Nice video and good explanation Ashley. Curious as to what you would recommend on parking next to a curb that either bends away from you or towards you, how would the techniques differ in these situations? Obviously this tutorial works for straight roads with straight curbs but how could drivers perfect parking next to a curb with slight bends in the curb?
Still try to use the same process, but when lifting your eyes to straighten try to set the steer so it follows the shape of the bend you are on. Remember, going neither towards or away from the kerb means you are following it. Forget looking at angles!
Good comment. My road outside the water run away is bricked and completely uneven and broken. When u think u hit the kerb u haven’t. Ur actually in a small pot hole. Lol .
Almost every youtuber who tries to show how to park next to a kerb, do so on a clear road with miles of extra space in front or behind them. Can you do a video on a busier street with cars parked up which would cause you to have to make a sharp turn into the kerb and then trying to straighten out? There are no vanishing points in these scenarios and the kerb references are harder. I have my license for over 4 years now but always try to expand my knowledge with these videos.
Two or three years ago I bought a couple of blind spot mirrors to assist when driving on unlimited autobahns - it's not unusual for there to be a speed differential of 70mph in lane 2 of a two lane autobahn - and an additional benefit is that they give a perfect view of where my rear wheels are in relationship to kerbs and parking bay lines; really useful.
Really appreciate these videos and the proper explanations. I learnt to drive on an intensive course over a week with an uninterested instructor and managed to pass my test first time but I struggle with a lot of basic things...parking one of them. I would advise everyone to take your time when learning to drive and find yourself a good instructor who enjoys their job and explains things properly like Ashley. You'll be glad you did later on down the line.
I've never come across the reference point idea - it looks good, I'll give it a try. I presume a similar technique can be used when you have to reverse into a space between 2 other vehicles. Some cars automatically drop the wing mirror to show the curb, which is great. It should be compulsory!
The guyis doing his best to help others. His own time and costs. Anyone having a try helps us all. If we all stuck together and remained at min £50 per hour we would still be cheaper than and trades person, solicitor etc and protect the industry.
Good to see you're still keeping your blinker fluid filled up. I remember my first instructor had tape all over his car for reference points. After I got rid of him and went with someone more sensible he explained that by not having tape marking the reference points, that, he was teaching me to drive any car by making my own points of reference and not just one car
I've taught a fair few people who said that their last instructor had tape for reference points. My driving instructor didn't have any and neither do I. Usually, when people I teach fail driving tests, it's very rarely to do with positioning while manoeuvring. Sometimes it's due to positioning in lanes, but that's a different kettle of fish and is down to the student not reading the road properly, or just forgetting what I've told them, due to the stress of the test.
Just found your channel. Good reminders for those of us who have passed years ago. I have lessons to brush up my skills regularly and this really helped. By the way in London you have to pay extra for bulbs on BMWs and Mercedes they don’t appear to come as standard...nice to see in Liverpool signals bulbs actually come as standard.😂😂😂
For me I've just always adjusted the left mirror down and in and it makes it so easy - then when I had an Audi that did that automatically (the mirror dipping, not the parking), it made it even easier. Now I'm in a car that doesn't have it so it's a bit of a drag but the extra 10 seconds is worth it in any situation because it guarantees a perfect park. Either that or learn your car back to front and front to back and just know. I haven't kerbed a wheel since 1997, pretty happy with that! Your guide is great don't get me wrong, just so many weird kerbs here in OZ that you can't safely judge when mirrors are in their normal position, as they are often jagged and jut out in various places.
When you parked on the left and on the right you mentioned it was “perfect”. Well, in my estimation you were about 8-9 inches from the kerb on both occasions. I am an ex driving instructor and advanced motorist and have been driving for 61 years. My feelings about viewing at about the centre of the windscreen can be wildly out depending on how near your eyes are to the windscreen. A small about of movement fore and aft is magnified and therefore can never be accurate. Like most things driving, experience counts for a lot but not everything. I have driven many types of vehicle, small and large, old and new. I have found that there is a large difference in the way I need to park depending on the vehicle. Driving is a science and an art. Some people are naturals and take to it like ducks to a water, other, even though they pass the test never manage to become proficient.
This is great advice. I'm returning to driving after 45 years of no driving! Passed my test in 1973. What a difference in the roads! Also big difference in my confidence. No probs years ago, picked everything up so easily. Now, lm a nervous wreck out there and learning to park again is horrendous, and making me feel like giving up. Just trying to make it easier for myself to get to work as have been getting there on a bicycle for years. No buses go that way. I'm practising with my son supervising, and l can make the car go from A to B alright, it's just this infernal parking. Umph.
Hello there Mya. Wow - you pass test same year as my mother and am surprised that you have not driven in 45 years. Don't give up as I noticed a difference after a very minuscule 3 years (2011 to 2014) having given up my car for financial reasons; then being allowed the privilege to be named & able to drive both parents cars. It took a bit of getting used to even after such a relatively short break. It's good that you have a supportive son - I am sure that your confidence will return. Thanks to an upturn of income I can now live the dream of driving a classic British V8 motor which is totally different to anything modern with all of the driving aids etc. Good luck and please continue with Ashley's channel - I still learn something from every upload. Stay safe 👍
@@grahamnutt8958 Hi, oh you lucky thing! I'm not too keen on this driving lark, but l wouldn't mind a rip in a classic! I did drive my mum's Mini a few times after passing my test, she lent it to me to go to work occasionally, then in the year 2000 she had a stroke and l drove the car she had at that time (a Corsa) for 6 weeks until it was sold, as the stroke affected her eyesight badly and she had to give up driving. But that's about it, that's my driving history. I'm finding roundabouts and dual carriageways daunting, they didn't exist here when l was learning. Everyone's flying now, and all this lane changing stuff is hair raising! I'm nervous about moving over into the right lane coming up to roundabouts, as, once you've signalled, how do you know that the driver slightly behind and to your right, is going to let you in, or try to whiz past before you move over? That one thing is what's putting me off. But anyway, l keep thinking about when the weather picks up and the freedom a car brings, you can just tootle off with your picnic in the boot for long summer days at the seaside, so that's the carrot that's keeping this little donkey going. 😃
@@myapinion7532 I fully understand where you are coming from and why you have such reservations about driving on today's roads. Trust me on this - Ashley has uploaded a huge number of clips that will be of benefit to you. I stumbled across this channel about 6 months ago and have found it to he inspirational and very instructive - this was when my car was in the workshop having, among other things, a replacement engine so it would be safe to say that owning/running a 50 year old car does come at a price. If you happen to be anywhere near to Ramsgate (East Kent) when the weather improves then I might be persuaded to take you out for a spin (not a blast/rip though as it drinks massive amounts of fuel). With perseverance and patience I think you will triumph in the end. Good luck and stay safe ok 👍
@@grahamnutt8958 Aww, ta, not sure I'd be your direction, l live in the North of Ireland. I may be going over to stay with friends in Selby, North Yorkshire in the summer, (they'll be here with me in April to do a stall at the model railway exhibition), but that's as far as I'd be going in England l think. Yes this guy Ashley is very good, just discovered him. I have been watching World Driving on TH-cam a lot, a guy named Chris mainly, who is an excellent instructor, very patient and a delight to listen to, (although you never actually see him). I've learned a lot from him. Yes, I'll keep going, and hopefully master this lane changing and parking. Thanks for your encouragement, and happy motoring in your thirsty car. 🚘 😃
@@myapinion7532 No problem. Selby is about 350 miles from Ramsgate so unlikely our paths will cross. I think you are more likely to come across Ashley (Liverpool area) on your way to Yorkshire. Some of his videos specifically relate to roundabouts and lane changing so, again, I am certain that you will benefit from these. All the best to you and thanks also for your kind words. 😃👍
I've got granite curbs where I live in Scotland and as per usual the curbs are not in a straight line so if you're lucky you'll catch the ones sticking out hahahah
Good instruction there yet again Ashley and especially so with your low profile alloys. I hate to say this but my Mum is horrendous with her parking (she will probably slap me for this later lol) but I will show her this video. One lives in hope. Can't understand why anybody would give this a thumbs down! Stay safe everyone 👍
Thanks for the video Ashley this was one of my weak points. Not hitting the curb I've never done that but never seemed to park close enough which isn't great. Will try looking ahead more once I'm in and turn the wheel slightly back to the right and straighten up as you mentioned. 👍
I may need help even at 45, I trained myself to go in tight, touching the kurb and now struggle parking 4" away and not curb. With an expensive car this isn't an option, I'll use this video and reference points and hope for the best.... I'm still in 15 cars a week in motor trade making the job harder again. It really gets to me I hit kurb nice alloys however slow I go
@@MrPsychomonkey most important tip, I ran out of indiciator fluid and had actually crashed because the car behind me didn’t know what I was doing. I went to eurocar parts to try and buy a bottle of indicator fluid and the staff laughed at me for running out of it in the first place.
Helpful video - the other thing you could mention is perfecting the park once you're close to the kerb. This depends on the width of your car and parking location, but I drive a very wide saloon in London and my parking position needs to be much closer to the kerb than those shown in this video; in those cases, and assuming it's not a parallel park scenario where reversing into a bay is best, it's best to park in the manner you have described but then reversing to get as close to the kerb as possible. In this case you can use your side mirror to perfect the park as it gives you a true visual and therefore minimises chance of scuffing alloys
Thanks, that was good! Never realised about looking ahead as you described. Of course I might have been doing it all along but not realised it...??? I have to say I tend to park closer to the Kerb than you have - more or less 4-5 inches, (Palm width) at the most. (Helps ving a Mirror that tilts down in Reverse). Also I prefer to park in reverse, like parallel park when not necessary. What I do find is that I find it easier to parallel park to the left than to the right. I think this maybe that where I lived in Africa, (where they drove on the same side of the road as us here in the UK) it was an offence to park against traffic flow. Also Diagonal Parking was very common which made things easier until reversing out and having a van parked next to you - you get the picture.....
My 4 cameras around my car are godsend for this (front, back, both side). I would be able to park without them but most likely at funny angles/not as close to the curb as I should. Plus when parking out from tight spaces they are such a help that I haven't scratch my car (yet) thanks to them :)
Sometimes it's amazing how accurate you can be with where a wheel goes. I came round a bend to find two small branches in the road. Not a major deal, even if I hit them, they most likely would have broken up as twigs and done no damage. I didn't want to come out onto the offside, the branch had drawn my attention, not leaving enough time for me to process a clear that response, so I aimed my left wheels to pass through the 1 foot gap between them, managed to miss both. Afterwards I remember asking myself why that wasn't as hard as getting the distance right when pulling up!
Very helpful, I have a habit on both motorbike and in car of looking at kerbs or too close in front. Been working on it and this is a great bit of teaching - thanks
Full license for both? I recall when doing a CBT you're taught to look where the road goes, not staring at the curb. Doing the CBT helped me pass my car test in some ways, and the car test now would help me do my motorcycle license if I ever wanted to.
Near where I live are roads with Victorian terraces; you have to park with two wheels on the curb to allow traffic past. The road is also a steep hill so you have to not only reverse park between two cars uphill but also get two wheels on the curb. Are you able to show this?
My usual tactic for parking in a particularly tight space is to reverse into the space at quite a steep angle and go back slowly until my inside-rear tyre hits the kerb. Quick forward shunt then back into the middle of the space and you're done! You probably don't want to apply this tactic on a driving test though....
Nice I passed my test quite a while back and got a new car and just wondered what the reference points where for the car was and realised it was off road instead and you make your own. Thanks
Thanks, Ashley. These examples by you are excellent and helpful to both learners and experienced drivers like myself. More of the same from time to time would be much appreciated, sir.🚘🙏🚘
It was good to see how you parked on the right, as I tend to do that regularly at my partners, do find it awkward sometimes at night because no street lighting and although the car is righthand drive, the reversing light is set up for a lefthand car, so doesn't light up the kerb when I try to park next to it when reversing.
7:04 I realize that it's not about parking, but even when "no one's about" I still use my indicators. It's just a good practice to be doing, in my opinion. If one always does it, then they don't have to question, "Did I signal?" Overall, a good video and thank you for creating it!
I remember when I was learning way back, indicating was mandatory and failing to do so would mark you down on the test even when not needed. However the DSA changed the rules because unnecessary indicating actually indicates you are not being observant! Personally I always indicate no matter what because I abhor lazy bastards that never indicate at junctions and roundabouts and do not want to fall into that laziness (it's a simple flick for gods sake!).
thanks for the upload. I had my first lesson back today after a 15 year 'break' (I quit when I was young after about 6 failed tests decided I wasn't cut out for driving, but started back again today to shut up my girlfriend/parents etc! lol). Anyway, I was awful. I'm sure I never struggled with this manoeuvre before, but I sucked bad today. Kept getting way too close to the kurb, or scraping it, or being miles away, and also getting in a tizz with my gears and observations etc. I think i'm even worse when someone is 'watching' me lol
My instructor taught me to use reference points too. If I recall, the sensor in the dashboard for lights and wipers was to park to the left. I forget what the right one was, might have been on the edge of the right wiper. Having my own car, I don't even know the reference points, I just park up without and do fine. Guess I just do it without knowing.
Nice video. Any advice on if you had to turn in toward the kerb more sharply, say if there was only a space of around 2-3 car lengths between two sets of cars? Ideally you would reverse parallel park but sometimes the car behind is driving too close and won't leave enough room behind you to allow you to reverse in or the road is busy and you want to get out the way of flowing traffic sooner before making finer adjustments.
I used to think my old instructor was good, seeing your videos I'm not so sure. I was only ever really shown how to reverse park, both bay and parallel because it swings the front of the car in for you to finish off.
Over here, the most difficult part of the test, and an automatic fail if you blow it, is the "parallel parking" backing into a spot, being within a certain distance from the curb (kerb), straight, and with enough room between the cars in front and behind. (They use 6' poles to mark the four corners of the cars at the test location.) Anyone fortunate enough to pass the parking section (but otherwise failing the test) need not repeat it on the retest. Fail the parking section while otherwise passing the driving portion, requires a full retest.
My personal struggle is multi storey car park entrances. They insist on having a narrow entrance with bending kerbs both sides. Trying to line myself up to grab a ticket and then drive in past unseen kerbs is a nightmare. It's cost me a fortune in wheel refurbishments. I'll never buy a car with low profile tyres again.
It might be worth mentioning also that Highway Code Rule 239 advises "do not park facing against the traffic flow". Not always practicable I suppose though.
it's all fun and games when you change car 😂 I used to park my wife's merc 3 inches from the kerb. Then she got a ford fusion. Then I enjoy a walk to the kerb for a week till I got used to it. Vanishing point. It's a biker thing 👍
Ashley could give advice for the same but on a curved road? I'm not used to the camber and I have to use my electric mirrors to see. Sounds daft I know.
Still try to use the same process, but when lifting your eyes to straighten try to set the steer so it follows the shape of the bend you are on. Remember, going neither towards or away from the kerb means you are following it. Forget looking at angles!
Captain Insano Shows no mercy I watch car throttle, so I know the checks that you should do, but I’m talking about for newer drivers? So like cars that are harder to stall etc, or ones that are easier to park? But still cheap ahah?
Captain Insano Shows no mercy I like them, they’re cool ahah. But yeah insurance is rediculous. £2,000 for a 1.6L fiesta? And for my dad it’s like £150 :/ looked at getting insured on a Subaru BRZ and it was cheaper than some fiesta quotes lol :/.
I’m usually fairly good at this, however I have come across a kerb on one of my popular routes that has a small slight bend in it and it is exceptionally difficult.
Good video. Surely though, it is best practise to signal anyway even if you think no one is about. I mean, it takes very little effort and all it takes is not noticing someone come out of wherever and they not knowing you are turning or whatever... I mean it's low risk but why take it when such little effort is required. I personally signal every time regardless of if i can see anyone else about, as you never know. Just a thought.
I understand the reference point but let's say youre parking on the right, you turn right towards the curb, at what point do you start turning left to straighten up?
I honestly wonder how people are gifted in turning after a 3 point turn with the wheel just a few inches away from the kurb or just generally pull over to the kurb. I like to be safe and stop as near as I think I am to the kurb then just reverse and turn to adjust myself closer to it.
I just had my exam today. Had in total 15H of lessons, no after-lessons practice (cuz my dad is fucking scared, that I will demolish his car). Passed first time, scraped the kerb for like 2 secs, my face turned all red like a tomato from being ashamed of myself. Still passed though, with 10 minors (not surprised) :D.
i AM HECKIN TERRIBLE at that, i tend to end up barely on the sidewalk/curb or just fully on it aahh i don't drive big cars yet i always seem to miss the space i need and- ugh
well often times I use my car's mirror feature where it angles down so I can see the curb real easy. (this only works when you have a lot of space) then I put my car damn close to the curb. then I wonder... will bikes or pedestrians hit the mirror now that it's a bit on the sidewalk? lol. the struggle is real.
Thanks for the advice of getting the sense of where the car is in relation to the kerb by looking at marked lines in a car park. Enjoy learning from your videos. Do you recommend parking on the ‘off side / wrong side’ of the road? In some countries it is illegal. Doesn’t it make it harder to get away if there are other cars parked and it is a busy road?
I’m so annoyed I did fine drivers test but I can’t park curb side at home bc I get annoyed when try reserve it and when I do the front side is away from the curb now and yes I got my license yesterday
Embarrassing it sounds, I scrapped my Subaru WRX Rims against a curb because I couldn’t tell if I was close enough. Happened to me 2 times, and hopefully it’ll be my last.
How to know if I'm far from the Kerb ? I think I'm parking from it but my friend said I ain't. I'm a new driver so I'm unsure . Can you please explain how will I know if I'm parking too far from the kerb ? Many thanks
Or buy a car that has smaller wheels fitted with sensibly profiled tyres rather than low profile tyres then they hit the kerb rather than the alloys. The ride will be more comfortable, they're cheaper to replace. The cornering might not quite as good but you're not at brands hatch.
I wonder how much of parking is influenced by your dominant eye? (And I still think it should be compulsory for drivers to get an eye check once a year).
@@olliebonugli8881 Can't remember the exact upload but apparently is a BMW M sport 120D if memory serves with 18 inch(?) Alloy wheels & low profile tyres. Think the upload was within last 7-10 days. *just re-edited due to type in wrong model initially lol*
Nice video and good explanation Ashley. Curious as to what you would recommend on parking next to a curb that either bends away from you or towards you, how would the techniques differ in these situations? Obviously this tutorial works for straight roads with straight curbs but how could drivers perfect parking next to a curb with slight bends in the curb?
Still try to use the same process, but when lifting your eyes to straighten try to set the steer so it follows the shape of the bend you are on. Remember, going neither towards or away from the kerb means you are following it. Forget looking at angles!
Good comment. My road outside the water run away is bricked and completely uneven and broken. When u think u hit the kerb u haven’t. Ur actually in a small pot hole. Lol .
Kerb...
Carry on😁
@@thisisnumber0 Same word, different spelling, both acceptable ways of spelling it. No need to be pedantic here :)
Carvajal it’s only spelt Kerb to
Mean a roadside Kerb. Curb is a completely different word with a different meaning x
Thank you!! That was great
My instructor didn’t say anything about this but still he was yelling that why are you parking like that 😕
Almost every youtuber who tries to show how to park next to a kerb, do so on a clear road with miles of extra space in front or behind them. Can you do a video on a busier street with cars parked up which would cause you to have to make a sharp turn into the kerb and then trying to straighten out? There are no vanishing points in these scenarios and the kerb references are harder. I have my license for over 4 years now but always try to expand my knowledge with these videos.
Parallel park!
One key thing is speed, the faster you are the less accurate you are, so keep the speed down and increase accuracy.
Two or three years ago I bought a couple of blind spot mirrors to assist when driving on unlimited autobahns - it's not unusual for there to be a speed differential of 70mph in lane 2 of a two lane autobahn - and an additional benefit is that they give a perfect view of where my rear wheels are in relationship to kerbs and parking bay lines; really useful.
Really appreciate these videos and the proper explanations. I learnt to drive on an intensive course over a week with an uninterested instructor and managed to pass my test first time but I struggle with a lot of basic things...parking one of them. I would advise everyone to take your time when learning to drive and find yourself a good instructor who enjoys their job and explains things properly like Ashley. You'll be glad you did later on down the line.
Tom G Were you really safe to drive unsupervised?
I scraped my front left really bad once, but it's ok because I scraped the other one for symmetry.
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😂
😂😂😂😂😂😂
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That’s some skill!
I've never come across the reference point idea - it looks good, I'll give it a try. I presume a similar technique can be used when you have to reverse into a space between 2 other vehicles. Some cars automatically drop the wing mirror to show the curb, which is great. It should be compulsory!
The guyis doing his best to help others.
His own time and costs. Anyone having a try helps us all.
If we all stuck together and remained at min £50 per hour we would still be cheaper than and trades person, solicitor etc and protect the industry.
Your explanation is wonderful even when another language user can understand easily. 👍
Good to see you're still keeping your blinker fluid filled up.
I remember my first instructor had tape all over his car for reference points. After I got rid of him and went with someone more sensible he explained that by not having tape marking the reference points, that, he was teaching me to drive any car by making my own points of reference and not just one car
So true🤦🏽♂️🤷🏾♂️🤷🏾♂️🤷🏾♂️. 👌👌That's how it should be.
Yea, l remember the little bits of tape everywhere too, long time ago. Good point you've made here.
I've taught a fair few people who said that their last instructor had tape for reference points. My driving instructor didn't have any and neither do I.
Usually, when people I teach fail driving tests, it's very rarely to do with positioning while manoeuvring.
Sometimes it's due to positioning in lanes, but that's a different kettle of fish and is down to the student not reading the road properly, or just forgetting what I've told them, due to the stress of the test.
Just found your channel. Good reminders for those of us who have passed years ago. I have lessons to brush up my skills regularly and this really helped.
By the way in London you have to pay extra for bulbs on BMWs and Mercedes they don’t appear to come as standard...nice to see in Liverpool signals bulbs actually come as standard.😂😂😂
For me I've just always adjusted the left mirror down and in and it makes it so easy - then when I had an Audi that did that automatically (the mirror dipping, not the parking), it made it even easier. Now I'm in a car that doesn't have it so it's a bit of a drag but the extra 10 seconds is worth it in any situation because it guarantees a perfect park. Either that or learn your car back to front and front to back and just know. I haven't kerbed a wheel since 1997, pretty happy with that!
Your guide is great don't get me wrong, just so many weird kerbs here in OZ that you can't safely judge when mirrors are in their normal position, as they are often jagged and jut out in various places.
When you parked on the left and on the right you mentioned it was “perfect”. Well, in my estimation you were about 8-9 inches from the kerb on both occasions. I am an ex driving instructor and advanced motorist and have been driving for 61 years. My feelings about viewing at about the centre of the windscreen can be wildly out depending on how near your eyes are to the windscreen. A small about of movement fore and aft is magnified and therefore can never be accurate. Like most things driving, experience counts for a lot but not everything. I have driven many types of vehicle, small and large, old and new. I have found that there is a large difference in the way I need to park depending on the vehicle. Driving is a science and an art. Some people are naturals and take to it like ducks to a water, other, even though they pass the test never manage to become proficient.
I couldn't help but chuckle at the comment "how do we judge when we're straight?"
This is great advice. I'm returning to driving after 45 years of no driving! Passed my test in 1973. What a difference in the roads! Also big difference in my confidence. No probs years ago, picked everything up so easily. Now, lm a nervous wreck out there and learning to park again is horrendous, and making me feel like giving up. Just trying to make it easier for myself to get to work as have been getting there on a bicycle for years. No buses go that way. I'm practising with my son supervising, and l can make the car go from A to B alright, it's just this infernal parking. Umph.
Hello there Mya. Wow - you pass test same year as my mother and am surprised that you have not driven in 45 years. Don't give up as I noticed a difference after a very minuscule 3 years (2011 to 2014) having given up my car for financial reasons; then being allowed the privilege to be named & able to drive both parents cars. It took a bit of getting used to even after such a relatively short break.
It's good that you have a supportive son - I am sure that your confidence will return. Thanks to an upturn of income I can now live the dream of driving a classic British V8 motor which is totally different to anything modern with all of the driving aids etc.
Good luck and please continue with Ashley's channel - I still learn something from every upload.
Stay safe 👍
@@grahamnutt8958 Hi, oh you lucky thing! I'm not too keen on this driving lark, but l wouldn't mind a rip in a classic! I did drive my mum's Mini a few times after passing my test, she lent it to me to go to work occasionally, then in the year 2000 she had a stroke and l drove the car she had at that time (a Corsa) for 6 weeks until it was sold, as the stroke affected her eyesight badly and she had to give up driving. But that's about it, that's my driving history. I'm finding roundabouts and dual carriageways daunting, they didn't exist here when l was learning. Everyone's flying now, and all this lane changing stuff is hair raising! I'm nervous about moving over into the right lane coming up to roundabouts, as, once you've signalled, how do you know that the driver slightly behind and to your right, is going to let you in, or try to whiz past before you move over? That one thing is what's putting me off. But anyway, l keep thinking about when the weather picks up and the freedom a car brings, you can just tootle off with your picnic in the boot for long summer days at the seaside, so that's the carrot that's keeping this little donkey going. 😃
@@myapinion7532 I fully understand where you are coming from and why you have such reservations about driving on today's roads. Trust me on this - Ashley has uploaded a huge number of clips that will be of benefit to you.
I stumbled across this channel about 6 months ago and have found it to he inspirational and very instructive - this was when my car was in the workshop having, among other things, a replacement engine so it would be safe to say that owning/running a 50 year old car does come at a price.
If you happen to be anywhere near to Ramsgate (East Kent) when the weather improves then I might be persuaded to take you out for a spin (not a blast/rip though as it drinks massive amounts of fuel).
With perseverance and patience I think you will triumph in the end.
Good luck and stay safe ok 👍
@@grahamnutt8958 Aww, ta, not sure I'd be your direction, l live in the North of Ireland. I may be going over to stay with friends in Selby, North Yorkshire in the summer, (they'll be here with me in April to do a stall at the model railway exhibition), but that's as far as I'd be going in England l think. Yes this guy Ashley is very good, just discovered him. I have been watching World Driving on TH-cam a lot, a guy named Chris mainly, who is an excellent instructor, very patient and a delight to listen to, (although you never actually see him). I've learned a lot from him. Yes, I'll keep going, and hopefully master this lane changing and parking. Thanks for your encouragement, and happy motoring in your thirsty car. 🚘 😃
@@myapinion7532 No problem. Selby is about 350 miles from Ramsgate so unlikely our paths will cross. I think you are more likely to come across Ashley (Liverpool area) on your way to Yorkshire.
Some of his videos specifically relate to roundabouts and lane changing so, again, I am certain that you will benefit from these.
All the best to you and thanks also for your kind words. 😃👍
kerbs in penzance are a foot high and granite. That sharpens you up a bit 😉
I've got granite curbs where I live in Scotland and as per usual the curbs are not in a straight line so if you're lucky you'll catch the ones sticking out hahahah
My instructor is great and is helping me with parking but this video was that extra information I needed. Thank you!
Good instruction there yet again Ashley and especially so with your low profile alloys. I hate to say this but my Mum is horrendous with her parking (she will probably slap me for this later lol) but I will show her this video. One lives in hope. Can't understand why anybody would give this a thumbs down!
Stay safe everyone 👍
This is really helpful. I will have my final driving test tomorrow here in Japan. 🙏
Thanks for the video Ashley this was one of my weak points. Not hitting the curb I've never done that but never seemed to park close enough which isn't great. Will try looking ahead more once I'm in and turn the wheel slightly back to the right and straighten up as you mentioned. 👍
I may need help even at 45, I trained myself to go in tight, touching the kurb and now struggle parking 4" away and not curb. With an expensive car this isn't an option, I'll use this video and reference points and hope for the best.... I'm still in 15 cars a week in motor trade making the job harder again. It really gets to me I hit kurb nice alloys however slow I go
Ashley does BMW know your indicators work or did you have the upgrade when you purchased it....
I bet he paid quite a bit extra for that spec.
Make sure you fill up the indicator fluid
@@MrPsychomonkey most important tip, I ran out of indiciator fluid and had actually crashed because the car behind me didn’t know what I was doing. I went to eurocar parts to try and buy a bottle of indicator fluid and the staff laughed at me for running out of it in the first place.
All Bmw indicators work it is just poor people cannot see them 😅
@@PP-cm4re it was a BMW Individual extra
Helpful video - the other thing you could mention is perfecting the park once you're close to the kerb. This depends on the width of your car and parking location, but I drive a very wide saloon in London and my parking position needs to be much closer to the kerb than those shown in this video; in those cases, and assuming it's not a parallel park scenario where reversing into a bay is best, it's best to park in the manner you have described but then reversing to get as close to the kerb as possible. In this case you can use your side mirror to perfect the park as it gives you a true visual and therefore minimises chance of scuffing alloys
Thanks, that was good! Never realised about looking ahead as you described. Of course I might have been doing it all along but not realised it...??? I have to say I tend to park closer to the Kerb than you have - more or less 4-5 inches, (Palm width) at the most. (Helps ving a Mirror that tilts down in Reverse). Also I prefer to park in reverse, like parallel park when not necessary.
What I do find is that I find it easier to parallel park to the left than to the right. I think this maybe that where I lived in Africa, (where they drove on the same side of the road as us here in the UK) it was an offence to park against traffic flow. Also Diagonal Parking was very common which made things easier until reversing out and having a van parked next to you - you get the picture.....
My 4 cameras around my car are godsend for this (front, back, both side). I would be able to park without them but most likely at funny angles/not as close to the curb as I should. Plus when parking out from tight spaces they are such a help that I haven't scratch my car (yet) thanks to them :)
Sometimes it's amazing how accurate you can be with where a wheel goes. I came round a bend to find two small branches in the road. Not a major deal, even if I hit them, they most likely would have broken up as twigs and done no damage. I didn't want to come out onto the offside, the branch had drawn my attention, not leaving enough time for me to process a clear that response, so I aimed my left wheels to pass through the 1 foot gap between them, managed to miss both. Afterwards I remember asking myself why that wasn't as hard as getting the distance right when pulling up!
This video was very useful! Also, I find pulling up on the right hand side much easier done by looking out the window.
Very true 👍
Thanks Ashley. I struggled a bit with this. Good tutorial.
Personally I just get within a rough distance of the kerb and then reverse back in using my side mirrors, until I’m virtually right up against it.
Yeah, it's much easier to get nice and close whilst not scraping your wheels by doing this. I do it all the time.
I’m not perfect but usually get close to kerb then reverse. I do rely on dipping kerb view mirror which helps.
are you allowed to do that in the test if they ask you to pull up
@@athenasyed9214 what’s ur insta👀
I scraped a kerb parking on my driving test. Still passed!
For real?
@@stephaniebaker8148 Yes
Very helpful, I have a habit on both motorbike and in car of looking at kerbs or too close in front. Been working on it and this is a great bit of teaching - thanks
Full license for both? I recall when doing a CBT you're taught to look where the road goes, not staring at the curb. Doing the CBT helped me pass my car test in some ways, and the car test now would help me do my motorcycle license if I ever wanted to.
Near where I live are roads with Victorian terraces; you have to park with two wheels on the curb to allow traffic past. The road is also a steep hill so you have to not only reverse park between two cars uphill but also get two wheels on the curb. Are you able to show this?
My usual tactic for parking in a particularly tight space is to reverse into the space at quite a steep angle and go back slowly until my inside-rear tyre hits the kerb. Quick forward shunt then back into the middle of the space and you're done! You probably don't want to apply this tactic on a driving test though....
Should have watched this before my test 2 minors and a serious because i was too scared of hitting kerbs, ended up too wide.
Nice I passed my test quite a while back and got a new car and just wondered what the reference points where for the car was and realised it was off road instead and you make your own. Thanks
Thanks, Ashley. These examples by you are excellent and helpful to both learners and experienced drivers like myself. More of the same from time to time would be much appreciated, sir.🚘🙏🚘
It was good to see how you parked on the right, as I tend to do that regularly at my partners, do find it awkward sometimes at night because no street lighting and although the car is righthand drive, the reversing light is set up for a lefthand car, so doesn't light up the kerb when I try to park next to it when reversing.
7:04 I realize that it's not about parking, but even when "no one's about" I still use my indicators. It's just a good practice to be doing, in my opinion. If one always does it, then they don't have to question, "Did I signal?" Overall, a good video and thank you for creating it!
I remember when I was learning way back, indicating was mandatory and failing to do so would mark you down on the test even when not needed. However the DSA changed the rules because unnecessary indicating actually indicates you are not being observant!
Personally I always indicate no matter what because I abhor lazy bastards that never indicate at junctions and roundabouts and do not want to fall into that laziness (it's a simple flick for gods sake!).
Choosing when to use them and when not to use them will improve your observation skills. Clicking them on without thinking just because does nothing.
@@middler5 Perhaps I didn't correctly explain that it's always thoughtful signaling, not "just because"...it's always done with reason.
I still struggle to park, my cousin took my test. Uk paper license back then was a dream. Everyone passed.
I'll try to remember this if I want to park on a clear, straight road with no traffic.
Hi Ashley, I occasionally struggle to blindside my artic between two trailers with two feet either side. Any tips?
thanks for the upload. I had my first lesson back today after a 15 year 'break' (I quit when I was young after about 6 failed tests decided I wasn't cut out for driving, but started back again today to shut up my girlfriend/parents etc! lol). Anyway, I was awful. I'm sure I never struggled with this manoeuvre before, but I sucked bad today. Kept getting way too close to the kurb, or scraping it, or being miles away, and also getting in a tizz with my gears and observations etc. I think i'm even worse when someone is 'watching' me lol
how about nowadays? Did you manage to learn?
Interesting video. Requires practice - however you can see why some people can’t be bothered and park on the pavement instead.
My instructor taught me to use reference points too.
If I recall, the sensor in the dashboard for lights and wipers was to park to the left. I forget what the right one was, might have been on the edge of the right wiper.
Having my own car, I don't even know the reference points, I just park up without and do fine. Guess I just do it without knowing.
I personally mount the curb and roll off.. On a test I’d reverse, lowering my inside mirror so I can see the inside rear..
Nice video. Any advice on if you had to turn in toward the kerb more sharply, say if there was only a space of around 2-3 car lengths between two sets of cars? Ideally you would reverse parallel park but sometimes the car behind is driving too close and won't leave enough room behind you to allow you to reverse in or the road is busy and you want to get out the way of flowing traffic sooner before making finer adjustments.
Thanks for covering this in great detail Ashley. It does help.
I used to think my old instructor was good, seeing your videos I'm not so sure. I was only ever really shown how to reverse park, both bay and parallel because it swings the front of the car in for you to finish off.
Over here, the most difficult part of the test, and an automatic fail if you blow it, is the "parallel parking" backing into a spot, being within a certain distance from the curb (kerb), straight, and with enough room between the cars in front and behind. (They use 6' poles to mark the four corners of the cars at the test location.)
Anyone fortunate enough to pass the parking section (but otherwise failing the test) need not repeat it on the retest. Fail the parking section while otherwise passing the driving portion, requires a full retest.
Great vid, would you mind making a vid on parking ON the kerb?
My personal struggle is multi storey car park entrances. They insist on having a narrow entrance with bending kerbs both sides. Trying to line myself up to grab a ticket and then drive in past unseen kerbs is a nightmare. It's cost me a fortune in wheel refurbishments. I'll never buy a car with low profile tyres again.
I am PDI and this is the biggest challenge with my pupils.
I can do it when driving forwards quite easily but reverse parallel parking and not hitting the curb is the tough one
That’s when cars with a reverse camera and a display screen with suitable marker lines are useful (as long as it’s camera lens is clean enough!).
This is the video needed.
It might be worth mentioning also that Highway Code Rule 239 advises "do not park facing against the traffic flow". Not always practicable I suppose though.
it's all fun and games when you change car 😂 I used to park my wife's merc 3 inches from the kerb. Then she got a ford fusion. Then I enjoy a walk to the kerb for a week till I got used to it. Vanishing point. It's a biker thing 👍
Ashley could give advice for the same but on a curved road? I'm not used to the camber and I have to use my electric mirrors to see. Sounds daft I know.
Still try to use the same process, but when lifting your eyes to straighten try to set the steer so it follows the shape of the bend you are on. Remember, going neither towards or away from the kerb means you are following it. Forget looking at angles!
Line the kerb up with a point on the windscreen wipers.
Would you be able to a video on buying a car? I know it’s a little off topic, but think it would be helpful for us all! Love the videos :)
Captain Insano Shows no mercy both, but yeah I guess it’s a trust thing lol.
Captain Insano Shows no mercy I watch car throttle, so I know the checks that you should do, but I’m talking about for newer drivers? So like cars that are harder to stall etc, or ones that are easier to park? But still cheap ahah?
Captain Insano Shows no mercy thank you :)
Captain Insano Shows no mercy Subaru? Heard they handle amazing, I’ve always wanted a BRZ. :)
Captain Insano Shows no mercy I like them, they’re cool ahah. But yeah insurance is rediculous. £2,000 for a 1.6L fiesta? And for my dad it’s like £150 :/ looked at getting insured on a Subaru BRZ and it was cheaper than some fiesta quotes lol :/.
I’m usually fairly good at this, however I have come across a kerb on one of my popular routes that has a small slight bend in it and it is exceptionally difficult.
Good video. Surely though, it is best practise to signal anyway even if you think no one is about. I mean, it takes very little effort and all it takes is not noticing someone come out of wherever and they not knowing you are turning or whatever... I mean it's low risk but why take it when such little effort is required. I personally signal every time regardless of if i can see anyone else about, as you never know. Just a thought.
Helpful! Clear explanation!
I understand the reference point but let's say youre parking on the right, you turn right towards the curb, at what point do you start turning left to straighten up?
Well done sir, amazing
I honestly wonder how people are gifted in turning after a 3 point turn with the wheel just a few inches away from the kurb or just generally pull over to the kurb. I like to be safe and stop as near as I think I am to the kurb then just reverse and turn to adjust myself closer to it.
Great advice as usual Ashley.
I sold my car got an electric mountain bike with a dog trailer for the shopping and a racing sim. Alot less hassle lol.
WHY
I just had my exam today. Had in total 15H of lessons, no after-lessons practice (cuz my dad is fucking scared, that I will demolish his car). Passed first time, scraped the kerb for like 2 secs, my face turned all red like a tomato from being ashamed of myself. Still passed though, with 10 minors (not surprised) :D.
i AM HECKIN TERRIBLE at that, i tend to end up barely on the sidewalk/curb or just fully on it aahh
i don't drive big cars yet i always seem to miss the space i need and- ugh
Very good tip. Thanks
well often times I use my car's mirror feature where it angles down so I can see the curb real easy. (this only works when you have a lot of space) then I put my car damn close to the curb. then I wonder... will bikes or pedestrians hit the mirror now that it's a bit on the sidewalk? lol. the struggle is real.
Thanks Ashley very helpful.
Thanks for the advice of getting the sense of where the car is in relation to the kerb by looking at marked lines in a car park. Enjoy learning from your videos.
Do you recommend parking on the ‘off side / wrong side’ of the road? In some countries it is illegal. Doesn’t it make it harder to get away if there are other cars parked and it is a busy road?
when you want to park you said slow down. and press clutch. my question do you keep pressing the clutch down till the car stop?
I’m so annoyed I did fine drivers test but I can’t park curb side at home bc I get annoyed when try reserve it and when I do the front side is away from the curb now and yes I got my license yesterday
magic i will try that thank so much
Totally unrelated but how come there's no Erin's Lessons episode this week?
She’s been away for a couple of weeks 👍
Embarrassing it sounds, I scrapped my Subaru WRX Rims against a curb because I couldn’t tell if I was close enough.
Happened to me 2 times, and hopefully it’ll be my last.
How to know if I'm far from the Kerb ? I think I'm parking from it but my friend said I ain't. I'm a new driver so I'm unsure . Can you please explain how will I know if I'm parking too far from the kerb ? Many thanks
I wish I can master this skill
Thankyou Ash excellent video 😊🚘👌this is me 💖
Thanks for this, Ashley! 👍🏻😊
Makes sense seeing it like this!
i wish i could flip the video, mirror image, to make it look like it's a left hand drive car
u can mirror videos
sir yesterdayi parked my car very close to curb ..that made me difficult to move out. hardly there is 1 inch gap, pls help me out.
I sometimes I think may be I should downsize from a saloon to a hatchback...
was waiting for one of these
One for the birds that left indicator when u pulled over haha there was no one around
What about the junction behind the A pillar?
All the cars have to park partially on the pavement near where I live otherwise large lorries or fire engines wouldn't get through.
Gloucester is like that.
Or buy a car that has smaller wheels fitted with sensibly profiled tyres rather than low profile tyres then they hit the kerb rather than the alloys. The ride will be more comfortable, they're cheaper to replace. The cornering might not quite as good but you're not at brands hatch.
And then when you go on a motorway you have a blow out at 70mph because you've nicked your sidewall!
I wonder how much of parking is influenced by your dominant eye? (And I still think it should be compulsory for drivers to get an eye check once a year).
I drive a m140i with the 18" polished black alloys and it seems to attract every curb no matter what I do.
Saying that maybe it's the driver 🤔
I'v scraped many a wheel on a cerb lol.
Use your mirrors. Proving that they are correctly adjusted.
0:27 That cracked me up xd
Thanks for sharing your video
Thank you 😍
Nice tips
I end up needing a taxi to the kerb when I've parked. My wheels cost nearly as much as my car did and I'm terrified of scraping them.
What wheels and car have you got?
@@olliebonugli8881 Can't remember the exact upload but apparently is a BMW M sport 120D if memory serves with 18 inch(?) Alloy wheels & low profile tyres. Think the upload was within last 7-10 days. *just re-edited due to type in wrong model initially lol*