Parallel parking remains one of the most challenging tasks for many drivers today. However, learning how to properly parallel park is a requirement to receive a license in many states. Even if it isn’t required to drive a car legally where you live, it’s a valuable skill well worth acquiring. If you’d like to learn how to parallel park like an expert, review some of these helpful tips to get you started:
Find the Best Parking Spot
If possible, find a parking spot that is not flanked by cars on both sides. This will give you more room to properly maneuver your vehicle into the space. If most parking spots are taken, look for spaces with a little more wiggle room than others. Avoid spots with very little margin for error.
You also need to consider how easily other people will be able to get out of their spot if you park in a certain space. Be aware of parking signs and restriction s as well such as handicapped only spaces. This is especially important if you’re being evaluated for your driver’s permit or license.
Position Your Vehicle Correctly
The starting position of your vehicle before you begin backing up into the parking spot is possibly the most important. Position your front passenger side wheel with the driver’s side wheel of a vehicle in front of the spot you’d like to park in. From here, a sharp turn of the wheel to the right while backing up should ease your vehicle into the space.
If adjustments are needed during the process simply go back to your starting position and try again. It’s important to be patient. Parallel parking may be frustrating at first, but it gets easier over time.
Use the Mirrors
Always use side view and rear-view mirrors when attempting to perform a parallel park. You’ll be able to easily gauge the distance of objects, people and other vehicles this way. While you’re backing your car into the spot, be sure to check all mirrors throughout the process, maintaining awareness of your surroundings. Hitting another vehicle is always a possibility to bear in mind. Many evaluators will fail drivers who hit the curb or a nearby car in the process of parallel parking.
Whether you’re preparing for a driving exam or would simply like to improve your parking abilities, these tips will ensure you see improvements in your parallel parking. While it may seem difficult at first, parallel parking is a skill that takes time to learn. After some time of practicing, parallel parking will become second nature.
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