Steps to Parallel Park
When you ask drivers what was the most feared part about their driver test, they most often respond: Parallel parking. Parallel parking is not as difficult as one might think. It does take a little practice, but it is important to master. One, because it is on your driving test, and two, you often get great parking spots by parallel parking.
How often have you seen it? The drivers circling the block, hoping that a larger parking space will open up. Perhaps they aren't comfortable parallel parking in the space provided. Or, perhaps they just aren't comfortable with their parallel parking skills. It's a shame really, because they sure are wasting a lot of time circling the block, aren't they?
You do not have to be one of those people spending time circling the block. Just remember these easy steps, and then apply them to your parallel parking practice. Soon, you too will be slipping into the best parking places around town.
Here are the steps to parallel park your car:
Slowly approach the parking space. By slowing up to the space, you can effectively determine if your car will fit in the space provided.
If you determine that your car will fit, and staying in your lane of traffic, turn on your blinker (to the side of the street you will be parking on), and then pull your car next to the car in front of the space in which you want to park. Align your car so that your car is directly across from that car.
Put your car into reverse and turn your the steering wheel in the direction of the curb. Begin, slowly, backing your car into the parking space. Look over your shoulder as needed to avoid bumping into a parking meter, or the other car.
Pay attention to your rear passenger door, and the other car's back bumper. Once they are aligned, begin turning your steering wheel in the opposite direction. Allow your car to continue to reverse back as you slip your car behind the bumper of the car in front of you.
Pay attention to the car behind you, as you do not want to back up completely and hit their front bumper.
You may need to put the car into drive and pull up slightly. The goal is to have your car evenly centered in the parking space.
Put your car in park and congratulate yourself, as you have just successfully followed the steps to parallel park your car.