Yes, You Can Learn To Parallel Park

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Yes, You Can Learn To Parallel Park

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!

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.

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.

Ready? Here are the general rules 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. Flash your turn signal and drive up next to the car you wish to park behind so that your rear bumpers are aligned and you are 2-3 feet away.

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!

These are just the basic guidelines; each situation varies so you'll learn to use your own judgment based on the circumstances. Obviously the bigger the space, the easier parking will be. Things like how sharply your wheel will need to be steered also differ based on the car you drive, since each vehicle is unique.

Many beginning drivers seem to make the mistake of trying to parallel park on a busy street before they have much experience. That can be panic-inducing! So here's a suggestion: tackle these challenges one by one; when you feel you've conquered one, then try the next:

- Try parking beside an empty curb in a quiet parking lot or street.

- Park behind ONE parked 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)

- Look for cars parked closer & closer together and practice entering the space. When you're able to do it in spots that are about one and a half times your car's length, you've reached your goal!

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!

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More About Michelle Riley:
Michelle is a parallel park-phobic turned confident parker. Try out the drivers ed game to practice your parallel parking, and view more articles, tips & advice for succeeding at your driving test at www.driversed-game.com.

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