Can You Brake Midway During Parallel Parking?

[AvaRose]

Parallel parking: You cannot brake midway except when stopping after entering the parking space. Here are the relevant details: Parallel Parking: Parallel parking is a component of the second subject in the driver's license test. It has become increasingly common in urban areas, especially as parking spaces in formal lots grow scarcer. Many locations have designated street-side parking spots, creating "parallel parking spaces." Test Objective: To assess the driver's ability to correctly park a vehicle on the right side of the road. The driver must maneuver the vehicle into the right-side parking space without the wheels touching the lane boundary lines or the parking space boundary lines.

[KennedyFitz]

During parallel parking, I can certainly use the brakes to control the speed, which is completely normal driving practice. When parking, you need to move slowly to adjust your position. If you accidentally go too fast or at the wrong angle, gently applying the brakes to slow down or stop briefly is essential to avoid scraping the car in front or behind. I've been driving for many years, and I always use the brakes for fine adjustments during parking, especially on crowded streets—safety comes first. I recommend finding a quiet place to practice more. Don't aim for perfection on the first try; it's fine to brake, stop, and reposition. In an automatic transmission vehicle, braking directly slows you down more easily, while in a manual transmission, you need to coordinate with the clutch to avoid stalling. Additionally, pay attention to the rearview and side mirrors to confirm distances, and don’t overlook blind spot risks. With more practice, you’ll find that braking isn’t an obstacle but rather makes your parking smoother and more precise, while also reducing stress.

[VanNicole]

I also worried about this when learning to drive. The instructor said it's fine to brake during parking because controlling speed is key. When reversing or adjusting position, going too fast can easily lead to mistakes, so gently tapping the brake occasionally to slow down ensures safety. Especially in automatic cars, braking is straightforward and easy; manual transmissions require some skill and clutch coordination. It's recommended for beginners to practice more in less crowded areas or spacious parking spots—brake to stop, check the rearview mirror distance, and then continue. This can help reduce anxiety. I also found that using reverse sensors or cameras can be a big help, but don’t rely on them completely. Develop the habit of checking with your eyes. Safety first—better to go slow than rush. The brake is your good helper; make it a natural action, and you’ll get used to it.

[AdrielDella]

Using the brake when parking is completely normal—it helps you finely control your speed. In an automatic transmission, pressing the brake gently slows you down, while in a manual transmission, combining it with the clutch ensures smoother operation. Speed control is key to avoiding collisions or drifting. I always check the distance using the rearview mirror to ensure safety. Practice makes perfect.