How to Parallel Park

Growing up, I have always been the driver for my family and friends because I enjoyed driving. But there was one thing missing from my driving experience that I did not know until I had to take my driving test. I did not know how to parallel park. So when Asked by my test giver, I had to admit that my instructor never told me how to parallel park. I did pass my test, but I want to make sure that more people know before it is too late.

Step one: The first step in parallel parking is to drive around the city/town to find a perfect place to practice parallel park. Once you find that perfect spot—preferably with not too many cars around—you will start by checking your rearview mirror to make sure that there is no oncoming traffic from the rear. This is important because you don’t want to accidentally run into you—or you to run into them! Make sure to check several times before practicing. Once you do, turn your turn signal on to indicate that you are going to park.

Step two: The second step is that you have to align your car with one in front of the parking space that you want. If there is no car, then just pretend or set up cones. You must align your wheels up parallel to the other cars and at least be two feet way to ensure no damage to your car or the others.

Step Three: After aligning your car up with the one in front of yours. One thing that should be remembered to do is to check your surroundings. This means that you have to check your rear view mirror, side mirrors, and turn to check your blind spot. This is important because in city situations, there are many cyclists that speed by, so you do not want to end up hitting them or another car by accident. Many drivers tend to skip this step, and it can lead to disastrous consequences, like getting in an accident or hitting someone passing by.

            Step four: After checking your surroundings, the next thing to do is to put your car in reverse. Make sure it is in reverse so you do not end up in drive or neutral where you can roll forward. Once you know you are in reverse. Slowly release your foot off of the break.

Step Five/Six: Once you are backing up, start to slowly turn your wheel to the right. Slowly back up until you axil it aligned with the parallels cars back tire. Once that happens, keep reversing until the driver feels comfortable enough, then pull the wheel in the opposite direction (left).

            Step Seven: Slowly straighten the car out and slowly reverse until you are right in front of the car behind you. If you feel as if you're are not in the spot, it is okay to go forward and reverse again until you feel you are in the correct position.

            Step Eight: Put the car in forward, and slowly pull the car forward into the desired spot. Once this is done, you have successfully parallel parked.

Note: please do not feel discouraged if you have to re[eat certain steps, parallel parking is rough and it might take multiple tries to get it right.