How to Parallel Park: A Step-by-Step Guide for Drivers
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Parallel parking is stressful for seasoned and new drivers alike. The spaces rarely seem big enough. It often feels like your normal-sized sedan somehow transforms into a city bus and must fit into a parking space reserved for an electric scooter. Obviously, this is not the case, and you often have more room than necessary. The trick to overcoming this type of panic and any anxious thoughts is learning how to parallel park and practicing to build confidence.
Introduction to Parallel Parking
You are more likely to face the challenge of a parallel parking space in an urban area than in suburban or rural locations. Urban or major city areas typically have limited space. Most of the real estate in downtown districts goes to businesses and buildings, leaving limited options for parking.
Some cities have parking garages and a few reserved parking lots, but most spaces are on the streets. Forward, angled, or traditional parking spaces are not viable for most busy cities because the roads are too narrow and congested. Parallel spots make the most sense, even if they are not the most approachable for drivers.
Finding the Right Parking Space
Drivers often make parallel parking more complicated than it needs to be by picking the wrong spaces — yes, there are right and wrong spaces. A proper parking spot should be about one and a half times the length of your vehicle. The extra space offers room for a proper parking maneuver.
It also helps if you’re willing to park in less congested or busy areas. Heavy traffic increases the risk of anxiety and mistakes. Even if other drivers are patient and kind, as a cautious or inexperienced driver, you might feel pressure to perform with the speed and efficiency that only come with practice.
Step-By-Step Guide to Parking
You cannot learn how to parallel park through reading alone. You can learn the process on a surface level, but only physical practice leads to a practical driving skill.
Whether learning how to parallel park for a road test or a trip to the city, every licensed driver should be able to parallel park. You can find many instructions online for parallel parking, but they all boil down to about five steps:
- Find a space: As mentioned, a parking space should be 1 ½ times the length of your vehicle. A too-tight parking space can lead to minor accidents and damages.
- Position your vehicle: Pull up alongside the car parked in front of the open space and keep your vehicle about two to three feet from its side. Line up the passenger mirror of your vehicle to the driver’s side mirror of the parked car. Finally, turn on your right blinker.
- Check your mirrors and cut your wheel: Always check your mirrors and blind spots for other vehicles, obstacles, and pedestrians. Once clear, turn your steering wheel to the right and slowly back up.
- Straighten your steering wheel: When your vehicle is at a 45-degree angle, straighten the wheel. Proceed slowly into the space. As your front wheels pass the back bumper or the parked car in front of you, start turning your wheel to the left.
- Keep an eye on parked vehicles behind you: As you move backward, straighten your car, watch the car behind you, and gauge your distance. As your front bumper comes into the space, straighten your wheel. Adjust your position as necessary and put your car in park. If you park on a hill, put on the parking brake.
Learning how to parallel park a car is a skill that requires time and safe driving practice. You can learn if you give yourself enough time and find a proper teacher.
Common Mistakes and How To Correct Them
You will likely make mistakes as you learn how to parallel park. Some of the most common mistakes drivers make when parallel parking are starting too far away from the car parked in front of the open space, not checking mirrors, not straightening the wheel at the right time, and not being mindful of vehicle size.
Most mistakes occur because inexperienced parallel parkers haven’t figured out how to judge distance. Learning how to properly parallel park (not just for a driving test) means finding ways to estimate distance. Reference points on your vehicle, such as side mirrors, can help with alignment.
Practicing Parallel Parking in Low-Stress Settings
Many drivers fear parallel parking because they worry about mistakes and parking tickets. Thankfully, there is an easy way to avoid many of the common struggles of parallel parking: routine practice.
Many people learn when preparing for how to parallel park on a driving test, but a road test can increase anxiety. A low-stress setting, like an empty parking lot, is better for learning. You might also try an area with little traffic to help build your confidence and skills.
Importance of Insurance for Urban Drivers
Urban driving often means congested roadways and an increased risk of accidents. Auto insurance offers peace of mind for drivers because it provides financial protection should accidents occur. Insurance is also a legal requirement in most states.
Compare Car Insurance for Complete Coverage
Learning how to parallel park can help you avoid accidents and limit the risks of parking tickets and their effect on insurance. If you are still looking for coverage or seeking a better deal, check out EverQuote to compare several policies and quotes simultaneously.