How to Alley Dock in a Car (Parking)

This is yet another hub in the driving series to help with those who want to get their driver's licence. I've already done a hub on parallel parking, and now I'll show you how to do a ‘dock' with step by step instructions, and a diagram.

You start off in the bay allocated for you on the yard. For the first explanation, let's assume that you are on the left of the bay and you want to reverse in (look at the diagram).

1. Mirror, blind spot left and indicate left.

2. Do your full observation; mirror, right blind spot, mirror, left blind spot, and mirror.

3. Start reversing until you see the first pole on your left level with your shoulders, then do a right blind spot check.

4. When the front of the car gets behind the pole, start turning the steering wheel full lock to the left.

5. Look over your shoulder to see that you're going where you need to go, and that's in the bay behind you.

6. Start looking in your right side or wing mirror to see the pole right at the back, and the three poles line up.

7. Then you should straighten up the wheels quickly.

8. Do your blind spot left and right and watch closely in both side mirrors to make sure you don't hit any of the poles.

9. When your shoulder is level with the second pole from the back, stop, and put your handbrake on and put the car into neutral.

For reversing in to the bay from the right, just do the opposite:

1. Mirror, blind spot right and indicate right.

2. Do your full observation; mirror, right blind spot, mirror, left blind spot, and mirror.

3. Start reversing until you see the first pole on your right level with your shoulders, then do a left blind spot check.

4. When the front of the car gets behind the pole, start turning the steering wheel full lock to the right.

5. Look over your shoulder to see that you're going where you need to go, and that's in the bay behind you.

6. Start looking in your left side or wing mirror to see the pole right at the back, and the three poles line up.

7. Then you should straighten up the wheels quickly.

8. Do your blind spot left and right and watch closely in both side mirrors to make sure you don't hit any of the poles.

9. When your shoulder is level with the second pole from the back, stop, and put your handbrake on; neutral.

The dimensions of the space you need to get into are about 6m (236 in) long and 2,5m (98,5 in) wide. The curve before the bay is also about 6m (236 in), which you have to navigate before reversing into the actual bay. You also mustn't be too close to the first pole when you start. It doesn't matter if you end up a little crooked in the bay, as long as you don't knock any of the poles or the kerb. Remember to go slowly, and turn fast so that you have more time to react and adjust if necessary.

All of this information is accurate if you're in South Africa and happen to be reading this, although if you're in a different country, like the states the dimensions might be different, but as long as you follow the instructions by using the poles as markers you should be fine. I've tried my best to convert the dimensions into Yankish.

"Those who cannot remember the past will spend a lot of time looking for their cars in mall parking lots."

- Jay Trachman

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