Parallel parking—those two words might make you nervous, especially if you’re just starting to learn how to drive. It was the reason I failed my driving test twice! But now, with more experience, I have some tips to help you park confidently and comfortably. Let’s dive into the basics and then tackle the parking challenges together!
Before you even think about parking, there are a few things you should always do when you get into the car:
Make sure your seat is adjusted properly. This means you should be able to see the dashboard and the road clearly. If you’re on the shorter side and can’t see over the dash, use a cushion. Keep the seat’s incline at about 100-110° for comfort and safety. Adjust the headrest so your head is in the middle of it to prevent neck injuries in case of an accident.
Once your seat is adjusted, it’s time to set your mirrors:
Your hands should be on the steering wheel at 9 and 3, like the face of a clock. This position helps you control the car better and keeps you safe if the airbag deploys. Avoid the old 10-and-2 position, as it can cause injuries during an accident.
Now, let’s move on to parking techniques, starting with the easier ones:
This is useful in parking lots with slanted spots. Make sure you’re going down the aisle the right way, with spots slanting toward you. Move left as far as you can, align your right side-view mirror with the left taillight of the car on your right, then turn the wheel right and pull into the spot.
These spots are straight, not angled. Move as far left as possible, align your right side-view mirror with the right line of the parking spot, turn the wheel right, and pull in. Straighten the car by turning the wheel left.
Drive two spots past the one you want, signal your intentions, and check for oncoming cars. Reverse into the spot by turning the wheel right, then straighten it as you align with the spot. Keep an eye on your mirrors to avoid hitting other cars.
This is the trickiest one, but with practice, you can master it. Find a spot that’s at least one and a half times the length of your car. Pull up next to the car in front of the spot, look over your right shoulder, and reverse straight. When you see the back of the car in front, turn the wheel right and back into the space. Straighten the wheel when you see the full front of the car behind you, then turn left to move into the spot. Make sure you’re parallel to the curb and leave enough room to drive out.
Parallel parking can be tough, but with practice, you’ll get the hang of it. I finally passed my driving test on the third try, and you can too! What’s something you’re afraid to learn? Share your thoughts, and remember, practice makes perfect!
Try an online parking simulation game that allows you to practice different parking techniques, including parallel parking. This will help you visualize the steps and improve your spatial awareness without the pressure of being in a real car.
In pairs, take turns sitting in a stationary car and adjusting the mirrors according to the guidelines provided. Your partner will check if the mirrors are set correctly. This will reinforce the importance of proper mirror adjustment for safe driving.
Practice the correct hand positioning on a steering wheel using a clock face diagram. This activity will help you remember to keep your hands at 9 and 3 for optimal control and safety.
Visit a local parking lot with an instructor or guardian to practice 45° and perpendicular parking. Use cones to simulate cars if the lot is empty. This hands-on experience will build your confidence in real-world parking scenarios.
With a group, role-play parallel parking using toy cars or drawn diagrams on paper. Take turns explaining each step of the process to your peers. This collaborative activity will help you internalize the sequence of actions needed for successful parallel parking.
Parking – The act of stopping and leaving a vehicle in a designated area. – Example sentence: When learning to drive, mastering the skill of parking is essential for safety and convenience.
Techniques – Methods or ways of doing something, especially with skill. – Example sentence: Using proper techniques can make DIY projects more successful and enjoyable.
Mirrors – Reflective surfaces used to view areas behind or to the side of a vehicle. – Example sentence: Adjusting the mirrors correctly is crucial for safe driving and avoiding blind spots.
Adjust – To change something slightly to improve it or make it more suitable. – Example sentence: Before starting a DIY project, it’s important to adjust your tools to ensure they work properly.
Seat – A place to sit, especially in a vehicle, that can often be adjusted for comfort and safety. – Example sentence: Always adjust your seat before driving to ensure you have full control of the vehicle.
Practice – The act of doing something repeatedly to improve skill. – Example sentence: Regular practice is necessary to develop critical thinking skills and become proficient in DIY tasks.
Drive – To operate and control the direction and speed of a vehicle. – Example sentence: Learning to drive requires understanding how to control the car and follow road safety rules.
Space – An area that is available or unoccupied, often used in the context of parking or organizing. – Example sentence: When organizing your workspace for a DIY project, make sure you have enough space to work comfortably.
Control – The power to influence or direct people’s behavior or the course of events. – Example sentence: Having control over your tools and materials is essential for a successful DIY project.
Safety – The condition of being protected from danger, risk, or injury. – Example sentence: Wearing protective gear is a crucial safety measure when engaging in DIY activities.
