Learn To Parallel Park Like A Pro
Let’s face it.. parallel parking can be downright scary to a beginning driver. It even strikes fear into the hearts of many experienced drivers! But trust us - this is definitely a skill worth having. And not just for your test: it will come in handy many times throughout your life. Not to mention how cool you’ll look easily reversing your car into a small parking space! So whether you’re frantically preparing for your drivers test or just want to brush up on your P-parking skills, we’re here to help you conquer those tight squeezes.
In case you weren’t too sure, parallel parking is a method of parking where you park in line with the curb, in a straight line with other cars in front of and behind you. This is most commonly used in large cities where there are too many cars and not enough parking lots. It’s also a part of the drivers test in most states, so it’s a must-know. Some states, like Ohio, employ a maneuverability test - which is essentially parallel parking with traffic cones instead of other cars - so the same rules apply.
Rule number one: don’t get intimidated. Even if you’ve already tried (and failed) before, DO NOT be discouraged! Start slow, and your confidence will increase with each practice session as you become more comfortable. It has less to do with “natural talent” or good hand-eye coordination than it does with simple, consistent repetition. Stay calm and allow yourself the time you need to become successful - it won’t happen overnight, but it becomes less and less difficult with time. And pretty soon you’ll be maneuvering with ease!
Got it? These are the guidelines for parallel parking:
1. Find a space that’s a few feet longer than your car that you feel confident about parking inside.
2. Signal and drive up so that you are a 2-3 feet next to the car you want to park behind, and align your car’s rear bumper with the other one’s.
3. Check your mirrors and look over your shoulder to ensure that there are no vehicles behind you, then step on the brake and put the car in reverse.
4. Gently remove your foot from the brake. When your car starts to roll backwards, turn the steering wheel all the way in the direction of the curb. The car should now be reversing towards the curb at an angle. (If you think the angle’s not working, you can always shift into drive and begin again.)
5. Once the back of your car is mostly in the space, turn the steering wheel all the way back towards the opposite direction in order to straighten out your car’s wheels.
6. Center your car into the parking spot until you’re parallel to and no less than one foot from the curb. If necessary, drive slightly forward to even out your wheels. You’ve done it!
Just remember that these aren’t hard and fast rules - for instance, parking behind only one car will be much simpler since you don’t have to worry about bumping the second car. Stuff like how sharply you have to turn your steering wheel will vary based on the type of vehicle you’re driving, since each car maneuvers a little differently.
But back to basics: to build your confidence, you’ll need to start slowly and work your way up. Of course you’ll be nervous if you begin with trying to parallel park on a busy street! Here’s how we recommend starting; once you’ve mastered one level, move on up to the next:
- Park beside an empty curb in a quiet street or parking lot.
- Next, parallel park behind ONE car.
- Look for two parked vehicles that are far enough apart where you feel comfortable parking in between them. (Find a street that’s not too busy for this)
- Park between cars that are closer together until you’re able to do it in spaces that no less than one and a half times the length of your car.
Though it may seem hard at first, you can and will be among the many drivers who parallel park without a sweat. All it takes is a little effort. So what’s your excuse? Go out and master the maneuver of parallel parking!