
Simple method for exiting a parallel parking space without hitting the corner: When parking, do not straighten the wheels. After completing the parallel parking, simply drive the vehicle straight out when exiting, and you won't hit the corner or the boundary line. If you straighten the wheels when parking and turn the steering wheel too slowly when exiting, you may run over the line or hit the corner. Subject 2, also known as the small road test, is part of the motor vehicle driver's license and refers to the field driving skills test. The test items include five mandatory components: reversing into a parking space, parallel parking, stopping and starting on a slope, turning at a right angle, and driving through curves (commonly known as S-turns). Some regions also include a sixth item: collecting a toll card on a highway.

As an experienced person who often teaches friends to drive, I believe the key to exiting a parallel parking space without scraping the corner is mastering the timing of steering. Before exiting, first observe the distance in front and behind, align the car body as straight as possible, and leave about 30 centimeters of space between your car and the adjacent one. Shift into reverse, move back half a meter, and stop immediately—this will naturally shift the front of the car outward, creating space. Then, turn the steering wheel fully to the left and proceed slowly, keeping a close eye on the left rearview mirror. Once you see the entire front of the car behind you in the mirror, it means it's safe, and you can straighten the wheels to drive out. Throughout the process, keep the speed as slow as a crawling snail, and make quick yet steady hand movements. The curb in the parking lot is the most prone to being scraped, so leave extra room for adjustments.

The most common mistake we veteran drivers make is rushing out of parking spots. The key is to make good use of rearview mirrors: before exiting, check the right mirror to ensure the rear is clear of obstacles - if space is tight, adjust slightly in the opposite direction. During the first few seconds of turning and moving, keep a close eye on the left mirror, and quickly straighten the wheel when the mirror's edge just catches the taillight of the car behind. I've used this technique in narrow community roads, smoothly exiting with tires less than five centimeters from flower beds. Don't forget to use turn signals to alert pedestrians, and take extra glances at the mirrors when exiting at an angle for added safety.

When beginners practice driving, instructors teach a simple three-step method: First, adjust your seating position upon entering the car to ensure a clear view without blind spots. When exiting the parking space, don’t rush to turn the steering wheel to full lock. Wait until the front of the car is at about a 45-degree angle, then quickly turn left while glancing at the position of the right-side B-pillar. If it aligns with the car behind, you can proceed with the turn. If the rearview mirror has a reversing camera, it’s even easier—just watch the screen to see the trajectory of the rear tires and avoid obstacles. This method also works for short parking spaces of about five meters in residential areas; just avoid turning the steering wheel to full lock to leave room for adjustments.

Last time I encountered this situation while parking at the mall, the key is to control the front wheel position. Before exiting, make sure the front wheels are aligned with the parking line, shift to D gear and move slowly for half a meter before turning left. When you feel the front of the car starting to turn, observe the right front wheel, and wait for it to go around the bumper of the neighboring car before increasing the angle. If the rearview mirror is blurry after rain, it's more reassuring to roll down the window and lean out to look. When exiting a parallel parking spot, being too close to the car next to you can easily scratch the wheel hub.

My experience is that the exit angle determines success or failure. Turning the steering wheel too late can cause you to clip the corner, while turning too early may scrape the car behind. After confirming the position of the rear car through the rearview mirror, drive straight slowly for about one meter before starting to turn the wheel, maintaining a steady wheel rotation speed. Pay attention to the blind spots in the rear window and rear windshield, and only accelerate when you feel there is enough space during lateral movement. At night when visibility is poor, it's advisable to use fog lights to assist observation, and memorizing your car's turning radius is very practical.


