Parallel parking can be a challenging manoeuvre for many new or learner drivers, but with the right technique and practice, you’ll master it in no time. Parallel parking is a skill that is necessary for passing your practical driving test in the UK, and it is also a skill that will be helpful in your everyday driving.
Step 1: Find a suitable parking spot
The first step to parallel parking is to find a suitable parking spot. Look for a space that is big enough to fit your car with some extra room on both sides, and make sure it is legal to park there. Before you start parking, check your mirrors, and signal your intention to other drivers on the road.
Step 2: Position your car
Drive up next to the car in front of the space you want to park in, leaving about half a metre between your car and the parked vehicle. Align your car’s rear wheel with the other car’s rear wheel, so that the two vehicles are parallel. Make sure that you are not blocking any traffic while positioning your car.
Step 3: Reverse and turn
Once you have positioned your car, start reversing slowly while checking your surroundings. Turn your steering wheel towards the kerb once you can see the rear of the other car in your back left window. Keep reversing slowly and straighten up your steering wheel when your car’s rear is level with the rear of the car in front of you. You should aim to end up at a 45-degree angle to the kerb.
Step 4: Straighten up
Once you are backed into the space, turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction to bring the front of your car into the space. This will also straighten the vehicle to bring it parallel with the kerb. Check that you have left enough room in front and behind your car and make any adjustments if necessary.
Step 5: Final adjustments
Feel free to shift back and forth a little to give the cars behind and in front room to leave their spaces, and to make sure you are properly inside the space. Once you have parked, switch off your engine, and apply the handbrake. If necessary, adjust your wing mirrors to ensure that you have a clear view of the road.
Tips for parallel parking:
Practice makes perfect: The more you practice parallel parking, the easier it will become. Try to find different spaces to park in, with varying degrees of difficulty, to help build your skills.
Use your mirrors: When parallel parking, it’s important to check your mirrors regularly to ensure that you are aware of your surroundings.
Take your time: Don’t rush when parallel parking. Take your time and make small adjustments to ensure that you park safely and accurately.
Be aware of other road users: Keep an eye out for other road users, including pedestrians and cyclists, when parallel parking.
Keep calm: If you feel nervous or stressed when parallel parking, take a deep breath and try to relax. Remember, it’s only a parking manoeuvre, and with practice, you’ll get better at it.
Parallel parking is an essential skill for both new and experienced drivers, and it’s something that takes practice to perfect. Remember to follow these steps carefully, take your time, and be aware of your surroundings. With patience and practice, you’ll soon be able to parallel park with ease. However, nothing can replace instruction from a dedicated instructor. For professional instruction from a well-established driving school, get in touch with Lanes today. You can call us on 020 8166 5678 or send an email to .
