Should the handbrake be engaged for parallel parking?
2 Answers
For parallel parking in Subject 2 of the driving test, it is required to engage the handbrake after parking. Additionally, new traffic regulations stipulate that if the vehicle stops during the parallel parking process, the correct procedure is to engage the handbrake after coming to a complete stop. In this case, only 10 points will be deducted; otherwise, the penalty will be more severe. Below are some tips for parallel parking: Maintain proper sitting posture: This is crucial for accurately judging various reference points. Drive close to the right side when entering the parking space: When entering the parking area, try to park as close to the right side of the road as possible without crossing the yellow right edge line to avoid backing too far and crossing the line. Maintain an appropriate right-side distance: When entering the test area, keep the vehicle 30cm away from the right line and stop at the designated position.
I think you must engage the handbrake when parallel parking—safety first. After driving for so many years, I’ve seen too many accidents caused by not using the handbrake. For example, when parked on a slope, the car can easily roll and hit the vehicle behind or a pedestrian. Once, I was parallel parking on a city street where the roadside was slightly inclined, and I forgot to engage the handbrake. The car slowly rolled backward and almost scraped the car next to me, which really scared me. Since then, I’ve made it a habit to always pull the handbrake first and then fine-tune my position. Even though it sometimes feels unnecessary on flat roads, the risk is too high to be lazy. Additionally, beginners should pay extra attention to this step to reduce operational stress. In short, engaging the handbrake gives you peace of mind while maneuvering, prevents potential damage, and forming this habit has no downside.