Parking beside the kerb without fixing your eyes on it

A kerbside stop combines position, speed and awareness of other road users.

A kerbside stop combines position, speed and awareness of other road users. Looking only at the kerb can hide the traffic and pedestrians you still need to monitor. Practise with an instructor in a suitable place where stopping is permitted.

Understand the situation

Read parking signs and assess the location before moving towards the kerb. Keep the car controlled and use observation appropriate to the manoeuvre. Once parked, secure the vehicle according to its handbook and check before opening a door. Leaving the space requires another full assessment.

Before you practise

• Confirm the location is lawful and suitable
• Maintain awareness while judging the final position
• Secure the vehicle and check before exiting

A focused practice session

Use a quiet supervised route to compare two permitted stopping places. Explain why each location was suitable and what you checked during the approach. Discuss your position afterwards while safely parked, then repeat without narrowing your gaze to the kerb alone.

A situation to discuss

You identify a generous kerbside gap but then notice a driveway within it. The amount of space is not enough information to approve the stop. Check the location's restrictions and choose a lawful suitable place. After parking, secure the car and check before opening the door. Moving away begins a separate observation task; finishing one manoeuvre does not mean the surrounding traffic situation remains unchanged.