How to Parallel Park to Pass Road Test :: Step-by-Step Instructions

Summary

In this instructional video, Rick from Smart Drive Test offers a comprehensive guide to parallel parking, a common challenge for new drivers. He emphasizes the importance of checking for legal spaces, aligning bumpers with the car ahead, and using the 45° angle method to back into the spot. Rick advises staying calm if the curb is hit, and suggests practicing with different cars to master the skill. The video also highlights the benefits of parallel parking for improving overall driving ability, and reassures viewers that examiners typically allow for mistakes during the road test.

Takeaways

• 🚗 Parallel parking is a common challenge for drivers, especially during road tests.
• 😟 Even experienced instructors find parallel parking stressful, so it's normal to feel challenged.
• 🛑 If you hit the curb during a road test, it's not an automatic fail; adjust and try again.
• 🔁 Practice is crucial for mastering parallel parking; vary your practice scenarios to improve.
• 👀 During a road test, examiners typically ask you to park behind one car, not between two, to reduce difficulty.
• 📏 Ensure the parking space is legal and large enough before attempting to parallel park.
• 🚦 Use your mirrors, signals, and shoulder checks to safely position your car for parallel parking.
• 🔄 Turn your steering wheel fully to the right when backing up and align with the 45° degree mark.
• 🅿️ Once aligned, straighten the wheel and continue backing up until you're one-third to halfway down the hood, then turn the wheel fully left.
• 🏁 After parking, shift into park, apply the parking brake, and ensure you're 6-9 inches from the curb.
• 🤔 Despite the challenges, parallel parking is an essential skill that enhances overall driving ability.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video script?

The main topic of the video script is parallel parking, specifically focusing on step-by-step instructions to pass a road test.

Why is parallel parking considered challenging for many drivers?

Parallel parking is considered challenging because it requires precise control of the vehicle's primary controls, including the steering wheel, throttle, and brake, especially at slow speeds.

What is the first thing the instructor advises to check before attempting to parallel park?

The first thing to check before attempting to parallel park is to ensure the parking space is legal, free of any obstructions like fire hydrants, and not in front of someone's driveway.

How should the driver position their vehicle relative to the car they are parking behind?

The driver should position their vehicle so that the rear bumpers are aligned and there is a space of about one meter or three feet between the vehicles.

What is the significance of finding the 45° degree mark during parallel parking?

The 45° degree mark is significant as it indicates the correct angle to start turning the steering wheel while backing up, which is crucial for successfully maneuvering the vehicle into the parking space.

What should a driver do if they hit the curb during a parallel parking attempt on a road test?

If a driver hits the curb during a parallel parking attempt, they should not panic. Instead, they should pull forward, adjust the vehicle, and attempt to back into the space again.

How does practicing parallel parking in different locations help a driver?

Practicing parallel parking in different locations helps a driver become more comfortable and adept at maneuvering in various scenarios, which can improve their overall driving skills.

What is the recommended distance from the curb after successfully parking?

The recommended distance from the curb after parallel parking is 6-9 inches or 15 to 20 centimeters.

Why do driving examiners typically not ask candidates to park between two vehicles during a road test?

Driving examiners typically do not ask candidates to park between two vehicles during a road test because it is considered unsafe and too challenging for new drivers who are already stressed about the test.

What is the purpose of putting the vehicle in 'reverse' before starting to back up?

Putting the vehicle in 'reverse' before starting to back up signals to traffic behind that the driver intends to back up, increasing safety and awareness.

What is the final step a driver should take after parking to secure the vehicle?

The final step a driver should take after parking to secure the vehicle is to put it in 'Park', apply the parking brake, and for manual transmission vehicles, put it in a low gear.