How Long Does It Take to Learn Parallel Parking?
4 Answers
The key points of parallel parking are controlling the speed with the clutch and accurately judging the position through the rearview mirrors. Overall, parallel parking is not too difficult, and generally, practicing continuously for about three days should be enough to master it. As for the impact of the vehicle model mentioned above on parallel parking, it is actually not too significant, as you will naturally get used to the characteristics of SUVs after practicing with them. Parallel Parking Tips: 1. Adjust the distance between the car body and the parking line: Generally, 30cm is the optimal distance. From the driver's seat, when the parking line is at one-third of the engine cover, it is roughly 30cm. 2. Steering: When you see the right rear wheel parallel to the parking line, immediately turn the steering wheel all the way to the right. Watch the left rearview mirror, and when the inner corner of the parking space appears, immediately straighten the steering wheel. After straightening, continue to watch the left rearview mirror. When the left rear wheel touches the parking line, immediately turn the steering wheel all the way to the left. Look at both rearview mirrors, and when the car body is parallel to the parking lines on both sides, straighten the steering wheel.
When I first started learning to drive, it took me almost two weeks to get the hang of parallel parking. Back then, I would go to the driving school for half an hour of practice every day after work. At the beginning, I couldn't get the orientation right at all—either I'd cross the line or park too far from the curb. The instructor's method of using reference points in the rearview mirror was quite helpful, like turning the steering wheel when seeing one-third of the rear car's position. It took me about ten practice sessions before I dared to take the test. Looking back now, if I had practiced more frequently, I might have improved faster. The key is to get more real-road practice—relying solely on those few poles at the driving school has limited effect. Personally, I think older cars without backup cameras are actually better for practicing fundamental skills. Before new drivers get behind the wheel, it's best to adjust the seat and mirrors properly—clear visibility is crucial.
When we were practicing parallel parking, we could grasp the basic essentials in five or six days. Going to the driving school every morning to practice three or four times, getting a feel for the parking lines was the most crucial. The instructor always emphasized coordinating the steering wheel with the speed—when the car's tilt reaches 45 degrees, it's time to straighten the wheels. It's best to practice with narrow parking spaces; once you get used to complex environments, standard spots become a breeze. Among my friends, the fastest learner mastered it in three days—he would record videos after each practice session to review his movements. Practicing with different car models is actually quite helpful; the feel for parking an SUV versus a sedan is completely different. With enough practice, muscle memory kicks in, and now I can usually nail a roadside parking spot in one go.
The time it takes to master parallel parking varies from person to person. I've seen some people who can park perfectly in just three days. Personally, I practiced for twenty minutes daily and took five days to stop crossing the lines. I recommend watching instructional videos to familiarize yourself with the process before starting. During practice, focus on mastering the timing of checking the corner of the parking space in the rearview mirror. It's best to have a friend guide you initially, as their reminders can help you avoid detours. Keeping the car 30 centimeters away from the parking space is the optimal distance; any closer and you risk scratching the rims. Now that I'm teaching my child to drive, I realize that modern cars with 360-degree cameras make learning much faster, but practicing the fundamentals with traditional methods still builds a more solid foundation.
