Is 30 cm Required for Parallel Parking?
3 Answers
Parallel parking requires maintaining a 30 cm distance from the curb, but there is no such strict requirement during the test. It is mainly for easier parking, and instructors recommend keeping the car about 30 cm from the parking space. As long as the car does not cross the boundary lines and can smoothly enter the parking space, it is considered acceptable. The test standards for parallel parking: After the vehicle stops in the parking space, if the body crosses the boundary lines, 100 points are deducted; if the wheels touch or press the lane boundary lines during movement, 10 points are deducted; if the car is not parked inside the space, 100 points are deducted; if the left turn signal is not turned on when starting, 10 points are deducted; if the right turn signal is not turned on when reversing, 10 points are deducted. Precautions for parallel parking: Upon hearing the test voice prompt, enter the parallel parking test area, maintain low-speed movement in first gear, and observe the distance between the car body and the roadside line through the right rearview mirror. The distance should preferably be kept around 20 cm (10-30 cm; too close may make it hard to control, risking crossing the line, while too wide may affect subsequent reversing and parking). Slightly adjust the steering wheel during movement to correct the distance between the car body and the boundary line, and maintain straight driving after adjusting the distance.
To be honest, after years of driving, I can say there's no strict rule that parallel parking must be exactly 30 centimeters. In most driving tests, parking within 30-50 cm from the curb is considered acceptable, while exceeding 50 cm may result in point deductions or even failure. But in real-world driving, nobody actually measures with a ruler demanding exactly 30 cm—what matters is parking securely without obstructing traffic. I remember in crowded cities, sometimes 40 cm is perfectly fine as long as it doesn't block other vehicles. Beginners can use the curb as a reference when practicing, gradually developing a feel for it without stressing too much over precise measurements. Ultimately, this is more of a skill benchmark than a legal requirement—with practice, you'll naturally get better at controlling the distance.
Back when I was learning to drive, my instructor always said 30 centimeters was the target, but it wasn't an absolute hard rule. Parallel parking is essentially about skill and observation—parking too far risks scraping the curb or tires, while parking too close risks scratching the body. The 30 cm is actually a compromise, convenient for exam grading. In reality, you can adjust flexibly based on road width—for example, parking closer in narrow alleys or slightly farther on wide roads. I recommend practicing with the rearview mirror more before driving; using it to judge distance is far more practical than relying on numbers. Also, don't forget safety first—after parking, step out and check the rear wheel position before locking the door to avoid minor accidents. In short, don't get boxed in by numbers; the key is getting the job done neatly.
