How to Find Reference Points When Exiting Parallel Parking?
4 Answers
Press the clutch and brake, shift into 1st gear, turn on the left turn signal, and slowly exit with the steering wheel fully turned. When you see the right front corner of the hood align with the roadside line on the right, straighten the steering wheel. When the left one-third of the hood coincides with the yellow line, turn the steering wheel one full turn to the right; then drive around the corner of the parking space to exit. During the parallel parking exit process, it's important to control the clutch properly—keep the speed slow but avoid stopping midway. The timing of turning the steering wheel must be precise, as missing the right moment can easily lead to crossing the line.
When I first started learning to drive, I was always afraid of scratching other cars while exiting a parallel parking spot, but now I'm much more skilled. The key is to choose the right reference points. Usually when exiting, I first turn on the left turn signal, check the left rearview mirror, and when the rear of my car aligns perfectly with the middle of the bumper of the car behind me—that's the optimal moment. Then I slowly reverse while turning the steering wheel fully to the left, and the front of the car will naturally swing out. Don't forget to check blind spots by turning your head to look for pedestrians or obstacles on the left. If there are trees or markers by the roadside, using them as fixed references is also reliable. Practice several times in an empty space to get a feel for your car's dimensions; reference points differ between sedans and SUVs, so adjust flexibly according to your vehicle. I remember making mistakes early on by being too hasty, causing the rear wheels to scrape the curb. Later, I learned to take it slow—maintaining a steady speed while reversing made it much more stable. Safety first: always confirm the surroundings are clear before exiting.
Having driven for over a decade, I find the reference points for parallel parking exit quite straightforward. After settling into the driver's seat, I first adjust the side mirror angles to ensure a clear view of the left side. When exiting, I watch the left side mirror - the moment it clearly shows the road boundary line or the complete headlights of the rear vehicle, that's the signal to turn the steering wheel; turn it fully left and the car will naturally come out. Another method is watching the rear: when it just passes the parallel line of the adjacent car's side profile, that's another accurate reference point. I've never hit anything in high-density parking lots using this technique. The key is staying calm and keeping movements fluid. Control reversing speed - go slow, don't rush with sudden acceleration to avoid losing control. If your car has a reversing camera, use it for more precise reference points; though visual techniques alone suffice - practice a few times and experience will cement the memory.
As someone who has practiced driving for a long time, I'll explain finding the reference points for parallel parking exit in three steps. First, observe the rearview mirror: sit upright and look at the left rearview mirror. When the top of the rear vehicle's wheels or the curb disappears from the mirror, that's your reference point. Second, steering wheel operation: immediately turn the wheel fully to the left and slowly reverse the car out. Third, fine-tuning: during the exit, pay attention to the car's position. If you're too close to an obstacle, slightly straighten the steering wheel. Beginners are advised to practice in an open area, using markers like parking poles or trash bins as references. The blind spot that's often overlooked during exit is on the side, so turning your head to check can prevent scratches. Practice a few more times to solidify these reference points – driving safety is more important than speed.
