How to Use Door Handles as Reference for Parallel Parking?
3 Answers
First, adjust the car's side mirrors. Upon hearing the voice prompt for parallel parking ahead, turn on the right turn signal, position the car about 30 cm from the parking space line, and stop. Before reversing, turn on the left turn signal and start backing up. When you see the parking space line in the side mirror, pay attention. Once the front edge of the front door handle completely crosses the outer edge of the yellow line, immediately turn the steering wheel one full turn to the left and continue reversing. While reversing, keep an eye on the parking space line in the side mirror. When the line reaches the middle of the mirror's lower edge, immediately turn the steering wheel one and a half turns to the left. Turn on the left turn signal, move forward, and when the left ridge of the car touches the left yellow or white line, turn the steering wheel one and a half turns to the right. When the middle of the hood reaches the yellow or white line, turn the steering wheel one full turn to the right.
I'm someone who drives to work every day, and I find using the door handle as a reference point for parallel parking super practical! Here's how I do it: First, pull up parallel to the car in front, keeping about half a meter distance, and check the right side mirror. When the rear bumper of the car in front aligns perfectly with my door handle, immediately turn the steering wheel all the way to the right and start reversing. Once the car is at a 45-degree angle, straighten the wheel and continue backing up. At this point, the position of the door handle in the mirror serves as a key reference point to gauge how close the wheels are to the curb. It took me several months of practice to get the hang of it, but now I can almost always park smoothly in tight spots without worrying about scratches. For safety, take it slow when reversing—no distractions like checking your phone or chatting. Be extra careful in rainy conditions or at night when visibility is poor; roll down the window to get a clear view before maneuvering.
I just got my driver's license not long ago and am still practicing parallel parking. I found the door handle alignment method to be simple and easy to learn! My instructor taught me to first align parallel with the car in front, then start turning the wheel when the rear of the front car aligns with my door handle in the right side mirror. When straightening and reversing, pay attention to the movement of the door handle - as soon as it approaches the curb, it means the position is about right. I tried it over 10 times before mastering it. At first, I often went over the line or stayed too far, but with diligent practice, I'm much more confident now. Beginners tend to get nervous, always afraid of hitting roadside obstacles. I recommend finding an open space to practice more or asking a friend to guide you from outside the car. While backup radar assistance is useful, visually checking the door handle position remains the most reliable fundamental skill.
