Parking on a hill?
After you park on a hill, be sure to set your (emergency) parking brake. Just in case the parking brake fails, turn the wheels so they will keep your vehicle from rolling into traffic. If there is a curb, turn your steering wheel all the way away from it if you're facing uphill or all the way toward it if you're facing downhill. If your vehicle starts to roll, the wheels should stop the vehicle at the curb and prevent it from rolling downhill. This method works best where the curb is relatively high. If there is no curb or a very low one, whether you are facing uphill or down, turn your wheels all the way toward the nearest side of the road. If your vehicle does start to roll, it will probably roll away from the street and traffic.
Pulling Out From Parallel Parking?
To pull out of a parallel parking space, make sure your wheels are straight, back up to the vehicle behind you, and turn your wheels away from the curb.
Six steps to entering more safely into traffic:
1) Turn your head to look over your right shoulder and check through the backseat rear-window for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists and other vehicles that may become a hazard.
2) Use your vehicle's interior rear view mirror to help keep an eye on hazards behind your vehicle.
3) Signal your intentions to move from your parking space into traffic.
4) Check your vehicle's side view mirrors, especially on the driver's side, for approaching vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, in-line skaters, motorcyclists, and other highway users.
5) Turn your head to look over your left shoulder out through the backseat rear-window, and begin to slowly drive forward, making sure you can enter traffic without hitting the vehicle parked ahead.
6) Again turn your head and look over your left shoulder to re-check through the backseat rear-window, pull out into the traffic lane only when it is safe to do so.
Parking Regulations
What people generally understand as "parking" is legally divided into three categories: parking, standing and stopping.
A NO PARKING sign means you may stop only temporarily to load or unload merchandise or passengers.
A NO STANDING sign means you may stop only temporarily to load or unload passengers.
A NO STOPPING sign means you may stop only in order to obey a traffic sign, signal or officer, or to avoid conflicts with other vehicles.
Besides posted parking, standing and stopping rules, there are statewide rules not always indicated by signs:
Parking, standing or stopping is not allowed:- Within 15 feet (5 m) of a fire hydrant, unless a licensed driver remains in the vehicle to move it in an emergency.
- On the road side of a parked vehicle ("double parking").
- On a sidewalk or in a crosswalk.
- In an intersection, unless permitted by signs or parking meters.
- On railroad tracks.
- Alongside or opposite road excavations, construction or other obstructions if your vehicle would block traffic.
- Within 30 feet (10 m) of a pedestrian safety zone, unless another distance is marked.
- On a bridge or in a tunnel.
Parking or standing is not allowed:- In front of a driveway.
- Within 20 feet (6 m) of a crosswalk at an intersection.
- Within 30 feet (10 m) of a traffic light, STOP sign or YIELD sign.
- Within 20 feet (6 m) of a fire station driveway, or within 75 feet (23 m) on the opposite side of the road.
- Along a curb that has been cut down, lowered or constructed for access to the sidewalk.
In addition, you may not park your vehicle within 50 feet (15 m) of a railroad crossing.
Visit www.PaulinaAParker.com for more information.
Who wants to learn HOW TO PARK like a Parker?
The fact is parallel parking takes practice and skill, and is part of every road test. You should also know where parking is illegal and what NO PARKING, NO STANDING and NO STOPPING signs mean.
Many new drivers consider parallel parking the most difficult part of driving. However, practice will teach you how to back up properly and to judge distances and angles. Patience and self confidence will help you master the skill.
Tip: Remember to put your arm around the passenger seat next to you, get-up, turn your body half way to the right, press your back against your seat and look through the sides, back and rear windows of your car. In other words, do not depend only on side view mirrors. As you back-up into the space, don’t hesitate to stop when you see an object, person or another car coming in your direction. Doing all these steps will give you leverage, and will enable you to see everything in full view when you are parking. Some people view this as old fashioned. However, doing it this way is the right way which will help when you want to pass the road test!
The following instructions are basic and general. You must adjust parallel parking procedures to the particular situation. Plenty of practice is the only way to learn properly.
1. Select a space that is large enough for your vehicle on your side of the road. Check your mirrors before stopping, and signal (using your hazard light or flasher) to alert other drivers. Then pull up alongside the vehicle in front of the space, leaving about two feet between the other vehicle and yours.
2. Look behind you over both shoulders to make sure you will not interfere with pedestrians or oncoming traffic. Back up slowly, and begin to turn your steering wheel all the way toward the near curb. Look through the rear window, not the rear view mirrors, as you back up. Check to the side and front occasionally to make sure you are clearing the vehicle ahead.
3. When your front wheels are opposite the rear bumper of the vehicle ahead, turn the steering wheel the other way while continuing to back up. Make sure you clear the vehicle ahead. Look back, and stop to avoid bumping the vehicle behind you.
4. Straighten your wheels, and pull forward. Allow room for the vehicles ahead and behind you to get out. In your final parking position, your wheels must be no more than one foot (30 cm) from the curb.
To get closer to the curb, alternately pull forward and back up, turning the steering wheel first toward the curb and then quickly straight again. After parking, remember that you may not open the door on the road side if it will interfere with traffic.
Can you Park like a Parker? Visit www.PaulinaAParker.com for more information.
Do you know how and where to park? Sooner or later, you need to learn how to park, where to park or not park your car. Parking is easy for me, but most students who go for their road test most of the time have not yet mastered parallel parking and this is a challenging area for a lot of new drivers. While you are learning to park, keep in mind that all new drivers should know where to park or not park, especially near the white lines by the crosswalk. Usually, when your car is the last one at the end of the block the rule is that the end of your car must not go over the crosswalk's white lines. You will notice 1-2 white lines sometimes 3 in the crosswalk. These lines are distinct marks where pedestrians can freely walk. Therefore, the crosswalk should not be blocked for any reason.
If you need help in identifying which line is first, your driving instructor will point it out to you during your driving lessons. I suggest you stop where you can see the entire first white line. Furthermore, your passing the road test depends on where you stop your car even while you wait for the traffic light to change and especially when you are parking, so pay close attention to these white lines on the pavement.
Recently, I helped accompany someone who received a parking violation ticket because she stopped her car on the crosswalk while waiting for another driver to move out, so she can parked her car in that space. Well, while she was sitting inside her car, a traffic agent rushed over and gave her a $115.00 ticket simply because she stayed in that crosswalk too long. We went to see the judge in court and the judge explained in detail even if the back of your car reaches where the white line is when you park or stand for any length of time; you are violating a traffic law. Don't make the mistake my friend made. Learn where and how to park legally in order to avoid big fines.
Do you need help with parking the right way? Visit www.PaulinaAParker.com for more information.
So you think you can drive? Driving is fun for some people, but a challenge for others. Either way it involves obeying rules and regulations that are set in place by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Obeying STOP signs is as important as traffic lights. When you are driving, even when you have the green light, be prepared to yield the right of way to prevent an accident. At times you must use good judgment whenever you see an object, a person or an animal crossing the street. Stop and let them cross before you proceed to drive.
Did you know that there are two different types of stop signs?
It is very important to obey the "Stop" sign. Make sure it's clear before you proceed stop, look and listen. "Stop" means that you must come to a complete "Stop!" This topic is taught in the pre-license 5-hour certificate course, so pay attention when the instructor is teaching this very important topic. For further explanations, ask your driving instructor to show you the two different types of stop signs. In case you have not noticed, one type says “STOP” and the other says, "STOP All Way" which is usually posted at 4-way intercessions with the words “All Way” posted on a small sign below the “STOP” sign. Each crosswalk has a stop sign posted and written on the pavements at each crosswalk.
It's the law and there are consequences for not obeying this important traffic rule. Make it a habit to obey this rule all the time. Doing so will save you money and a trip to see the judge at the traffic violation bureau.
I was a passenger in a friend's car on a Friday evening when most drivers are going wild! I noticed my friend did not stop, look and listened before he proceeded. He had what we called a heavy foot. He was driving fast and where there was a stop sign, he crept through the crosswalk. I pointed out that he should slow down and come to a complete stop where stop signs were posted. It turned out to be a big misunderstanding between us. He felt I was picking on his style of driving and completely took my suggestions out of content. His driving was so dangerous, so I asked him to drop-me-off at the next intercession and I will find my way home somehow. It was not safe and he was not willing to listen to any suggestions I made at that time. The unfortunate thing happened. I am sorry to report, a couple of weeks later, this same friend ended up in a very bad car accident. I heard he did not stop for a stop sign and another driver who had the right of way was going across the intersection and because my friend did not stop to look first, it was too late when he finally noticed the other car speeding across the intersection, my friend swerved his car to the right and hit a pole and turn his wheel to the left and smacked into two other parked vehicles on the side.
The brand new 2009 Toyota Camry that he was driving was totaled, but thank God he survived! If he had learned this very important lesson that I'm driving home to you, he would still have the car today. Oh, I forgot to mention he was driving a borrowed car! My Dad used to tell me and my 3 siblings, "A word to the wise is sufficient." When it comes to obeying stop signs, trust me I've paid my dues, so take it from me. Don't insist on learning from your own mistakes, but be wise and learn from other people's mistakes.
Stop, look and listen, before you proceed. Are you driving to destiny? Then get ready to pass the road test easily and confidently. Visit www.PaulinaAParker.com for more information.
Have you ever wondered where everyone who is driving is going?
Many times I wonder where exactly these drivers are headed young and old alike, driving so fast going to somewhere important. Before I was a licensed driver, I used to wish I could drive, and now that I am privileged to do so, I can identify. Some people have a destination in mind, and others are just going for a joy ride and have no specific place in mind. This is how it is in real life. Where are you headed? Do you have a destination in mind? I recommend you find a driving education consultant, so you can work on getting your driver's license and have a destination in mind. There are places you need to go, people who you need to reach and getting your driver's license will enable you to live your dreams and achieve the success you deserve. Do not procrastinate, and delay the process any longer. Make up your mind, stick to the plan that you have set up for yourself, and finish it. There are many reasons for wanting to get your driver's license, which may be different person to person, but it’s worth going for it. So you can join the millions of people out there who are driving, waving you goodbye and enjoying the privilege of having a license. Therefore, why not make up your mind to accomplish your goal this year.
A simple tested driving strategy that can help you achieve your goal:
I am confident that if you implement this simple strategy, it will work for you. Current drivers including myself have followed this simple strategy and the rest is history. Find a driving education consultant who believes in you. It may sound new to you, but it can be done if you are determined to learn to drive. Get your own vehicle, (I recommend a used one to start with). Following this strategy requires a renewed mind, and an approach that may be different from the norm. However, I highly recommend you get your own vehicle because it will allow you to have access to the car for the duration of your driving lessons. After all, it will be much easier, and at the end when you pass the road test, you will already have a car to continue your lessons until you master the skills you learned. Access to your own car or the same car will allow you to pass the road test with confidence. The bottom line is your confidence level will arise and you will be glad you bought your own car first.
Like the other drivers that you see on the road, where are you headed?
As interesting as the question may sound, I challenge you to settle down and write your answers on paper. Examine your heart and truthfully come up with all the reasons why you want to get your drivers license. At the end of the process, you will realize that to accomplish your goals you need to get ready, and stay ready to pass the road test. Your driver's license will open greater doors for you to reach your other goals. Are you ready to receive the guidance you need to pass the road test? Visit www.PaulinaAParker.com for more information.
