K53 topic guide · 5 chapters
K53 parking and stopping rules
The legal difference between stopping and parking, and the distances you must keep.
Learners often treat stopping and parking as the same thing, and the test is written to catch that. These chapters explain the difference, where stopping is prohibited, the clearances from intersections, crossings and hydrants, and how to secure a parked vehicle.
Parking places and required clearances
Parking is keeping a vehicle stationary longer than reasonably necessary for actual loading or unloading of people or goods, subject to the legal definition and circumstances. Remaining in the driver’s seat does not automatically make waiting “not parking”.
- Parking is keeping a vehicle stationary longer than reasonably necessary for actual loading or unloading of people or goods, subject to the legal definition and circumstances.
- Reject the space: both intersection clearance and sign visibility are problems.
- Apply the full rule to the actual vehicle, road and conditions.
Read the full chapter: Parking places and required clearances →
Where voluntary stopping is prohibited
Stopping is bringing the vehicle to a standstill. A short passenger pickup can still be a prohibited voluntary stop, even if you keep the engine running. Stopping in a narrow or poorly visible place can leave approaching traffic with too little room to avoid you.
- Stopping is bringing the vehicle to a standstill.
- Do not make a voluntary stop on the bridge.
- Apply the full rule to the actual vehicle, road and conditions.
Read the full chapter: Where voluntary stopping is prohibited →
Parking, towing and everyday responsibilities
Parking is keeping a vehicle stationary longer than reasonably necessary for actual loading or unloading of people or goods, subject to the legal definition and circumstances. Remaining in the driver’s seat does not automatically make waiting “not parking”.
- Parking is keeping a vehicle stationary longer than reasonably necessary for actual loading or unloading of people or goods, subject to the legal definition and circumstances.
- Reject the space: both intersection clearance and sign visibility are problems.
- Apply the full rule to the actual vehicle, road and conditions.
Read the full chapter: Parking, towing and everyday responsibilities →
Rules in detail: parking, stopping and abandoned vehicles
What the rule says. You may not park a vehicle on the roadway of a public road in any place where stopping is not permitted, or in contravention of a road traffic sign. You may not park on the same side as a fire hydrant within 1,5 metres on either side of the hydrant. You may not park where your vehicle would obscure a road traffic sign, so that it encroaches upon the sidewalk, or so that it obstructs any private…
- Never park where stopping is banned, against a sign, near a hydrant, on the sidewalk or across an entrance.
- In an urban area keep 9 metres from a crossing, 5 metres from an intersection and within 450 millimetres of the edge.
- Stop in tunnels, on bridges or within 6 metres of them only for the three permitted reasons.
Read the full chapter: Rules in detail: parking, stopping and abandoned vehicles →
Securing a parked vehicle and moving off
An unattended vehicle must not be free to roll. A slope, an incorrectly secured parking brake or a running engine can turn a parked vehicle into a hazard after you have walked away. Parking safely therefore includes both choosing a lawful place and securing the vehicle.
- An unattended vehicle must not be free to roll.
- Keep the vehicle stationary and check mirrors and blind spots.
- Apply the full rule to the actual vehicle, road and conditions.
Read the full chapter: Securing a parked vehicle and moving off →
Practice questions on parking and stopping
1 May you park across a driveway if you leave your phone number?
- Yes, if you leave a phone number
- Yes, for less than five minutes
- No, you must not obstruct a vehicular entrance
Show the answer
Answer C: No, you must not obstruct a vehicular entrance
Parking must not block an entrance, obscure a sign or encroach on the pavement. In an urban area, keep at least 5 metres from an intersection and 9 metres from the approach side of a pedestrian crossing. Keep 1.5 metres clear on either side of a fire hydrant.
Memory tip: Check access, signs and distance before parking.
All vehicle codes
2 May a parked vehicle hide a road traffic sign?
- Yes, if the sign is small
- Yes, outside rush hour
- No, parking must not obscure a traffic sign
Show the answer
Answer C: No, parking must not obscure a traffic sign
Parking must not block an entrance, obscure a sign or encroach on the pavement. In an urban area, keep at least 5 metres from an intersection and 9 metres from the approach side of a pedestrian crossing. Keep 1.5 metres clear on either side of a fire hydrant.
Memory tip: Check access, signs and distance before parking.
All vehicle codes
3 How far from an urban intersection must you keep when parking?
- At least 2 metres
- At least 1 metre
- At least 5 metres
Show the answer
Answer C: At least 5 metres
Parking must not block an entrance, obscure a sign or encroach on the pavement. In an urban area, keep at least 5 metres from an intersection and 9 metres from the approach side of a pedestrian crossing. Keep 1.5 metres clear on either side of a fire hydrant.
Memory tip: Check access, signs and distance before parking.
All vehicle codes
4 How far must you keep from the approach side of an urban pedestrian crossing?
- At least 3 metres
- At least 5 metres
- At least 9 metres
Show the answer
Answer C: At least 9 metres
Parking must not block an entrance, obscure a sign or encroach on the pavement. In an urban area, keep at least 5 metres from an intersection and 9 metres from the approach side of a pedestrian crossing. Keep 1.5 metres clear on either side of a fire hydrant.
Memory tip: Check access, signs and distance before parking.
All vehicle codes
5 May you stop on a bridge to take a photograph?
- Yes, if you stay in the vehicle
- Yes, with hazard lights on
- No, a voluntary stop on a bridge is prohibited
Show the answer
Answer C: No, a voluntary stop on a bridge is prohibited
A voluntary stop must not obstruct or endanger traffic. Do not stop in a tunnel, on a bridge, within a railway reserve at a level crossing, or within 6 metres of a tunnel, subway or bridge. Exceptions include avoiding a collision or following a traffic officer’s direction.
Memory tip: Stopping briefly can still create a serious hazard.
All vehicle codes
6 May you wait inside the railway reserve at a level crossing?
- Yes, if no train is visible
- Yes, while checking a map
- No, do not stop there voluntarily
Show the answer
Answer C: No, do not stop there voluntarily
A voluntary stop must not obstruct or endanger traffic. Do not stop in a tunnel, on a bridge, within a railway reserve at a level crossing, or within 6 metres of a tunnel, subway or bridge. Exceptions include avoiding a collision or following a traffic officer’s direction.
Memory tip: Stopping briefly can still create a serious hazard.
All vehicle codes
AceK53 is an independent study aid based on public road traffic manuals and is not an official test. Always confirm requirements with your driving licence testing centre.