Should the Handbrake Be Engaged During Parallel Parking?
4 Answers
When the car is completely parked in the space during parallel parking, there is no need to engage the handbrake. Below is an introduction to the relevant content of parallel parking: 1. Test Requirements: The test requirement for parallel parking is that the driver must park the vehicle in the right-side parking space without the wheels touching the lane boundary or the parking space boundary. 2. Subject 2 Assessment Content and Requirements: The five assessment items are reversing into a parking space, parallel parking, stopping and starting on a slope, turning at a right angle, and driving on a curved path. Subject 2 requires 26 study hours, of which 2 hours are theoretical knowledge, so in practice, it is 24 study hours.
I always engage the handbrake when parallel parking because safe driving is my top priority. Every time I come to a complete stop, I instinctively pull the handbrake to prevent the car from rolling, especially on slopes or uneven surfaces—this avoids rollback accidents. Last year, I forgot to set the handbrake on an inclined street, and the car nearly rolled into the vehicle behind me. Since then, I’ve made sure to remember this step. It’s not just in parking lots; it’s equally crucial for parallel parking—a small action with significant impact. Additionally, using the handbrake helps extend the lifespan of the braking system by sharing the load on the brake discs and reducing wear. If you frequently park in congested urban areas, making this a habit can also help you relax, free from the anxiety of potential rolling. In short, don’t cut corners—safety first is always the right approach. Taking those few seconds to engage the handbrake is worth it.
As someone who frequently drives in the city, I understand that during parallel parking, there's no need to engage the handbrake while adjusting—since you need to repeatedly reverse and move forward, the handbrake would just get in the way. However, once the car is completely stopped and the engine is turned off, I immediately pull the handbrake to secure the vehicle and prevent any risk of sliding. During my daily commute, I encounter many busy streets where parking spots may not be ideal, and the handbrake provides an extra sense of security. For example, on windy days or slight inclines, it prevents the car from shifting slightly and causing scratches. Additionally, for automatic transmission cars, using the handbrake along with the P gear offers more stability; manual transmission cars rely more on the handbrake to prevent rolling. This small habit makes driving smoother and helps avoid unnecessary trouble.
When I first learned to drive, my instructor emphasized that the handbrake must be engaged after parallel parking. Applying the handbrake when parked prevents the car from accidentally rolling, especially on slight inclines or uneven surfaces at the training area, ensuring safety. I remember the first time I parked independently and forgot this step—the car rolled back slightly, startling me, but fortunately, nothing bad happened. Now, I’ve developed a habit: as soon as the car stops, I engage the handbrake. This simple action helps me focus on subsequent steps like turning off the engine or locking the doors. As a beginner, it reduces nervousness and boosts overall driving confidence. At the same time, it prevents issues caused by the car moving due to inertia. Developing this good habit has made my driving more stable.
