New survey reveals UK drivers’ biggest parking anxieties – and how ADIs can help tackle them.
Parallel and reverse bay parking have emerged as the UK’s most avoided parking manoeuvres, according to new research by temporary car insurance provider Tempcover. The survey of 2,000 UK car owners highlights just how much stress and uncertainty parking can cause – and the vital role driving instructors can play in building learners’ confidence in these essential skills.
One In Three Avoid Parallel And Reverse Bay Parking
A significant one in three UK drivers (32%) admitted they actively avoid both parallel parking and reverse bay parking, ranking them as the most dreaded manoeuvres on the road. Surprisingly, even forward bay parking is not immune to avoidance, with 13% steering clear when possible.
For ADIs, this underlines the need to give these core competencies ample attention during training. While the manoeuvres are part of the driving test, the survey suggests that many drivers remain uncomfortable performing them even after passing – possibly due to a lack of real-world practice or ongoing anxiety.
Parking Sensors Provide Comfort – But At What Cost?
The research also found that nearly a quarter (23%) of drivers rely heavily on parking sensors, admitting they’d struggle to park without them. While technology can provide reassurance, it may also prevent some motorists from developing the spatial awareness and judgment required to park confidently in more challenging situations.
This opens up an opportunity for instructors to reinforce the value of practising parking both with and without the assistance of technology – ensuring drivers are prepared for any scenario.
Difficult Manoeuvres Lead To Abandoned Attempts
Tempcover’s findings also reveal that nearly one in four drivers (23%) have abandoned a parking attempt altogether because it was too difficult. This figure is mirrored by the 24% who choose to park further from their destination to avoid tight or awkward spaces.
Instructors can use this data to discuss with learners the real-world importance of mastering parking manoeuvres. Building competence in parking isn’t just about passing the test – it’s a key part of daily driving that impacts confidence, convenience, and even vehicle safety.
Parking-Related Damage And Anxiety Still Prevalent
Fifteen percent of drivers admitted to damaging their own car while parking, and 6% confessed to damaging someone else’s vehicle. Additionally, 9% said they plan their parking in advance due to anxiety around manoeuvring in tight spaces.
These statistics demonstrate that anxiety around parking doesn’t disappear once a learner becomes a qualified driver. It’s a useful reminder for CPD providers and ADIs offering post-test tuition or refresher courses – especially those focusing on confidence-building and defensive driving techniques.
A Helping Hand Through Temporary Insurance
Claire Wills-Mckissick, temporary car insurance expert at Tempcover, suggests that one option for anxious drivers is to temporarily hand over control to a more confident companion:
“If you find parking stressful, you’re not alone. Temporary car insurance allows a friend or family member to legally take the wheel for a few minutes to tackle that tricky parallel park or tight spot. Simply pull over safely, swap seats, and let them navigate the challenge while you relax.”
This approach, while practical in a pinch, reinforces the need for more comprehensive parking training during and after the learner phase. Driving instructors are perfectly placed to help drivers develop the confidence and skill needed to handle all types of parking scenarios independently.
Are Your Pupils Avoiding Parking Practice?
As an ADI, consider allocating more lesson time to complex manoeuvres and offering structured sessions for post-test development. Parking is clearly still a major concern for many UK drivers – but with the right training and support, it doesn’t have to be.
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1 thought on “Parallel And Reverse Bay Parking Top The List Of UK’s Most Avoided Manoeuvres”
I have been an ADI for over 40 years, and for the last 35 years, (since before the Fleet certification existed), have been teaching ONLY Fleet drivers, in UK, and worldwide on 4 continents.
There is ample evidence, mostly from companies involved in Fleet driver training, that parking forwards into a parking space is the most difficult and dangerous, and this manoeuvre is especially dangerous later to reverse out from. Yet the DVSA insists on testing that manoeuvre instead of reversing into a bay which is simpler and safer.
Regarding parallel parking in an on-street situation, I was teaching this manoeuvre to all my learners years before it entered the Learner test, and did a Check test focussing on this manoeuvre.
However, whilst this is a manoeuvre that I can of course accomplish perfectly, BUT I avoid like the plague, because I’ve had numerous cars damaged by other drivers errors whilst either entering or exiting the space. I fully accept it should be taught and tested, but I would never recommend unless there was no-where else to park.