Is parallel parking tested on both sides?
3 Answers
Parallel parking is only tested on the right side during the exam. Here is additional information: 1. Evaluation criteria: If the vehicle exceeds the line after parking, it results in failure; stopping midway leads to failure; touching the lane boundary with tires during movement incurs point deduction. 2. Parking essentials: For parallel parking, park parallel to the front car at about 1 meter to its left, then reverse. When the right A-pillar of your car aligns with the rear of the front car, quickly turn the steering wheel fully to the right. Next, check the right side mirror; when you can no longer see the rear car in the mirror, quickly turn the steering wheel fully to the left, paying special attention to the distance between your car's right front corner and the left rear corner of the front car. Once the car is fully in the parking space and aligned with the front and rear cars, quickly straighten the steering wheel and adjust the distance. Throughout this process, ensure the vehicle moves steadily.
When I was taking my driving test, parallel parking usually only tested one side, such as parking on the right, which was the standard exam procedure to simplify the content and duration. However, from my over 20 years of driving experience, I’ve realized that parking spaces in real life often require parking on both sides. In urban areas with narrow streets or shopping mall sides, you’re frequently required to park on the left. If you’re not skilled, you might end up scraping other cars. The driving test focuses on building foundational skills, so I recommend that beginners practice parking on both sides after passing the exam. During each practice session, pay attention to mirror adjustments and blind spot checks. When parking on the left, visibility is limited, so you can slightly open the window for a better view. The core of safe driving lies in comprehensive skills, not just relying on test items.
I just got my driver's license a few months ago, and I recall that the parallel parking test only assessed parking on the right side, not the left. I asked my instructor about it, and he said the exam rules only require one side, but the real world demands flexibility. Now that I'm driving on my own, parking on the left feels awkward, and when the rearview mirror isn't adjusted properly, it's easy to miss pedestrians. I think even though the test doesn't evaluate both sides, it's important to practice turning and braking control in both directions during driving lessons. Especially in complex road conditions, like near school gates, being able to quickly switch parking sides can prevent accidents. My advice to beginners is not to limit themselves to the test requirements but to simulate different scenarios in advance for more confidence.
