Driver Knowledge Tests Menu

When driving past parked vehicles, which of the following is it most important to do: When driving past parked vehicles, which of the following is it most important to do:

  • A. Stay as close as possible to the vehicle in front of you.

  • B. Drive in the right-hand lane, if there is one.

  • C. Watch for pedestrians, animals and car doors opening.

  •  
    The correct answer is C
     
    Correct. Pedestrians and animals can be obscured by other vehicles. They may not see you and could try to cross in front of your vehicle. Also, do not drive too close to parked cars as there is a risk that someone opening a car door might hit your vehicle. However, you should still drive in the left hand lane unless turning right or overtaking.
     
 
 
 
 

Driving past parked vehicles

Driving past parked vehicles is more of a hazard for motorcyclists who are more difficult to see. You can read our complete guide to lane position for motorbikes here.

For other larger vehicles you will need to drive closer to the parked vehicles if you don't want to straddle the centre line. Sometimes this might not be possible. 

When driving past parked large vehicles be aware that pedestrians will have to look around them to see what the traffic flow is, whereas with parked cars they can usually see over the top or through the windows. 

You will get much less warning of children or pets rushing out into the road. 

Keep a watch for vehicles that are indicating to pull out into the flow of traffic. You might see the driver's head craning to see, or see the wheels turned ready to pull out and the indicator on.

A longer row of parked vehicles can conceal a driveway which makes it difficult for residents to emerge; they may have to nose out of the driveway in order to see far enough up the road.

A vehicle in front of you looking for a place to park might stop suddenly when they see a gap, and will then need to reverse in order to parallel park.