Chapter 5

Chapter 5: Mastering the Yard Test Manoeuvres

The yard test assesses your low-speed vehicle control and observation protocol. Each manoeuvre must be performed smoothly and according to the prescribed method.

5.1 General Rules and Observation Protocol

  • No Bumping: Touching a pole or kerb is an immediate fail.
  • Observation: You will be penalized for every missed observation.
The 360-Degree Check (Before Moving):
1. Rear-view mirror → 2. Side mirror (opposite) → 3. Side mirror (turn direction) → 4. Blind Spot → Manoeuvre.

5.2 Manoeuvre 1: Alley Docking

Objective: To reverse the vehicle from a perpendicular position into a parking bay.

  1. Starting Position: Stop 1.5m from the poles. Align shoulder with the bay line. Secure vehicle.
  2. Prepare: 360-degree observation. Signal left. Select reverse.
  3. Turning Point: Reverse straight until the third pole is visible in the rear passenger window. Stop.
    Note: This reference point applies to standard hatchbacks (e.g., Polo/Yaris). Longer vehicles may require a slightly different turning point.
  4. Execute Turn: Turn steering full lock to the left.
  5. Observe & Reverse: Check right blind spot (swing out). Reverse slowly.
  6. Straighten: When parallel, straighten the wheel. Reverse until front poles are in side mirrors.
Alley Docking Steps Diagram
Figure 5.2: Alley Docking Procedure

5.3 Manoeuvre 2: Three-Point Turn

Objective: Turn the vehicle around in three movements.

  • Movement 1 (Forward): Observe. Signal right. Move forward turning full lock right. Stop before kerb. Secure.
  • Movement 2 (Reverse): Observe. Reverse turning full lock left. Stop before kerb behind. Secure.
  • Movement 3 (Forward): Observe. Signal right. Move forward and straighten up.
Three Point Turn Diagram
Figure 5.3: Three-Point Turn Movements

5.4 Manoeuvre 3: Parallel Parking

Objective: Reverse park parallel to the kerb.

  1. Start: Align rear bumper with the first pole of the bay. Secure.
  2. The 45-Degree: Observe. Signal left. Turn wheel one rotation left. Reverse to 45-degree angle. Stop.
  3. Straighten: Straighten wheel. Reverse until front-left door aligns with first pole.
  4. Bring Front In: Full lock right. Reverse until parallel.
Parallel Parking Steps
Figure 5.4: Parallel Parking Method

5.5 Manoeuvre 4: Incline Start

Objective: Move off on an uphill without rolling back more than 10cm.

  1. Biting Point: With handbrake up, select 1st gear. Raise revs, release clutch slowly to “biting point”.
  2. Final Check: Check blind spots.
  3. Move Off: Release handbrake smoothly while adding power. Do not roll back.