Learn To Parallel Park Like A Pro
Parallel parking is scary. And not just to beginners - many experienced drivers never fully conquer their fears. But it is a very useful procedure to know: parallel parking is a big part of your driving test, and being able to do it will pay off more than a couple of times throughout your life. And you’ll look so cool as you easily maneuver your car into that small parking spot! It doesn’t matter if you’ve already tried and failed or if you’re a complete novice: with the right attitude and effort, you’ll be P-parking like a professional in no time!
First, here’s a definition of the term: parallel parking means parking parallel to - or in line with - the curb, usually sandwiched front-to-back with other cars. This is commonly seen in large urban areas where parking lots are scarce. It also makes up a portion of the driving test, so you must have at least basic-level knowledge of the procedure to get your license. States like Ohio use a maneuverability test in their exam, but this is essentially parallel parking using traffic cones rather than other cars - so the rules are the same.
First of all, don’t be intimidated. Like with anything else, practice is key to developing confidence and comfortability with the procedure. That’s right; good, old-fashioned practice - not just hand-eye coordination or luck. If you’ve tried to parallel park before and didn’t do so hot, DO NOT think you can’t do it! Relax and give yourself as much time as you need to master the skill. It takes a few tries, but it will get a little easier and easier with each time - soon you’ll be backing up like a pro.
So here is the basic procedure for parallel parking:
1. Look for a parking spot which is at least one and a half times the length of your car that you are confident you can park in.
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. Look into your side and rear-view mirrors, then check over your shoulder to make sure there are no cars approaching you from behind. Once it’s clear, hit the brake and put your 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. Now, straighten your car’s wheels: once the vehicle is inside most of the space, steer your wheel all the way in direction opposite the curb.
6. You’re pretty much centered once you’re no more than 12 inches from the curb and parallel to it. If you need to, drive forward slightly to adjust your wheels. Now you’re parked!
You’ll have to adapt these rules to your situation, of course - the more space you have to park, the simpler it will be.. and vice versa. Also, there are variables like how sharply you’ll need to steer your wheel to get the correct angle, which all depends on your unique vehicle.
Whatever you do, don’t start off by trying to parallel park on a busy road - it’s very anxiety-provoking! So here’s an induction plan you can use to build up your confidence, move up only when you feel more than ready:
- Try parking beside an empty curb in a quiet parking lot or street.
- Park behind ONE parked car.
- Parallel park in between two vehicles that are situated far enough away from each other where you feel comfortable. (Make sure it’s not a busy road)
- Seek out cars with less and less space between them for your parking practice. Once you can successfully park in a spot that’s around 1.5x your car’s length, you’ve done it!
As complicated as it may initially seem, parallel parking is really just a simple series of steps that you will get the hang of with practice. So now that you’ve got the information, what are you waiting for? Go and master the skill of parallel parking!
