Can You Pause During Parallel Parking?
2 Answers
Parallel parking is only allowed to pause when reversing; stopping during forward or backward movement is not permitted. Below are the relevant details: Assessing parking space length: Before parallel parking, first determine if the space can accommodate your vehicle model. Generally, if the length of your car plus one meter is sufficient, parallel parking is possible, though it requires relatively high technical skill. Proceeding to the appropriate distance: After confirming the space is suitable, drive forward until your car is roughly aligned with the front car in the parking space, with a lateral distance of about 1 meter between the two vehicles. If necessary, adjust the right rearview mirror downward (in high-end cars like BMW, the right mirror automatically tilts down when reverse gear is engaged) until the right wheel is visible, preparing for reversing. Reversing: Keep the steering wheel turned fully to the right and reverse slowly until the left rearview mirror can fully see the front of the car behind (this is a crucial technique; typically, the car's angle relative to the parking space is ideal at this point). Quickly turn the steering wheel from the far right to the far left (or pause briefly to turn the wheel in place), then continue reversing.
I asked the same question when I first started learning to drive. It's definitely okay to pause when parking, especially in tight spaces. Having driven for over a decade now, I always pause at key moments during parallel parking—like after fully turning the steering wheel—to check the mirror distance, which helps fine-tune the position. The benefits of pausing include reducing the risk of scratches and observing nearby pedestrians and vehicles. Just don't pause too long to avoid blocking traffic; a few seconds is usually enough. Beginners might worry about losing points in exams, but in real-world situations, it's generally allowed—the key is practicing to get comfortable with the feel. Remember, safety comes first. Pausing is a tool, not a permanent stop; moving again smoothly is what matters.
