Is Parallel Parking Always on the Right Side?
3 Answers
Exams only test the right side. Exam Notes: During parallel parking, it's essential to carefully observe the left and right rearview mirrors to gauge the distance between the rear of your car and the vehicle behind or the wall. Safety comes first; speed is not important. Don't panic if you're blocking the vehicle behind you. Adjustments: After getting into the car, first adjust the seat and rearview mirrors so that the front door handle is positioned at one-third of the distance from the base of the rearview mirror to its center. Starting: Use the half-clutch method to start, moving slowly and parallel along the parking space. Stop when the rear of the car is about 1 meter away from Line 1. Reversing: Shift into reverse gear and prepare to back into the parking space.
Having driven for several years, I've noticed that parallel parking positions are primarily determined by national traffic regulations. In right-hand traffic countries like China and the US, parking is typically on the right side of the road since we normally drive on the right. However, this isn't absolute – on one-way streets or special road sections, it might switch to the left. I've experienced driving abroad in left-hand traffic countries like the UK where parking must be on the left. Beginners often confuse directions, but practicing parking in various scenarios helps prevent mistakes. The key is to carefully observe traffic signs and road conditions to ensure safe parking without causing scrapes due to wrong positioning. During practice sessions, I often use traffic cones in parking lots to simulate different parking situations to improve adaptability.
When I first learned to drive, I once thought that parallel parking always had to be on the right side, since my instructor always had me practice on the right roadside. It wasn’t until I traveled to different places that I realized the difference: in countries like Australia and Japan, where driving is on the left, the parking position switches to the left. This led me to make a mistake during a mock test, hitting a simulated road barrier. So, it’s not always the right side—it depends on where you’re driving, as driving habits vary by country. I recommend that beginners read traffic rule manuals or local driving guides to familiarize themselves with the rules, making operations much easier. During practice, I often used mobile apps to simulate different parking environments, getting comfortable before hitting the road to reduce errors. In short, mastering directional flexibility can improve parking efficiency and safety.
