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In the process of learning to drive, parallel parking is arguably the ultimate test. Once the basics of driving have been mastered, this is the ultimate challenge to be faced. So let’s look at a couple of tips for parallel parking.
To tell the truth, there are more difficult and riskier tests for a novice driver, such as merging into traffic. However, reverse parking often makes novices nervous due to lack of practice with reverse parking.
Not surprisingly, moving in reverse is like driving in mirror mode; all movements change, and turning the steering wheel in the right direction in reverse is not as instinctive as it seems.
Some driving schools put students to drive in reverse in open-air spaces, so that they can become more familiar with these movements. Although this practice is not the most advisable, due to the mechanics of the vehicle.
It is possible to master reversing with a couple of basic recommendations and, of course, a lot of practice. Keep reading to learn the best tips for parallel parking.
Enough of telling yourself there’s no spot on an avenue, when the only spots available are by the sidewalk! Now let’s get going.
One of the hardest things to learn when you are just starting to drive is to create mental dimensions. That is, calculate the space between cars, using cars as a unit of measurement.
Surely you must have read at some point that on the road you should leave a safe distance of two cars between you and the vehicle in front of you. This is what we mean by using cars as a unit of measurement.
To parallel park, you must calculate whether the cars behind and in front of you on the curb have left enough space for your vehicle to enter and for you to maneuver.
You should know that even some people with years of driving experience fail in this calculation, because sometimes people get used to driving only their vehicle. Any car that is a little smaller or a little bigger changes the view of the space.
One of the best tips for parallel parking in the driving test is to make sure you find a spot that is spacious enough.
It’s better to have too much room than too little, and don’t be intimidated by the examiner if they tell you that the spot you missed was big enough. This is a typical test trap.
More experienced drivers often use only their rearview mirrors to get all the information they need about the space where they are going to park.
However, no rearview mirror provides a more accurate view of the available space than your own eyesight. Most of the time, mirrors create the impression that there is more space than actually exists.
As a beginner, it is advisable to use the best resources you have at your disposal to make parking easier. Don’t hesitate, place your right arm on the passenger seat and turn your head to better measure the space.
Parallel parking usually occurs on streets and avenues. However, some parking lots offer such spots in order to optimize space. Spots that are usually attached to a wall and where it is easier to scratch the car.
In these cases, there is usually a person in charge of advising drivers how to park. Don’t let arrogance cost you money, let this person help you.
For streets, if you are not sure you can park on your own and there is a person in the vehicle with you, ask him or her to get out and signal how close you are approaching. You can’t imagine how much it will help.
You may be interested in reading: The 10 rules of preventive driving.
In the best-case scenario, you might find an opportunity to parallel park without getting in the way of other vehicles. This would allow you to take your time and have the peace of mind to make a mistake.
However, many times when parking like this, it is necessary to stop the vehicles behind you and even generate a small queue of cars waiting for your maneuvers. This often puts beginners in a very stressful situation that they always prefer to avoid.
Don’t avoid it! In fact, even if vehicles behind you start honking, go at your own pace and don’t get distracted. Unless there is an emergency vehicle behind you, there is no reason to speed up. Safety first.
Sometimes, although it may not seem like it, many novices are self-conscious about parallel parking, just for fear that the people around them will judge them and laugh at all the maneuvers they have to do.
No one is born knowing how to drive and even the best driver in the world had to go through his embarrassing moments to learn. Do not see it as something negative, rather, use it as an incentive to do better and better.
This concludes the list of tips for parallel parking. We hope these tips will help you to improve your driving technique.
Remember that parking a car in the parking lot is just the beginning and parallel parking is the end of your preparation as a driver.
If you are thinking of applying for your driving license soon, Omega Driving School is committed to quality services where safety becomes the number one priority.
We will make sure you become a responsible and safe driver. To start the course just click here.