We often get taught the wrong way to park by driving instructors, says an expert (stock image)(Image: Getty Images)

Driving instructor shows 'perfect' way to park - and it seems plenty of people have been doing it wrong

by · NottinghamshireLive

An online driving instructor has sparked debate with his reverse bay park tutorial, suggesting that many learners are taught an impractical method. The viral video, posted by instructor named Francis, showed him parking between two empty bays, prompting viewers to question the technique's applicability in everyday situations where adjacent spaces may be occupied.

"So you can only park if there are two spare bays? You'd have hit the car if there was one in the bay to the left," commented a viewer. Addressing the feedback on his Driving School TV YouTube channel, Francis said: "The way they teach you to park on your driving test is stupid. It doesn't work in real life.

"And if it doesn't work in real life, why are you teaching me it for my driving test? " He discovered the flaw after sharing the original footage on TikTok and subsequently demonstrated what he considers a "perfect" method for real-world reverse bay parking.

Francis advises drivers to pass the desired bay and align themselves with its edge before beginning the manoeuvre.

Francis offered a step-by-step guide on how to perfectly park in a bay. He explained, "Then I'm going to take a sharp turn to the right until I'm about 45 degrees away. What I'm looking for in my mirror is the back of my car to line up with the line I just turned on. The 'T-line' on the bay, the back of my car is touching it."

He emphasised the importance of observation, reminding drivers to "always" look around before reversing and adding, "Once I'm moving I'm going to take a turn to the left."

Francis stressed the need to monitor the mirrors closely to maintain a safe distance from adjacent cars while reversing into the bay, reports the Mirror.

He noted that each parking attempt requires "judgement" as the angles may vary slightly each time. Concluding his advice, Francis said, "Once you're looking in the mirror all you're looking for is for your car to pass on the correct side of your line, to not hit the car on your left, and then safely check, looking in the mirror on your right, making sure your car is clear of the car on your right."