Parking Like A Parker

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.