Should You Shift Gear or Turn on the Indicator First When Exiting Parallel Parking?

[AryaMarie]

When exiting parallel parking, you should shift gear first and then turn on the indicator. Here are some parallel parking tips: 1. Find the right position to pull over: When you hear the instruction to "pull over," first determine the parking spot, then turn on the right indicator and steer the wheel 90 degrees to the right. When the middle of the car aligns with the curb, quickly turn the steering wheel more than 180 degrees to the left. Adjust the wheel to straighten it when the curb is between 1/3 to 1/2 of the front hood (most instructors prefer the 1/3 position, which can be adjusted based on the vehicle size). If the car deviates, make minor adjustments. 2. Adjust the right-side distance until the front door handle covers the curb edge: Observe the distance between the right side of the car and the curb or sidewalk edge and adjust accordingly. When the right front door handle is about to cover or "touch" the curb, quickly straighten the car. 3. Check the left-side mirror to ensure the front door handle does not extend beyond the rear car: Before getting out, check the left-side mirror to make sure the front door handle does not stick out beyond the rear car's body. If there is no car behind for reference, observe the distance between the car body and the parking line. This ensures your parking position does not obstruct other traffic participants and avoids scratches from other vehicles.

[LylaRose]

During my daily commute, I've developed the habit of signaling first when pulling out from a parallel parking spot. This allows pedestrians and following vehicles to clearly see my intention. After pausing for 2-3 seconds to confirm safety, I then slowly shift gears and start moving. This prevents sudden movements that might startle others, especially during the dense morning rush hour traffic. Every time I follow this routine, I feel more confident and get honked at less frequently. The same sequence applies when parking in garages or roadside scenarios - developing good habits makes urban driving more pleasant. Through long-term practice, my accident rate has decreased and my driving experience has become more relaxed.

[DelKing]

From my years of experience in vehicle safety training, turning on the indicator must be prioritized when pulling out from the side. This is a fundamental traffic rule—signaling must precede gear engagement to avoid sudden jerks or engine stalling, which increases the risk of collisions, especially on wet or slippery roads. In my teaching, I emphasize the sequence: signal first, check mirrors, then move slowly. Only this ensures safety for both yourself and others. In practice, novice drivers often rush; correcting this through simulation exercises is crucial for developing safety awareness.

[DiRichard]

Having modified cars for over a decade, I always signal before pulling out sideways—even with quick acceleration, I wait for surrounding vehicles to react after the turn signal before shifting gears. This consistent sequence minimizes misunderstandings. Occasionally driving an old car in the rain, where slippery roads risk wheelspin if shifting first, reinforces this habit. Safety-first discipline, honed through experience, keeps the road frustration-free.