If you’ve ever avoided a parallel parking spot to dodge the stress of backing into a tight space, you’re definitely not alone. Parallel parking can be tricky, as it demands good spatial awareness to accurately judge the distance between your car and nearby vehicles or obstacles. Many drivers find it hard to estimate how much room they need to make a smooth turn.
However, with the help of a skilled driving instructor and regular practice, mastering parallel parking can be achievable. This skill is not only essential for everyday parking situations when two open spots aren’t available, but it’s also a key part of passing your VicRoads driving test. In this guide, we’ll explore some useful tips to help you perfect your parallel parking skills and approach them with confidence.
What Is Parallel Parking
Let’s start with the basics, what is parallel parking? Simply put, parallel parking is a way of parking your car next to the curb in a spot between two other cars. This technique involves carefully backing into the space while making sure your car lines up with the others. Many drivers feel nervous about this skill because it takes practice to get it right. If you’ve ever wondered how to do a parallel park smoothly or struggled with it during your driving test, you’re not alone, lots of people find it challenging.
Learning how to do parallel parking is also an important skill for many driving tests, including the VicRoads driver test. During your parallel parking on the driving test, instructors look for your ability to control the vehicle, remain calm, and follow the correct steps to park safely. If you think about it, having the confidence to park in any situation can save you time and help you avoid frustration, especially in busy areas where parking spaces are limited. And if you’re preparing for your parallel parking on the driver’s test, practising is essential to help you feel more at ease.
Tips To Perfect Your Parallel Parking
Here are our top tips to help you parallel park with ease and confidence:
1. Find The Right Spot
Finding the right spot is important when learning to parallel park. Since many parallel parking spaces are in busy areas, it’s normal for drivers to feel nervous about holding up traffic while trying to park. To make the process easier, look for a space that is at least one and a half times the length of your car. This extra room gives you enough space to manoeuvre without feeling rushed. When you find a good spot, take a deep breath and remember the techniques you’ve practised. By choosing the right space and staying calm, you’ll become more confident in your ability to parallel park successfully.
2. Mirror Adjustments For Better Parking
Before you try to parallel park, it’s important to adjust your side mirrors and rearview mirrors for better visibility. If your mirrors are positioned correctly, you’ll have a clear view of the cars around you, which makes it easier to judge the space and avoid any obstacles. If you can see well, you’re less likely to misjudge the distance between your car and others. Taking a moment to adjust your mirrors will help you feel more confident and in control while using the right parallel parking techniques. Whether you’re practising or preparing for your driving test, these small adjustments can make a big difference.
3. Move Slowly For Better Control
If you are new to driving then it is normal to feel the stress and pressure of other drivers. The key here is that you don’t feel panic and rushed, as it will only lead you to make mistakes. You should take every step slowly and carefully. When you arrive at the parking space, position your car next to the parked car. Then slowly reverse turning your steering wheel towards the curb. See your mirrors and when you notice that you are half in the spot, turn your wheel in the opposite direction. Make sure you check the blind spots and continue to reverse. Straighten the steering wheel and move forward a little to perfectly position your car in the parking space.
4. Use Your Surroundings
You can also use the cars around you to help you park. When you find your parking spot, line up your front wheel with the back wheels of the car in front. This will give you enough room to make your turns. Using landmarks and checking your mirrors can help you park more accurately. Start by turning the steering wheel toward the curb and reverse until the car behind you disappears from your rearview mirror. This tells you that you’re in the right position. Next, make sure the front of your car is aligned with the rear of the car in front of you. Once aligned, turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction to guide your car smoothly into the parking spot.
5. Reverse Parking And Curb Awareness
When parallel parking, a common mistake made by drivers is to pull in nose-first, which frequently results in more adjustments. Alternatively, try going a little bit across the parking space, then carefully reversing into it by rotating the steering wheel. This is a much more efficient way if you align your car with the one in front of the space. Plus, it helps you park closer to the curb. But keep in mind, don’t get too close to the curb on your first try. If you reverse too sharply and hug the curb right away, you might end up hitting it. Leave a small gap between your car and the curb, allowing space for final adjustments. This extra room will help make your manoeuvre smoother and prevent scraping your wheels.
6. Use Parking Assist Technology
Many cars now come with advanced features like 360-degree cameras and park assist systems that can make parallel parking much easier. These systems help by showing you a complete view around your car, so you can easily see if you’re getting too close to other vehicles or the curb. Park assist can even guide you into the spot, taking the guesswork out of steering. But while these tools are helpful, they shouldn’t replace your own judgement. It’s important to still check your mirrors, watch your surroundings, and make sure you’re fully aware of what’s happening around your car. Relying too much on technology can lead to mistakes, so always combine it with your own parking skills for the best results.
7. Practice
If you’re having trouble with parallel parking, don’t worry, it just takes practice. One of the most effective ways to learn parallel parking is to practise by setting up your own parking place in an open location using cones or markers. Imagine these cones are actual cars and practice parking between them. It’s a safe way to practise how to do a parallel park without the pressure of traffic. Try this in an empty parking lot where you can take your time and focus on getting the movements right. You might find it frustrating at first, but the more you practise, the easier it will become.
Additional Tips For Passing The Parallel Parking Test
Here are some helpful tips to ensure you pass your parallel parking test:
- Check Local Rules and Regulations: Before you take your exam, spend some time studying the parking-related local laws. You will feel more at ease if you are aware of the particular regulations in your area. Knowing what’s expected can really help you stay calm during your test.
- Remain Calm and Attentive: While it’s normal to feel a little anxious, make an effort to stay calm and attentive while parking. In case you experience anxiety, inhale deeply. Keep in mind that mistakes are made by everyone. Try another approach if something doesn’t work out the way you had hoped.
- Control and Accuracy: Pay close attention to your car’s speed and direction as you drive. You don’t just have to get into the parking spot but you have to do it accurately. Move slowly if you’re not sure. A gentle pace allows you to make better adjustments. It’s easier and more confident to park if you do it step by step.
- Observation: While parking, pay attention to your surroundings. Look at your mirrors and check for other cars or pedestrians nearby. This awareness helps you make better decisions. You can stay safe and avoid accidents by being alert.
How Sprint Driving School Can Help
Learning how to parallel park properly is important for every driver. It improves your confidence on the road and helps you handle different parking situations easily. By following these practical tips, like choosing the right spot, adjusting your mirrors, and taking your time, you can get much better at parallel parking. Just remember, practice is key. Even if you find it tricky at first, staying calm and focused will help you succeed. With the help of an experienced driving instructor at Sprint Driving School, you can improve your parallel parking skills and feel fully prepared for your driving test. This will make your overall driving experience much smoother and more enjoyable. For affordable driving lessons contact us today at 03 9578 0120.
