Parallel Parking: Because Everyone Needs a Little Help

Parallel parking: the very words can send shivers down the spine of even the most seasoned driver. But fear not, aspiring motorists! With the right techniques and a bit of practice, you’ll soon be parallel parking like a pro.

This guide is designed to demystify the art of parallel parking. We’ll share everything we wished we knew when we first started driving, helping you master this essential skill and boost your confidence on the road.

Why is Parallel Parking Important?

While it may seem like a minor skill, parallel parking is essential for several reasons:

Vehicle control: It hones your vehicle control skills, improving your overall driving ability.

Real-world scenarios: Many parking spaces, especially in urban areas, require parallel parking.

Driving test: It’s a common test manoeuvre, so mastering it can significantly boost your confidence.

Understanding Your Vehicle’s Dimensions

The first step to mastering parallel parking is understanding your car’s dimensions. Knowing your car’s length, width, and turning circle can help you gauge the space you need and the angles you’ll need to turn. Many modern cars come equipped with helpful features like parking sensors and rear-view cameras to assist you in tight spaces.

Practicing Safe Parking Techniques

Safety should always be your top priority when parallel parking. Before attempting the manoeuvre, remember to check your mirrors and blind spots to ensure there are no obstructions. Signal your intentions to other road users and proceed slowly, especially when reversing. By practicing in low-traffic areas, you can build your confidence and skills before tackling busier streets.

Overcoming Parallel Parking Anxiety

It’s natural to feel anxious when parallel parking in tight spaces. To calm your nerves, try deep breathing exercises and visualising the steps of the manoeuvre. Consistent practice is key to developing muscle memory and reducing anxiety. The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you’ll become.

Formula Jon’s Top Tips for Perfect Parallel Parking

Choose the Right Spot:

• Space assessment: Ensure the gap is at least 1.5 times the length of your car.
• Traffic awareness: Be mindful of other road users and pedestrians.

Position Your Car:

• Parallel alignment: Position your car parallel to the parked vehicle, a few feet behind it.
• Reverse gear: Engage reverse gear and signal your intention.

Steering Wheel Manoeuvres:

• Initial turn: Turn the steering wheel fully towards the kerb.
• Mid-turn correction: As you approach the kerb, straighten the wheel.
• Final turn: Once you’re close to the parked car, turn the wheel fully in the opposite direction.

Adjusting Your Position:

• Forward and reverse: Use forward and reverse gears to fine-tune your position.
• Steering wheel adjustments: Make small steering wheel corrections as needed.

Exiting the Parking Spot:

• Signal your intention: Signal your intent to exit the parking spot.
• Reverse gear: Engage reverse gear and turn the steering wheel fully towards the kerb.
• Forward gear: Once you’re clear of the parked car, shift into forward gear and straighten the wheel.

Formula Jon’s Parallel Parking Test Tips

1. Parallel park on your driving test will always be conducted on the left hand side of the road, which is compliant with parking your vehicle in the Highway Code
2. Parallel park will never be done in a space less 3 and a half car lengths. As you will be given 2 car lengths to adjust your manoeuvre and only have to finish reasonably close ( a drains width) from the kerb.
3. If you hit a kerb, mount a pavement or end up on a drop kerb you will fail your driving test for Manoeuvre Control.
4. Parallel park can be conducted on a driving test over a drop kerb, so ensure you have practiced these as well as alongside a high kerb.
5. You only get one manoeuvre alongside a possible request of an emergency stop on test day so take your time, complete the manoeuvre safely and keep the car under control.

Ready to Take Your Driving Skills to the Next Level?

If you’re looking to refine your parallel parking skills and boost your overall driving confidence, consider taking professional driving lessons with a DVSA qualified ADI. Our experienced driving instructors can provide personalised guidance and support, helping you master this essential manoeuvre and other critical driving techniques.

Photo by Samuel Foster on Unsplash