What are the parallel parking techniques?
3 Answers
Here are the techniques for parallel parking: 1. First, drive the vehicle towards the test area, slowly approaching the right roadside line. Observe the right rearview mirror to maintain a distance of about 30cm between the vehicle body and the parking line. Keep driving straight. When the lower edge of the left rearview mirror covers the parking line, press the clutch and brake to stop, ensuring the front wheels press or exceed the starting line of the test area. 2. Second, shift into reverse gear, turn on the right turn signal, and steadily reverse the vehicle while observing the right rearview mirror. When the right rear wheel aligns with the front line of the parking space, quickly turn the steering wheel fully to the right. 3. Third, continue reversing at a slow speed and observe the left rearview mirror. When the inner corner of the parking space appears, quickly straighten the steering wheel. 4. Fourth, continue reversing slowly and observe the left rearview mirror. When the left rear wheel presses the dotted line of the parking space, quickly turn the steering wheel fully to the left. When the vehicle body is parallel to the parking line, press the brake to stop.
When I was learning to drive, parallel parking was a real challenge. The instructor taught me to first pull up parallel to the car in front, keeping about one meter distance, and align the side mirrors to ensure proper positioning. Then shift into reverse, turn the steering wheel all the way toward the curb, and slowly back up while closely watching the right-side mirror. When the entire front end of the car behind becomes visible, immediately straighten the steering wheel and continue reversing. Observe the rear wheel position—stop once it's close to the curb, and make slight forward/backward adjustments if the car isn't aligned. Start practicing in empty parking lots before progressing to streets; be extra cautious in rain or low light when mirrors may blur and increase curb collision risk. Stay relaxed—don't let honking cars distract you. Use window references to gauge curb height and gradually develop muscle memory. With persistent practice, beginners can master it within a few attempts.
As an experienced driver with years of driving under my belt, I don't find parallel parking particularly difficult. The key lies in selecting the right spot: the parking space should be at least one meter longer than your car, and always check that there's enough room before starting. Align your car parallel to the one in front, matching the distance with your mirrors; when reversing, quickly turn the steering wheel toward the curb, back up at a steady speed, keep a close eye on the rearview mirror, and straighten the wheel when the taillights of the car behind become clearly visible. Stop once the rear wheels are close to the curb, making minor adjustments if necessary. Using a reversing camera is recommended for greater precision; avoid practicing in congested areas during peak hours, as the pressure can lead to mistakes. Extra caution is needed when parking on slopes—always engage the handbrake to prevent rolling, and make it a habit to lock your car to deter theft. With repeated practice, you'll master the rhythm—there's nothing you can't handle.
