Parallel Parking
Why circle the block looking for a parking space to pull into, when you can easily master the technique of parallel parking? Not only will this skill help you pass your driving test with flying colors, but it never fails to impress your passengers when you reverse your car into a space with calm confidence.
Parallel parking is a technique where you reverse into a space between two vehicles, parallel to the curb. It involves multiple steps and is difficult to eyeball - you need to be aware of the steps and plan out your approach. Also, the nature of the technique involves getting extremely close to other vehicles and paying attention to more than one thing at a time to avoid a collision. It's no wonder that even people who have been driving for years still feel nervous about parallel parking. Luckily, the steps are simple to explain and practice, and there's no reason why you can't learn how to parallel park perfectly every time.
Look for a space between two vehicles. Let's call the front vehicle Vehicle A and the other one Vehicle B. If you're not sure you can fit, you probably can't. You'll need a buffer of at least 3 extra feet for maneuvering. Put on your turn signal as soon as you've chosen your space. This signals to other drivers that you're parallel parking. Otherwise, people tend to pull up right behind you and get annoyed that you're not moving.
Now, follow these seven simple steps:
1. Pull up to Vehicle A, getting as close as possible and lining up your front tires. Your vehicle should be parallel to Vehicle A. If you're crooked starting out, you'll be crooked when you start to reverse. Don't be afraid to reverse and pull up again until you're parallel to the vehicle.
2. Turn your head to the right and place your arm across the passenger seat. Look through your windows and slowly reverse until your front tires are aligned with the rear tires of Vehicle A.
3. Turn the steering wheel all the way to the right. As you gain confidence with parallel parking, you can turn the wheel in one fluid motion while you're reversing, but during the test it's safer to brake for a moment, turn the wheel and then continue reversing.
4. When your front door is aligned with Vehicle A's bumper, pause again and turn the wheel all the way to the left.
5. Look in your rear window, and reverse as far as possible. This can be the trickiest part of the whole process, as it's common to get nervous and not reverse far enough. However, that's better than causing damage to Vehicle B! Get comfortable with this part by having a friend stand outside and wave you on. Then on the day of your test, you'll be familiar with how far back you can safely reverse.
6. Turn the steering wheel until your wheels are pointing straight ahead. Pull up until you're in the middle of the space, equal distance from Vehicle A and B. You don't want to box anyone in
7. Check that you're about half a foot from the curb, put your vehicle in park, and breathe a sigh of relief. You did it!<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
Before your test, practice parallel parking until you feel confident in your ability to remember the steps and follow them. Start by leaving Vehicle B out of the equation altogether, and master the steps related to Vehicle A. Once you're comfortable with steering and aligning correctly, you can try parallel parking with the two vehicles, just like in the test.
Stay calm, be confident, and don't be afraid to take a deep breath and start over. With time and practice, parallel parking will become a technique you enjoy and use often. Good luck on your test!
