How To Parallel Park - For Beginners
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Learning to parallel park can be an intimidating process for new drivers. Heck, it’s even scary to some experienced drivers! But this is an art worth mastering - not only is it a big part of your driving test, but you are going to run into at least few situations in your lifetime where your parallel parking skills will come in handy. And just imagine how suave you’ll look as you easily back your car into a tiny parking space! So whether you’ve tried before or you’re just starting out, keep reading and you’ll be conquering those tight squeezes 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.
If you feel intimidated, don’t be! Start simple, and work your way up as you become more comfortable and confident in your abilities. Each person learns on their own timeline, so don’t tell yourself that you haven’t “got it” or that your hand-eye coordination stinks - you CAN do it. Keep practicing and the procedure eventually will become second nature. It does take time, but gets a little easier with every session. Before you know it, you’ll be maneuvering like a pro!
So here is the basic procedure for parallel parking:
1. Find a parking space that’s at least 1.5 times longer than your car that you’re sure 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. Glance into your mirrors and look over your shoulder to check if there are any vehicles coming from behind. When the coast is clear, step on your brake and shift the car into reverse.
4. Gently let up on the brake. Turn your steering wheel all the way in the direction of the curb as soon as your car starts to move backwards, so that your bumper is angled towards the curb as you drive back. (Go slow; if you feel like you’re not at the right angle or you’ve hit the curb, just drive forward and start over.)
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. Center yourself in the parking space so that you’re parallel and less than 12 inches to the curb. Shift into drive and adjust your wheels if necessary.. Voila!
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.
- Next, parallel park behind ONE 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)
- 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!
