Learn To Parallel Park Like A Pro

Let's face it.. parallel parking can be downright scary to a beginning driver. It even strikes fear into the hearts of many experienced drivers! But trust us - this is definitely a skill worth having. And not just for your test: it will come in handy many times throughout your life. Not to mention how cool you'll look easily reversing your car into a small parking space! So whether you're frantically preparing for your drivers test or just want to brush up on your P-parking skills, we're here to help you conquer those tight squeezes.

To start, here's what it's all about: parallel parking is a method of parking in line with, or parallel to the curb, commonly lined up bumper to bumper with other vehicles. This is most often encountered in large metropolitan areas, where there are few parking lots and street parking is the norm. Parallel parking is required knowledge for the drivers license exam, since you will be tested on your abilities. There are states, such as Ohio, which implement a "maneuverability test" instead, but this is basically parallel parking inside of a traffic cone formation instead of with other cars - so the same rules apply.

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!

Got it? These are the guidelines 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. When your car's rear is inside the space, spin the steering wheel all the way in the other direction to straighten your wheels.

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!

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.

- Park behind ONE parked 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)

- 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!

As complicated as it may initially seem, parallel parking is really just a simple series of steps that you will get the hang of with practice. So now that you've got the information, what are you waiting for? Go and master the skill of parallel parking!

About the Author

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 drivers test at http://www.driversed-game.com.

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