How to Perform Parallel Parking with a Manual Transmission?
2 Answers
Here are the steps for performing parallel parking with a manual transmission: 1. Method One: First, adjust the rearview mirrors properly before entering the test area (marked by a pole with the project name on the right side of the road; once the car passes the pole, the system will announce "parallel parking" and start timing). You can stop to make adjustments before entering. 2. Method Two: Adjust the rearview mirrors as follows: For the left mirror, position it so that the distant horizon is centered vertically, and adjust the horizontal position so that the car body occupies one-fourth of the mirror's surface. For the right mirror, adjust it so that the ground occupies about two-thirds of the mirror vertically, and similarly, position the car body to occupy one-fourth horizontally. 3. Method Three: Start moving forward with the left turn signal on. Drive at half-clutch, aligning the 12 o'clock position of the steering wheel with the right-turn white arrow in front of the parking line, moving slowly and parallel while making minor adjustments. When you see the front boundary line of the parking space in the right rearview mirror, press the clutch and brake to stop.
When I first learned to parallel park a manual transmission car on a busy street, I was so nervous and always afraid of hitting the cars in front or behind. The key is to pull up parallel to the car in front, keeping about half a meter distance, and turn on the right turn signal to alert others. Then, turn the steering wheel all the way to the right, shift into reverse, slowly release the clutch while gently pressing the accelerator to back up slowly. Keep an eye on the left rearview mirror and the side rear, and as soon as you see the front of the car behind you almost fully visible, quickly turn the steering wheel to the left to straighten the car. Continue backing up a bit more until you're parked in the roadside space. Once parked, don’t forget to shift into first gear and pull the handbrake to prevent rolling. After practicing a lot, I realized it’s best to find an open space to try first, get familiar with the car’s length and the clutch point, and then you won’t be so nervous. Safety comes first—always check left and right before and after each move to ensure there are no pedestrians or obstacles. Driving a manual is all about practicing patience.
