Expert Guide: 7 Easy Steps on Parallel Parking

Learning how to parallel park is an essential skill to master, particularly when driving in busy areas where parking spaces are limited. Many learner drivers can feel intimidated by the parallel parking manoeuvre, but it is an essential part of driving, and you may be asked to demonstrate the parallel parking exercise in your practical driving test. Still, with practice and support from your driving instructor, it will become easier. We hope that the parallel parking tips in this article will help too.

Understanding the Basics of Parallel Parking

What is Parallel Parking?

Parallel parking is the process of parking your car parallel to the road, between two parked cars, using precise steering and spatial awareness. It’s a crucial skill for making use of tight spaces where parking is limited.

You’ll often need parallel parking in city centres, built-up areas, and near popular destinations with limited parking. Mastering it ensures you can confidently drive forward and park in high-demand spaces with ease.

Why is it Important?

Mastering how to parallel park offers more than just the ability to fit your car slowly into tight spaces – it enhances your overall driving skills. It sharpens your spatial awareness, steering control, and judgement, making you a more confident and capable driver.

Being proficient at parallel parking can significantly reduce parking anxiety. Instead of avoiding a busy street or wasting time looking for easier spots, you’ll approach challenging parking situations with ease and efficiency, saving time and stress.

Preparing to Parallel Park

Assessing the Space

Look for a parking spot that is at least 1.5 to two car lengths from your vehicle to ensure you have enough room to manoeuvre safely into the space.

Checking Surroundings

Always check for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles before manoeuvring to ensure the safety of your vehicle alongside everyone around you and avoid potential accidents.

7 Easy Steps on How to Park Parallel Parking

Step 1: Signal Your Intentions

Using your indicators is crucial when preparing to reverse parallel park, as it alerts other road users of your intentions. Indicating oncoming traffic behind you can slow down or wait, giving you the space needed to turn the wheel to complete the manoeuvre safely and efficiently.

Step 2: Position Your Vehicle

Align your vehicle parallel to the rear window of a car in front of your desired space, keeping about 2-3 feet of distance between the two cars. This positioning gives you enough room to manoeuvre without risking contact and ensuring a smooth entry into the parking spot. Make sure your rear bumpers are roughly aligned.

Step 3: Shift into Reverse

Move your vehicle into reverse gear while carefully checking your mirrors and blind spot. This ensures you’re aware of any pedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles nearby, allowing you to reverse safely into the parking space.

Step 4: Begin Backing In

Reverse slowly and turn the steering wheel toward the curb to guide your car into the space. Maintain control by moving slowly and watching for obstacles like the curb, other vehicles, or pedestrians.

Step 5: Straighten the Wheel

Once the front of your vehicle clears the parked car in front, straighten the steering wheel. This allows your car to align properly within the space, ensuring you’re centred and not too close to the curb or other vehicles.

Step 6: Adjust Your Position

After straightening the wheel, shift forward or backwards as needed to centre your vehicle in the space. Make sure there’s equal clearance on both sides, ensuring you’re not too close to the curb or the other vehicle in front or behind, allowing enough room to exit the spot safely.

Step 7: Final Checks

Before leaving your vehicle, check your surroundings to ensure you’re parked safely and legally. Make sure you’re within the lines and not blocking driveways to avoid fines and ensure safety.

Tips for Successful Parallel Parking

Practice parallel parking in quieter areas before attempting busy streets. Use a reference point like your side mirrors or surrounding objects to help position your car. Stay calm, take your time, and avoid rushing – this will build your confidence and improve your skills.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Oversteering:

Oversteering too sharply or early can cause your car to veer off course, risking collisions with the curb or other vehicles. Make gradual steering adjustments for better control and safer parking.

Not Checking Blind Spots:

Always take the time to check your blind spots before manoeuvring to ensure you’re aware of your surroundings and avoid potential accidents.

Parking Too Close or Too Far from the Curb:

Parking too close or too far from the curb can result in fines and safety risks for many drivers. Aim to park 6 – 12 inches from the curb.

Conclusion

In summary, the 7 steps to parallel parking include signalling, aligning your vehicle, reverse lights, checking mirrors, steering toward the curb, straightening the wheel, adjusting your position, and checking your surroundings before leaving your vehicle.

Practice is key to mastering parallel parking. The more you practice, the more confident and skilled you’ll become. If you feel you need support with the parallel park manoeuvre, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Totally Driving to enquire about our refresher courses.