first car (Fiat 500 X after learning in a Volkswagon Polo) and everything you have said in this video is spot on, so much is different, especially as my own car is quite a bit larger than what i learned in, I always find myself coming back to your channel for advice, even now when i've passed so thank you for your content, it is appreciated 🏴🙂
I'm not even a learner (passed in 1999) and I'm still fascinated by these videos. Most of us are not great at reversing and like you I was taught methods that only worked in 1 car. I was taught to look at where the car is in a corner window. But that corner window varies in placement between cars. Also how many turns to put on in a non power assisted corsa. My first car had different steering ratio and thus 2 turns in that car did not do the same in mine!
I was taught to pass the driving test by the RAF, then I was taught how to drive over several day and nights by the same instructor. Skid pan, night driving, motorway driving and dozens of reversing manoeuvres in many situations and a few different vehicles. I left the course quite confident. And now 45 years later I am still accident-free except for a slip on black ice that caught many locals the same night.
Passed my test in Barnet (come visit the worst potholes in the country) yesterday on my first attempt. Your videos were a substantial part of me learning to drive. Thank you so much for all the hard work you put into them.
In Malaysia, those who wants to get a manual license will not be taught reverse parking, only parallel parking. I was taught like this when i learn how to drive. No reverse parking, only parallel parking. Those who wants to get an automatic transmission license gets to learn both reverse and parallel.😂 After i passed my test. I straight away watch Richard's videos on how to reverse parking. And OF COURSE, it helped a lot.
I passed my test over 50 years ago and now don't really enjoy driving. However, your videos have helped me immensely to develop better habits and techniques which make being on busy and often fast roads much less stressful. Thanks, Richard.
I pass my driving test first in Germany on a mark 2 VW Jetta turbo diesel in 1987. At the time I was not told the difference of a diesel and petrol and when I passed my test I was driving my fathers VW Jetta Mk 2 but petrol and I was stooling the car continually, because while on the petrol car it is compulsory to accelerate while the clutch is coming, something no need at a diesel vehicle, but I wasn't told my at the time my instructor. I also was told not to dry steer, but the reason was that those days cars did not have power steering, since it was an expensive option and of course dry steer was almost impossible. I have always dry steer in any car with power steering for parking, and never caused me any problems. You are doing a good job telling people how to drive properly and also helps old folk like me to improve.
Steering was exactly why i never understood how to steer properly while learning how to drive. I was thinking about how much to steer rather than where the car goes. I couldn't understand why the car wasn't going where i wanted when i steered the wheel a specific amount. Speed affects steering. Driving a terios (higher car so better front visibility) and watching your videos along with 2 other uk instructors on youtube helped me massively; it changed the way i am thinking about steering from how much the wheel turns to where the car is going. Drove a similar hight car to the one i learned in a couple of days ago for the first time after passing my test 9 months ago and i had no problem with steering it. Also the 2005 daihatsu terios i primarily drive now (family car) doesn't have hydraulic steering while both the 2004(?) fiat punto ( my brother's car) and the 2008-2009 hyundai i10 (my instructor's car) do. Way easier the hydraulic steering but the steering on the terios helped me feel the car a bit better and it also straightens the car very well by itself so it is easier on turs (you still need to control it though as sometimes you don't need it to straighten that fast and others you have to straighten it faster)
Hi mate just wanted to say I've passed my test today at sidcup first time trying 2 minors along with my instructors help I followed your videos and found them invaluable thank you for your videos and helping appreciate your channel
I learned so much from you. My biggest problem with learning to reverse however is being nervous and most of all the very impatient "seasoned" drivers. Thanks for your videos they are very helpful
Nice lesson, I haven't driven for 20 years, and trying to drive again. I find the video very useful. It is True that driving instructors generaly spend inssuficient time on teaching how to do parking manouvers. Cheers 🇷🇸
Hi Richard, i passed my manual driving test today with 5 minors i just wanted to say thanks for all the videos ive been watching over the years as they have really helped me with my test.
@@ConquerDriving one thing I learnt from you that helped the most was whenever I downshifted from 3rd to 2nd the car would always jolt and I didn’t know how to stop it until I saw your video on it where you said hold the clutch to the bite point then release it
In Ireland we don’t have parallel parking or reverse bay parking in the test so I’m useless at those. But hopefully I can use this video and practice. Thank you.
Reversing is easier than going forwards. Take a look at this channel's other excellent videos about reversing. It's thanks to Richard that my reversing is as good as it is.
You're spot on about the set of instructions, my experience learning to drive in France, especially during Coronavirus : teachers/schools (in France at least) don't teach you to become skilled, they don't have the time (mostly because you don't have infinite money). They teach you to pass a specific test with specific tasks (setup your seat, wheel and mirrors, city, road, fast lane/motorway, one manoeuvre between parking in a spot they chose and reversing in a straight line, 100% of the times it's parking, often parallel and reverse park and three questions on what's under the bonnet, usually focusing on liquids that require maintenance). So in the end the driving test cannot act as a testament to your skill, only as a proof that you are not an outright danger on the road and you have decent decision making and know the basics of road sharing, road safety, parking and car maintenance. In fact I believe the whole system supports this outlook on the exam : (in France at least) all communication and ads for schools focus either on fast presentation to the exam or success rates of an individual school or freelance instructor. I've had my license for two years (yeah still got that A sticker) and I was scared af back then : coming from a Clio 4, I was thrust into a 2001 Twingo! No beeps, though at least parking was mostly a non issue with how diminutive the car is. I rented a Skoda Fabia after for a week a year into my license and broke the side mirror reversing out of my yard into the road!! My first rental in the UK that same summer, I was a stressed out wreck because instead of a small Corsa, I was comped into an enormous (to me) Vauxhaull Mokka. The only thing that really helped was having my partner as a copilot and a rearview camera. And we did take a country road I had to reverse in as I knew we had passed a good place to give way. Now two years into it I feel better but only because I've practiced. And even then, I confessed to my partner that if I were to drive his Peugeot, I'd feel comfortable manoeuvring only because it has a rearview camera. Other than this meta commentary to agree with you, the video did help me realise how far I've come as well and how to be honest dry steering is to be avoided only on cars with no or low power steering, if only because it's so damn hard ! I love renting a car for this reason, I just want more power steering in my life ! 😂 I have one more year to go before I get to remove the A sticker on my little Twingo and once I do I'm gonna treat myself with a modern car, possibly one that's less than 5 years old too if I can because now I can reverse and manoeuvre and I fear not bumping into things as much and your video definitely helped me check which boxes I have ticked and which I don't ! It's a must watch !
Two things this is bringing to mind: 1.Tthere was a point during refresher lessons I was reversing into a spot in a row of empty spaces, and someone decided to, rather than wait for me to reverse in, drive straight through the spaces. Obviously I wasn't able to move back until they'd passed. I do wonder how that'd be marked if it happened on test, but it's part of why observing is so so important. 2. Part of me wonders if the thing of instructors having set points is where the adage of "you only properly learn after your test" comes from.
I’ve watched your videos on and off since my daughter started lessons. She had around 40 hours with an instructor, but failed on a few things. We got her own car and I started taking her out for 2 hours twice a week, to notch up experience. 3 days before her second test I came back to your channel and saw this clip. The one thing missing from her being top watch was exactly as you have explained here. So… we did your practice. (Actually in a wide empty car park where she could reverse back through 8 spaces zigzagging as you suggest. 2 half hour sessions of this and she can reverse superbly. She passed zero faults at all. Just disappointed they asked her to do a front bay park after all that😂. Great advice on all your videos… but this one should be mandatory for learners, superb tip!
Am loving your videos been driving nearly 2years i love watching about what can hurt your car the clutch video, the hill starts one you dont realise hurting your clutch with hand break on ready to move off that how my instructor learnt me so the car dont roll back
Fantastic video, I've been sending lots of your videos to my girlfriend that recently passed her test, I can't explain certain aspects as well as you do and it helps to get the point across, thank you!!
40 years or more ago when my partner was learning to drive we would visit an industrial estate at weekends, no, not for that, so that reversing was no longer a fear. Practice and then again. First time pass; no fear!
I can finally be one of the people to comment saying that I could not have passed without your videos! Just passed this morning in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire with 3 minors!!!! Was petrified throughout the test, dry mouth, heart jumping out of my chest but fully focused. First try and exclusively with RUclips videos, 90% of them being yours. Taught my family a lot too due to them passing their tests in Brazil over 30 years ago! Thank you ❤
13:15 True -I learned via the 3 line method, and I've only recently insisted on reverse parking to improve and my ability to parallel park is because of your uploads.
As someone who’s learning parallel and vertical parking now, this video is such a god-sent! Really helps me to get my head around reversing. What you described about using a specific manoeuvre in a specific context and car, is exactly how my school is approaching our lessons. Like you said, it may help me pass my test but this school method will not prepare me adequately to become skilful at reversing and parking in the real-world 😅
I love this video, you have explained everything so well and everything I am going through 😢 I have passed over a year now and I still cannot reverse properly 😢 I avoid car parks because I get scared of reversing 😢 Thank you so much for all this information, really loved this, I will be keeping this video 💝
Omg this actually helped!! I have watched so many videos on this and never has it clicked before. That's why I was finding it so confusing I wouldn't see it in right mirror straight away then panic
Passed my test few hours ago 🎉🎉 first attempt and 2 minors on signalling 🙈 thank for all the videos, they have been really useful. Was watching some this morning right before the exam to put my head in the right mode for driving ✅
Great vid. I struggle some with reverse parking, but I always do it slowly. I think I nearly hit a car twice but have been able to adjust to miss it. I'll watch your video on dry Steering, since I've always tried to avoid it, as I think it would cause more wear and tear on the tyers.
Learnt the 3 line method in my lessons and did it perfectly in the instructors car. Then tried it my car, did not work I straddled the bays. Glad you mentioned it as I thought I was doing something wrong! I will practice your method of moving from bay to bay to practice accuracy hopefully with success!
Passed my test 21 years ago then never bought a car, only just started to drive now. After a couple of lessons I'm pretty confident at driving forwards, but reversing is a nightmare. Like you say in the video, when I learned originally the guy had stickers in his car that I had to line up with the white line, which is obviously pretty useless now as I'm in a completely different car. Also if i remember correctly the parking bay at the test centre was about 50% wider than a regular one - not realistic! There's a nice quiet car park round the corner from me that's usually empty in the morning and at night and has bays opposite each other so I'll definitely be that practise exercise to see if it helps, as at the moment I'm bloody useless.
Hi Richard, I have been watching your videos for more clarity on certain topics and I must say it helped. Clearwd my driving test today with very few minor faults. Huge 🙏
I have to say that dry steering is actually expected in the US (unlike the UK) - based on Ashley Neal videos that I have watched recently! - Good advice on reverse driving! I have been driving since 1972 and have finally been able to reverse park in the smallest gap since 2016, when I was qualified as a local Taxi driver, and then finally qualified to drive 16-seater minibuses, with accommodation for up to four wheelchairs, from service users into local Dorset day centres & back home in the afternoon! The rear-view camera was an absolute game-changer in the ability to parallel park such a large vehicle close to the service-users home. Probably the most rewarding (though not financially) job I had in a long career in Defence Analysis, but had to finally retire (one year later than necessary) in 2019, due to the impact on my knees of kneeling down to strap down and release the wheelchairs from the hard floor!
Same here... I wasn't taught how to reverse or park, cos it's not required to pass driving test (in my country in current conditions). After getting my driver permit, start watching your videos and practice, practice, practice... And conditions, ohh God... winter, snow with ice on a road, pitch dark (we had blackouts in 2022-23), often no road markings.
Your explanation is amazing. Your student should be very lucky to have you as instructor. I really wish I found your videos before I attempt to take my driving test. I wasn’t successfull in recent tests but I will continue persevering till I get it. It's worth it after all.
Keep telling my Daughter not to turn the steering wheel on the spot but move very slow then turn , i think your videos are very good and my Daughter now watching , and its not just about passing the test it is about road safety for her and other road users
yep, i had an instructor that just taught me a "recipe" for reversing. utterly useless. Your videos have been massively helpful since passing my test to learn how to drive *any* car, not just my instructor's car
Im kind of the other way round with my driving, though I've always been confident in my abilities to drive forward from my years using motorcycles, when i was reversing a friends car once i reversed straight into a porsche. I paid the guy for the damage but when i decided to take driving lessons my instructor was really impressed with my reversing ability because i rembered what i did wrong before
Finally i can say i passed my driving exams today First Time too 😅 These have helped alot from Steering control, to Clutch control. Reversing and improving and giving me confidence in my ability to drive. The tips i got from these videos have all helped me and also became a skill that i can improve on. Honestly when i first started watching your videos i was with clutch control and also eventual steering and staying centered. But gradually as i Practiced alone time and time again my skills have but slowly improved, i won’t say am a complete or expert but rather a SAFE and Defensive driver. And Honestly i don’t think i will stop watching these videos any time soon cause there is always room for improvement. What i appreciated the most was the Passion Richard has for his job, helping others learn driving and in general his enthusiasm for Cars. You actually get knowledge and skill from these videos rather than something you can only use to pass your driving test. Anyways I wanna say i am very grateful for the help Thanks alot 😊. Cheers!🎉🎉
This video was a great help. I m have been driving for over 10 years. i m got more driving lessons because I hoping to drive the work bus. because i m slow learner it took me a little longer . I feel more confidence to pass the driving assessment. after all we all to start some where
My steering sense is excellent with years of driving in NFS and Forza. When I started learning an actual car, it was already good. I ditched the 90 degree parking the immediately after I passed, never doing that. I always prefer the 45 degree as that is more intuitive and less depending on reference magic. Also, I go to a free car park every weekend to practise even though I passed in 1st attempt to hone my skills.
I think Richard is actually in love with his old car 🙂This is a very good thing. In this age of commercialism we are unable to attach ourselves with anything we own. In the past, people would preserve antiquated fountain pens which were kept functional (often at considerable cost) for regular use.
Richard, there is a way to do this using that 45 degree forward and reverse method even when there are cars on two sides. All you do is instead of going forward the usual normal amount, you go forward even more till only the back third of your car is falling perpendicular to the space you want to park in. and THEN do the 45 degree turn and back inside, you will not hit cars on the other end. I have actually tested this.
Really good points. I was wondering why my instructor didn't let to turn the wheel by feel. It was always "turn it fully when the mirror is at third line" and so on in different situations.
Had a little trouble with reversing today. Tend to flook it, so I've not made any mistakes exactly, but I'd rather understand what I'm doing so I can ensure I always get it right. Really helpful tips here that I think my instructor is missing out, or maybe describing a bit odd. Really helpful videos here, you're explaining things brilliantly and although I was nervous as hell because I'm in a new area with longer lessons, higher stakes, I'm confident at most parts because I remember the brilliant way you're describing things. Between you and my instructor, I think I'm learning pretty nicely!
Another excellent video. I’m in agreement about the not being taught to reverse as I learnt how to reverse my instructors car but never with cars either side and it was using the 3 lines method. Since passing I’ve struggled with my car as different reference points and did get stuck first time I had to reverse on a long driveway with pull ins (luckily friend was there to guide me and her husband was an instructor so has been helping me too) I do tend to forward bay park but am going to make myself reverse bay park when I get my new car this week.
I have the exact same problem - taught instructions and only on the left side. Now I struggle! I’m keen to learn - was disappointed in myself when I left a spot recently because I couldn’t parallel park.
A time comes where you become one with the car wnd it just clicks! Old, narrow parking garrages in downtown areas whip you so hard, you gotta learn fast
Always aim for the centre of the bay is the best advice I can give, but you'd be in agreement with much of the public on that. Annoying to get in but even worse to get out!
I find reversing much easier to be accurate as I can see the lines right up until I finish. When going forwards, you can't see the lines as soon as you enter.
A thought frequently occurs to me when I see videos like this one, concerning something never mentioned. I passed my driving test in 1967! I remember having problems with the steering, forward and reverse, on the instructor’s car; Morris/Austin 1100. I also drove my father’s car under his supervision; Vauxhall HA Viva. I had a Heinkel/Trojan 200 again driven under my father’s supervision. My instructor said that my tendency to clip the kerb with the inside rear wheel of the Morris on left hand junctions was probably because I was used to a car with only one central back wheel. I was not a car enthusiast at all and the solution to the problem eluded me. Some time later I worked out what the real problem was. It wasn’t the single back wheel! The Morris was front wheel drive whereas the Viva was rear wheel drive. The difference in steering these different drive systems is quite profound particularly when reversing! So are all cars now front wheel drive, so that it is no longer an issue, and not worth a mention? (I’m still not a “petrol head” so pardon my ignorance)
Hi Conquer Driving, you start off on the right foot!, it takes significant experience for a human body to develop the spacial awareness that tells them where the edges of the vehicle they are driving are in relation to the surroundings. All that is required is persistent practise and observation. The trick I still use with each 'new' vehicle is to look carefully in the mirrors and around, stop, get out an examine the actual distances between obstacles, get back in and look again, within a reasonable short time I am able to make reliable accurate judgements relying on my own trained senses. One issue that makes life interesting is the way door mirrors on most vehicles have differing rates of magnification making judgements of distance a` bit tricky, again it tales some time for the brain to work out what is what but hopefully what you get is a clear sense of what space you do have and what is happening as you move the vehicle. Aside from all that you do a good job at describing various useful techniques. Cheers, Richard.
I had this exact issue. Was taught manoeuvres with 3 line method and forward bay and parallel with door stickers and ref point on a reversing camera that's obviously highly specific to the instructor car. Had to relearn everything upon passing and still struggle a bit with parallel park due to not having been taught properly and not having the need to perform the manoeuvre often in real life driving. I would like examiners to be refusing to take pupils for test if they can see stickers on the doors. This would force instructors to teach their pupils how to park properly.
Not really to do with driving, but I find it so incredibly wholesome how Richard always refers to his girlfriend/fiancé/wife Gosia as his 'other half'. Adds a really nice human dimension to your videos! :)
i am in this situation, i feel more nervous in reversing in driving test manoeuvres.😮 Thank you Richard.😅 Edit update. Respect for your efforts in this video.
Don't know if its just me but the hardest thing i find reversing now, is reversing in a straight line long distance, or around a slight corner. Feels like i'm constantly over correcting and sometimes have to slow right down as i'm all over the road. But i guess its not often you reverse that much.
At the end where you explain why ppl can't reverse your 100% right I've been driving 4 years and still really struggling to reverse park so I avoid it out of embarrassment. My driving instructor was retiring and I was one of his last students he learned me the very basics to pass I learned 2 reverse maneuvers and with the bay parking he did exactly what you said marked the door so I had a point to where to reverse from. I'm not confident in big cars so I have a small hatchback and I learned in a new vauxhall Corsa which is way bigger than mine and the points he learnt me are all wrong for me they don't work in my car and I'm scared to practice incase I get stuck or I cause damage or its just to busy wherever I go as I have no help with me now if I do get stuck so now I only go places with big car parks or large gaps where I can get in going in forwards its a massive blight on my driving as I can't go just anywhere 😢 I still watch your videos even though I've been driving four years to help with my confidence 😅😅
It's not just learner drivers, the man who parked near my house and hit someone else's car when reversing (then ran away instead of leaving details) needs to watch this! The mistake he made (other than running away), was not observing and think where to move the car into so he could move the car out, before starting the manoeuvre. Planning is very important when in irregular parking spaces.
As a driving instructor myself, I think this video is THE (not one of the) clearest and most comprehensive explanation on reversing a car. Thank you.
I am half way though and it seems he has skipped j-turn ;)
Same. He’s fantastic!
I agree
But it is a pity that he has the steering wheel on the wrong side 😢
The American mind cannot comprehend that the world doesn't revolve around them.
Today, I successfully passed my driving test with just 2 minors. Your thorough explanations of every topic truly dispelled all my doubts about navigating UK roads. Your dedication to each learner's progress is immensely valued and appreciated. Thank you for your exceptional guidance! ❤❤❤❤❤
A great tip my sister once told me, when reversing, you steer the direction you want to move your back wheels. If you want the back wheels to go right, steer to the right.
To the right or to the left you mean?
@ yes. So when reversing, if you want the back of your car to go left, steer left. If you want the back of the car to go right, steer right.
THANK YOU!!!!! I PASSED MY TEST AT FIRST ATTEMPT. I LEARNT A LOT OF CONFIDENCE TIPS AND TECHNIQUES FROM YOU. YOU ARE AMAZING
Over a year of driving and parking still gives me so much anxiety! This video was really helpful. Thanks
Practice it without time pressure.
i got my first car last weekend , a 2010 Ford Fiesta 1.2L :) :) your videos are a massive part in passing the UK driving test :) :) thank you from the bottom of my heart Richard :) :)
Congrats on your new car, Mark!
Congrats buddy
what’s insurance looking like?
That's great to hear! Thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!
@@MontagelifeTMmine same car 6 months ago was 1800 a year with me as the main driver and my mum as secondary
As a learner who’s teaching herself, reversing is the bane of my existence, especially controlling speed when reversing and this has really helped
Richard, after months of watching your videos after being recommended them by an ex-student of yours, and being encouraged by success stories in your comments, it was finally my turn to pass yesterday - with 3 minors.
I couldn’t have done it at all without the help of your channel. Thank you so much for all of your hard work! ❤
That's fantastic news! Thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!
Such a nice video for your country. Driving in India, you have to keep in mind the traffic behind will blow your ears off - and if you acquiesce: steal your parking space 😢
This guy REALLY knows his stuff!...Trust me!...plus his socks are incredible!
Another one I would add is turn off the stereos and wind down the windows, sometime you do indeed pick up things you cannot otherwise see, and your visibility might also improve. My most frightening experience was a cyclist that came out right around the corner behind me when I was reversing, glad I was doing a very slow speed. From that moment onwards, I always make sure to use my hearing when backing out, and try my best not needing to back out of a space.
As an ADI who has been teaching learners for over 20 years, in a word: Excellent. Well done Richard on a superb episode. Brilliantly explained and I applaud you for debunking the '3 lines' bay parking method. I sincerely wish I'd had a driving instructor like you when I learned to drive back in 1972.
My best tip is essentially to picture where your rear wheel is, and realize this is what determines where you'll end up. I say this after about 10 years as a garbage truck driver, where reversing is definitely a must-have skill. Best is of course if you can physically see your rear wheel which is tricky in most cars but easy in a lorry. In fact, most cars (modern anyway) are horribly difficult to see out of compared to a lorry.
I have a wee smart car it is the most difficult to reverse park. The wing mirrors are not fit for purpose. I struggle to reverse and end up driving nose in
What helped me enormously with reversing was driving a van - there’s no rear window, so it’s all on the door mirrors - but because you can place the corners of the van easily, you quickly learn how to position it - and confidence grows quickly. I also think that reversing on the door mirrors (using the over the shoulder for occasional checks for pedestrians or other vehicles) works well. Most modern cars allow you to angle the mirror glasses down momentarily so that you can see the kerb. Parallel parking took a while longer to master, but, I’ve never had a driveway, so I’ve had plenty of practice! Even if I had a reverse camera, I’d still use the mirrors and over the shoulder look!
You are the best. All the instructors should teach their pupils how to reverse. I have taken nearly 200 hours of driving and even after I passed I still need to go now into an empty car park and to learn how to reverse so I don't panic when I have to park. Thank you for this video.
im curious, how many driving hours is required in your country? in mine, i only had to take a minimum of 8 hours before i am allowed to take the driving test. by the way, im already driving my car for a month now and still struggle with parking but i've seen improvement in myself and i think we all just need practice. good luck on your driving!
Been watching you for the last year, passed my test 2 weeks ago and got my first car (Fiat 500 X after learning in a Volkswagon Polo) and everything you have said in this video is spot on, so much is different, especially as my own car is quite a bit larger than what i learned in, I always find myself coming back to your channel for advice, even now when i've passed so thank you for your content, it is appreciated 🏴🙂
I'm not even a learner (passed in 1999) and I'm still fascinated by these videos. Most of us are not great at reversing and like you I was taught methods that only worked in 1 car. I was taught to look at where the car is in a corner window. But that corner window varies in placement between cars. Also how many turns to put on in a non power assisted corsa. My first car had different steering ratio and thus 2 turns in that car did not do the same in mine!
I was taught to pass the driving test by the RAF, then I was taught how to drive over several day and nights by the same instructor. Skid pan, night driving, motorway driving and dozens of reversing manoeuvres in many situations and a few different vehicles. I left the course quite confident. And now 45 years later I am still accident-free except for a slip on black ice that caught many locals the same night.
Passed my test in Barnet (come visit the worst potholes in the country) yesterday on my first attempt. Your videos were a substantial part of me learning to drive. Thank you so much for all the hard work you put into them.
That's fantastic news! Thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!
In Malaysia, those who wants to get a manual license will not be taught reverse parking, only parallel parking. I was taught like this when i learn how to drive. No reverse parking, only parallel parking. Those who wants to get an automatic transmission license gets to learn both reverse and parallel.😂 After i passed my test. I straight away watch Richard's videos on how to reverse parking. And OF COURSE, it helped a lot.
I passed my test over 50 years ago and now don't really enjoy driving. However, your videos have helped me immensely to develop better habits and techniques which make being on busy and often fast roads much less stressful. Thanks, Richard.
I pass my driving test first in Germany on a mark 2 VW Jetta turbo diesel in 1987. At the time I was not told the difference of a diesel and petrol and when I passed my test I was driving my fathers VW Jetta Mk 2 but petrol and I was stooling the car continually, because while on the petrol car it is compulsory to accelerate while the clutch is coming, something no need at a diesel vehicle, but I wasn't told my at the time my instructor. I also was told not to dry steer, but the reason was that those days cars did not have power steering, since it was an expensive option and of course dry steer was almost impossible. I have always dry steer in any car with power steering for parking, and never caused me any problems. You are doing a good job telling people how to drive properly and also helps old folk like me to improve.
Steering was exactly why i never understood how to steer properly while learning how to drive. I was thinking about how much to steer rather than where the car goes. I couldn't understand why the car wasn't going where i wanted when i steered the wheel a specific amount. Speed affects steering. Driving a terios (higher car so better front visibility) and watching your videos along with 2 other uk instructors on youtube helped me massively; it changed the way i am thinking about steering from how much the wheel turns to where the car is going. Drove a similar hight car to the one i learned in a couple of days ago for the first time after passing my test 9 months ago and i had no problem with steering it. Also the 2005 daihatsu terios i primarily drive now (family car) doesn't have hydraulic steering while both the 2004(?) fiat punto ( my brother's car) and the 2008-2009 hyundai i10 (my instructor's car) do. Way easier the hydraulic steering but the steering on the terios helped me feel the car a bit better and it also straightens the car very well by itself so it is easier on turs (you still need to control it though as sometimes you don't need it to straighten that fast and others you have to straighten it faster)
Speed does not affect steering
Hi mate just wanted to say I've passed my test today at sidcup first time trying 2 minors along with my instructors help I followed your videos and found them invaluable thank you for your videos and helping appreciate your channel
I learned so much from you. My biggest problem with learning to reverse however is being nervous and most of all the very impatient "seasoned" drivers. Thanks for your videos they are very helpful
Nice lesson, I haven't driven for 20 years, and trying to drive again. I find the video very useful. It is True that driving instructors generaly spend inssuficient time on teaching how to do parking manouvers.
Cheers 🇷🇸
Hi Richard, i passed my manual driving test today with 5 minors i just wanted to say thanks for all the videos ive been watching over the years as they have really helped me with my test.
That's great to hear! Thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!
@@ConquerDriving it’s my pleasure, I will continue to watch your videos because you are an amazing man and your also cool because you owned a vx220
@@ConquerDriving one thing I learnt from you that helped the most was whenever I downshifted from 3rd to 2nd the car would always jolt and I didn’t know how to stop it until I saw your video on it where you said hold the clutch to the bite point then release it
In Ireland we don’t have parallel parking or reverse bay parking in the test so I’m useless at those. But hopefully I can use this video and practice. Thank you.
It’s a pass first and learn how to reverse later 😂
Reversing is easier than going forwards. Take a look at this channel's other excellent videos about reversing. It's thanks to Richard that my reversing is as good as it is.
😂
honestly true to just about everything about actual driving lol
Isn't it ironic? Don't you think?
Accurate statement. I've been driving just under a year and still tentative with parking.
You're spot on about the set of instructions, my experience learning to drive in France, especially during Coronavirus : teachers/schools (in France at least) don't teach you to become skilled, they don't have the time (mostly because you don't have infinite money). They teach you to pass a specific test with specific tasks (setup your seat, wheel and mirrors, city, road, fast lane/motorway, one manoeuvre between parking in a spot they chose and reversing in a straight line, 100% of the times it's parking, often parallel and reverse park and three questions on what's under the bonnet, usually focusing on liquids that require maintenance). So in the end the driving test cannot act as a testament to your skill, only as a proof that you are not an outright danger on the road and you have decent decision making and know the basics of road sharing, road safety, parking and car maintenance.
In fact I believe the whole system supports this outlook on the exam : (in France at least) all communication and ads for schools focus either on fast presentation to the exam or success rates of an individual school or freelance instructor. I've had my license for two years (yeah still got that A sticker) and I was scared af back then : coming from a Clio 4, I was thrust into a 2001 Twingo! No beeps, though at least parking was mostly a non issue with how diminutive the car is. I rented a Skoda Fabia after for a week a year into my license and broke the side mirror reversing out of my yard into the road!! My first rental in the UK that same summer, I was a stressed out wreck because instead of a small Corsa, I was comped into an enormous (to me) Vauxhaull Mokka. The only thing that really helped was having my partner as a copilot and a rearview camera. And we did take a country road I had to reverse in as I knew we had passed a good place to give way.
Now two years into it I feel better but only because I've practiced. And even then, I confessed to my partner that if I were to drive his Peugeot, I'd feel comfortable manoeuvring only because it has a rearview camera.
Other than this meta commentary to agree with you, the video did help me realise how far I've come as well and how to be honest dry steering is to be avoided only on cars with no or low power steering, if only because it's so damn hard ! I love renting a car for this reason, I just want more power steering in my life ! 😂
I have one more year to go before I get to remove the A sticker on my little Twingo and once I do I'm gonna treat myself with a modern car, possibly one that's less than 5 years old too if I can because now I can reverse and manoeuvre and I fear not bumping into things as much and your video definitely helped me check which boxes I have ticked and which I don't ! It's a must watch !
3 days ago I passed my driving test your videos helped me a lot thank you so much God bless you
Two things this is bringing to mind:
1.Tthere was a point during refresher lessons I was reversing into a spot in a row of empty spaces, and someone decided to, rather than wait for me to reverse in, drive straight through the spaces. Obviously I wasn't able to move back until they'd passed. I do wonder how that'd be marked if it happened on test, but it's part of why observing is so so important.
2. Part of me wonders if the thing of instructors having set points is where the adage of "you only properly learn after your test" comes from.
I’ve watched your videos on and off since my daughter started lessons. She had around 40 hours with an instructor, but failed on a few things. We got her own car and I started taking her out for 2 hours twice a week, to notch up experience. 3 days before her second test I came back to your channel and saw this clip. The one thing missing from her being top watch was exactly as you have explained here. So… we did your practice. (Actually in a wide empty car park where she could reverse back through 8 spaces zigzagging as you suggest. 2 half hour sessions of this and she can reverse superbly. She passed zero faults at all. Just disappointed they asked her to do a front bay park after all that😂. Great advice on all your videos… but this one should be mandatory for learners, superb tip!
Am loving your videos been driving nearly 2years i love watching about what can hurt your car the clutch video, the hill starts one you dont realise hurting your clutch with hand break on ready to move off that how my instructor learnt me so the car dont roll back
Fantastic video, I've been sending lots of your videos to my girlfriend that recently passed her test, I can't explain certain aspects as well as you do and it helps to get the point across, thank you!!
I'm a driving instructor myself, and your videos have been very helpful to me on how to teach students better.
Cheers from Malaysia🎉🇲🇾
Wish I was taught like this 15 years ago. Great vid mate.
Richard you are the best driving instructor in the world 🎉
40 years or more ago when my partner was learning to drive we would visit an industrial estate at weekends, no, not for that, so that reversing was no longer a fear. Practice and then again. First time pass; no fear!
I can finally be one of the people to comment saying that I could not have passed without your videos! Just passed this morning in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire with 3 minors!!!!
Was petrified throughout the test, dry mouth, heart jumping out of my chest but fully focused. First try and exclusively with RUclips videos, 90% of them being yours. Taught my family a lot too due to them passing their tests in Brazil over 30 years ago! Thank you ❤
congrats on the pass :)
@@dek1930 thank you!!!
What an achievement! Congratulations on passing!
13:15 True -I learned via the 3 line method, and I've only recently insisted on reverse parking to improve and my ability to parallel park is because of your uploads.
Just passed my driving test today!! Your videos helped a ton, especially the videos about anticipation !!
Congrats, bro
Adventure time is coming!
Congratulations!
That's great to hear! Thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!
just got a manual car and have been driving great thanks to your videos!
As someone who’s learning parallel and vertical parking now, this video is such a god-sent! Really helps me to get my head around reversing. What you described about using a specific manoeuvre in a specific context and car, is exactly how my school is approaching our lessons. Like you said, it may help me pass my test but this school method will not prepare me adequately to become skilful at reversing and parking in the real-world 😅
This driving instructor is the best. If you want to learn to drive PROPERLY, no gimmicks, watch his videos.
I had to learn to reverse quickly these single track roads are wild 😂
I love this video, you have explained everything so well and everything I am going through 😢 I have passed over a year now and I still cannot reverse properly 😢 I avoid car parks because I get scared of reversing 😢
Thank you so much for all this information, really loved this, I will be keeping this video 💝
Thank you Richard! Between mmy driving instructor and your videos I passed last week on my 2nd go with 1 minor.
Omg this actually helped!!
I have watched so many videos on this and never has it clicked before.
That's why I was finding it so confusing I wouldn't see it in right mirror straight away then panic
Excellent video. Learning to reverse old-school way, is the best way. Mirrors are excellent.
Passed my test few hours ago 🎉🎉 first attempt and 2 minors on signalling 🙈 thank for all the videos, they have been really useful. Was watching some this morning right before the exam to put my head in the right mode for driving ✅
Great vid. I struggle some with reverse parking, but I always do it slowly. I think I nearly hit a car twice but have been able to adjust to miss it.
I'll watch your video on dry Steering, since I've always tried to avoid it, as I think it would cause more wear and tear on the tyers.
Learnt the 3 line method in my lessons and did it perfectly in the instructors car. Then tried it my car, did not work I straddled the bays. Glad you mentioned it as I thought I was doing something wrong! I will practice your method of moving from bay to bay to practice accuracy hopefully with success!
Hi Mr.Richard, would like to compliment you on being a very good instructor, you did explain very patiently each and every nuance of reverse parking
Passed my test 21 years ago then never bought a car, only just started to drive now. After a couple of lessons I'm pretty confident at driving forwards, but reversing is a nightmare. Like you say in the video, when I learned originally the guy had stickers in his car that I had to line up with the white line, which is obviously pretty useless now as I'm in a completely different car. Also if i remember correctly the parking bay at the test centre was about 50% wider than a regular one - not realistic!
There's a nice quiet car park round the corner from me that's usually empty in the morning and at night and has bays opposite each other so I'll definitely be that practise exercise to see if it helps, as at the moment I'm bloody useless.
can't beat a Monday when conquer driving uploads
hi myself
Hi Richard, I have been watching your videos for more clarity on certain topics and I must say it helped. Clearwd my driving test today with very few minor faults. Huge 🙏
I have to say that dry steering is actually expected in the US (unlike the UK) - based on Ashley Neal videos that I have watched recently! - Good advice on reverse driving! I have been driving since 1972 and have finally been able to reverse park in the smallest gap since 2016, when I was qualified as a local Taxi driver, and then finally qualified to drive 16-seater minibuses, with accommodation for up to four wheelchairs, from service users into local Dorset day centres & back home in the afternoon! The rear-view camera was an absolute game-changer in the ability to parallel park such a large vehicle close to the service-users home. Probably the most rewarding (though not financially) job I had in a long career in Defence Analysis, but had to finally retire (one year later than necessary) in 2019, due to the impact on my knees of kneeling down to strap down and release the wheelchairs from the hard floor!
Same here... I wasn't taught how to reverse or park, cos it's not required to pass driving test (in my country in current conditions). After getting my driver permit, start watching your videos and practice, practice, practice... And conditions, ohh God... winter, snow with ice on a road, pitch dark (we had blackouts in 2022-23), often no road markings.
Your explanation is amazing. Your student should be very lucky to have you as instructor. I really wish I found your videos before I attempt to take my driving test. I wasn’t successfull in recent tests but I will continue persevering till I get it. It's worth it after all.
Keep telling my Daughter not to turn the steering wheel on the spot but move very slow then turn , i think your videos are very good and my Daughter now watching , and its not just about passing the test it is about road safety for her and other road users
I bought those circular blind spot mirrors, really helped with my reversing
The camera set ups in these videos are just brilliant
yep, i had an instructor that just taught me a "recipe" for reversing. utterly useless. Your videos have been massively helpful since passing my test to learn how to drive *any* car, not just my instructor's car
Im kind of the other way round with my driving, though I've always been confident in my abilities to drive forward from my years using motorcycles, when i was reversing a friends car once i reversed straight into a porsche. I paid the guy for the damage but when i decided to take driving lessons my instructor was really impressed with my reversing ability because i rembered what i did wrong before
Hi Richard, I passed my test today with 3 minors. Just wanna say thanks for all your videos which were a great help.
That's great to hear! Thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!
I just passed an hours ago with 0 minors, your videos have helped so much
That's fantastic news! Thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!
This video is fantastic. You are a great teacher as a driving instructor.
I must say you've got impeccable clutch control for such fine smooth movements.
Finally i can say i passed my driving exams today First Time too 😅 These have helped alot from Steering control, to Clutch control. Reversing and improving and giving me confidence in my ability to drive. The tips i got from these videos have all helped me and also became a skill that i can improve on. Honestly when i first started watching your videos i was with clutch control and also eventual steering and staying centered. But gradually as i Practiced alone time and time again my skills have but slowly improved, i won’t say am a complete or expert but rather a SAFE and Defensive driver. And Honestly i don’t think i will stop watching these videos any time soon cause there is always room for improvement. What i appreciated the most was the Passion Richard has for his job, helping others learn driving and in general his enthusiasm for Cars. You actually get knowledge and skill from these videos rather than something you can only use to pass your driving test. Anyways I wanna say i am very grateful for the help Thanks alot 😊. Cheers!🎉🎉
This video was a great help. I m have been driving for over 10 years. i m got more driving lessons because I hoping to drive the work bus. because i m slow learner it took me a little longer . I feel more confidence to pass the driving assessment. after all we all to start some where
hi there. thanks for your lovely email. best wishes miriam 😊
My steering sense is excellent with years of driving in NFS and Forza.
When I started learning an actual car, it was already good.
I ditched the 90 degree parking the immediately after I passed, never doing that.
I always prefer the 45 degree as that is more intuitive and less depending on reference magic.
Also, I go to a free car park every weekend to practise even though I passed in 1st attempt to hone my skills.
These videos are too good. Honesty and Quality at it's finest.
I think Richard is actually in love with his old car 🙂This is a very good thing. In this age of commercialism we are unable to attach ourselves with anything we own. In the past, people would preserve antiquated fountain pens which were kept functional (often at considerable cost) for regular use.
something that helped me:
•the front moves more than the rear
•the outside moves more than the inside
•eurotrucksim2
Thank you very much. The videos are super useful and it helped me immensely to pass my driving test
Richard, there is a way to do this using that 45 degree forward and reverse method even when there are cars on two sides. All you do is instead of going forward the usual normal amount, you go forward even more till only the back third of your car is falling perpendicular to the space you want to park in. and THEN do the 45 degree turn and back inside, you will not hit cars on the other end. I have actually tested this.
Really good points. I was wondering why my instructor didn't let to turn the wheel by feel. It was always "turn it fully when the mirror is at third line" and so on in different situations.
That reverse at 2.24 was so cool man!
Had a little trouble with reversing today. Tend to flook it, so I've not made any mistakes exactly, but I'd rather understand what I'm doing so I can ensure I always get it right. Really helpful tips here that I think my instructor is missing out, or maybe describing a bit odd.
Really helpful videos here, you're explaining things brilliantly and although I was nervous as hell because I'm in a new area with longer lessons, higher stakes, I'm confident at most parts because I remember the brilliant way you're describing things. Between you and my instructor, I think I'm learning pretty nicely!
Another excellent video. I’m in agreement about the not being taught to reverse as I learnt how to reverse my instructors car but never with cars either side and it was using the 3 lines method. Since passing I’ve struggled with my car as different reference points and did get stuck first time I had to reverse on a long driveway with pull ins (luckily friend was there to guide me and her husband was an instructor so has been helping me too) I do tend to forward bay park but am going to make myself reverse bay park when I get my new car this week.
I have the exact same problem - taught instructions and only on the left side. Now I struggle! I’m keen to learn - was disappointed in myself when I left a spot recently because I couldn’t parallel park.
I've been watching your videos for a while and I just passed my egg-poaching test first time with only one minor (over-salting). Thanks Richard! 😉
😂
7b) would be when driving forward out of a bay, pull all the way out first before turning or the back end will clip the car to the side.
A time comes where you become one with the car wnd it just clicks!
Old, narrow parking garrages in downtown areas whip you so hard, you gotta learn fast
funnily enough i find reversing into bays and parking spaces way easier than going forwards
I wish I was the opposite 😂
Always aim for the centre of the bay is the best advice I can give, but you'd be in agreement with much of the public on that. Annoying to get in but even worse to get out!
I find reversing much easier to be accurate as I can see the lines right up until I finish. When going forwards, you can't see the lines as soon as you enter.
Am I the only one who thinks Richard isn't old enough to drive let alone be a driving instructor.
I think he seems to be doing just fine regardless of your opinion 😂
A thought frequently occurs to me when I see videos like this one, concerning something never mentioned.
I passed my driving test in 1967! I remember having problems with the steering, forward and reverse, on the instructor’s car; Morris/Austin 1100. I also drove my father’s car under his supervision; Vauxhall HA Viva. I had a Heinkel/Trojan 200 again driven under my father’s supervision. My instructor said that my tendency to clip the kerb with the inside rear wheel of the Morris on left hand junctions was probably because I was used to a car with only one central back wheel. I was not a car enthusiast at all and the solution to the problem eluded me.
Some time later I worked out what the real problem was. It wasn’t the single back wheel! The Morris was front wheel drive whereas the Viva was rear wheel drive. The difference in steering these different drive systems is quite profound particularly when reversing!
So are all cars now front wheel drive, so that it is no longer an issue, and not worth a mention? (I’m still not a “petrol head” so pardon my ignorance)
Hi Conquer Driving, you start off on the right foot!, it takes significant experience for a human body to develop the spacial awareness that tells them where the edges of the vehicle they are driving are in relation to the surroundings. All that is required is persistent practise and observation. The trick I still use with each 'new' vehicle is to look carefully in the mirrors and around, stop, get out an examine the actual distances between obstacles, get back in and look again, within a reasonable short time I am able to make reliable accurate judgements relying on my own trained senses.
One issue that makes life interesting is the way door mirrors on most vehicles have differing rates of magnification making judgements of distance a` bit tricky, again it tales some time for the brain to work out what is what but hopefully what you get is a clear sense of what space you do have and what is happening as you move the vehicle.
Aside from all that you do a good job at describing various useful techniques.
Cheers, Richard.
I had this exact issue. Was taught manoeuvres with 3 line method and forward bay and parallel with door stickers and ref point on a reversing camera that's obviously highly specific to the instructor car. Had to relearn everything upon passing and still struggle a bit with parallel park due to not having been taught properly and not having the need to perform the manoeuvre often in real life driving.
I would like examiners to be refusing to take pupils for test if they can see stickers on the doors. This would force instructors to teach their pupils how to park properly.
Not really to do with driving, but I find it so incredibly wholesome how Richard always refers to his girlfriend/fiancé/wife Gosia as his 'other half'. Adds a really nice human dimension to your videos! :)
Excellent tutorial, very helpful indeed, thank you for taking the time.
i am in this situation, i feel more nervous in reversing in driving test manoeuvres.😮
Thank you Richard.😅
Edit update.
Respect for your efforts in this video.
Don't know if its just me but the hardest thing i find reversing now, is reversing in a straight line long distance, or around a slight corner. Feels like i'm constantly over correcting and sometimes have to slow right down as i'm all over the road. But i guess its not often you reverse that much.
Omg This is the kind of coach we need!
At the end where you explain why ppl can't reverse your 100% right I've been driving 4 years and still really struggling to reverse park so I avoid it out of embarrassment. My driving instructor was retiring and I was one of his last students he learned me the very basics to pass I learned 2 reverse maneuvers and with the bay parking he did exactly what you said marked the door so I had a point to where to reverse from. I'm not confident in big cars so I have a small hatchback and I learned in a new vauxhall Corsa which is way bigger than mine and the points he learnt me are all wrong for me they don't work in my car and I'm scared to practice incase I get stuck or I cause damage or its just to busy wherever I go as I have no help with me now if I do get stuck so now I only go places with big car parks or large gaps where I can get in going in forwards its a massive blight on my driving as I can't go just anywhere 😢 I still watch your videos even though I've been driving four years to help with my confidence 😅😅
Brilliant! Thanks a lot for easy explanations and examples from real experience.
It's not just learner drivers, the man who parked near my house and hit someone else's car when reversing (then ran away instead of leaving details) needs to watch this! The mistake he made (other than running away), was not observing and think where to move the car into so he could move the car out, before starting the manoeuvre. Planning is very important when in irregular parking spaces.
It was a much awaited nice video Richard keep it up man
Hey Richard I wanna say thanks for your videos really helped me PASS today with only 3 minors, helped me calm right down for sure😂
That's fantastic news! Thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!
Seriously, Richard is becoming the new Ashley Neal. Keep it up!