Theory Hub UK Theory Test

You park on the left, facing downhill. In which position should you leave the steering wheel?

Why this is the answer

When you park a vehicle facing downhill and on the left, turn the steering wheel to the left. If the parking brake fails, this will give the front wheels the least distance to travel before wedging against the kerb, preventing the vehicle from rolling further. It's also a good idea to leave the car in gear, or select 'P' on an automatic.

Why the other answers don't fit

A
Turned to the right — Facing downhill, wheels turned right would let the car roll into the road.
C
Straight ahead — Straight ahead means the car rolls straight down the road if it moves.
D
In the locked position — A locked wheel is not a parking position; it is what happens when the key is out.

Where this comes from

  • Driving: the essential skills — section 9
  • The Highway Code — rule 252

Rule numbers link to The Highway Code on gov.uk.

Where this question comes from

The question, its options and the explanation are reproduced word for word from the DVSA revision question bank under licence. The licence requires them to appear unaltered, so we cannot reword them and neither can anyone else — that is why you will meet the same wording on other sites. Everything else on this page is written by Theory Hub: the explanation of why each wrong answer is wrong, the topic guide and the revision notes.

More about our sources and licence

Asked in: Driving Instructor (ADI Part 1)

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