When exiting parallel parking, should you signal first or shift gears first?
2 Answers
When exiting parallel parking, you should shift gears first, then turn on the turn signal. Below are the penalty standards for parallel parking: 1. After the vehicle stops in the parking space, if the body crosses the line: This results in a 100-point deduction, failing the test, and requiring a retake. 2. If the wheels touch or press the lane boundary line while driving: This results in a 10-point deduction. 3. If the vehicle is not parked inside the parking space: This results in a 100-point deduction, failing the test, and requiring a retake. 4. If the left turn signal is not turned on when starting: This results in a 10-point deduction. 5. If the vehicle stops midway: This results in a 100-point deduction, failing the test, and requiring a retake.
My friend who works as a driving instructor always says that when exiting parallel parking, you should first turn on the indicator to signal your intention to move, otherwise it's easy to collide with others. Before shifting gears, I make it a habit to check the rearview mirror and blind spots to ensure there are no approaching vehicles or pedestrians. This step is crucial in busy city traffic to avoid rear-end collisions or scratches. In real driving situations, some people rush to shift gears and start moving, only to turn on their indicators too late when changing lanes, causing trouble. The core of safe driving is anticipating risks. I also lightly honk the horn before exiting to alert others, especially at night when visibility is poor. In short, signaling before shifting gears is a golden rule—once it becomes a habit, the accident rate drops significantly.
