Why Is Parallel Parking Harder Than Backing In?
2 Answers
Parallel parking is more challenging than backing in due to the lack of fixed reference points and the need to watch out for pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles. Below are the specific differences between backing into a parking space and parallel parking: 1. Direction of movement: Backing into a parking space requires the vehicle to make one turn, changing from a lateral to a longitudinal position. In contrast, parallel parking involves two turns—first turning sideways and then backward—with the vehicle ultimately maintaining a longitudinal position. 2. Key reference points: The most crucial reference point when backing into a parking space is the entry point. Being early or late can have highly adverse effects, ranging from lightly scraping the line to failing the test by hitting the corner of the parking space. For parallel parking, the first reference point does not directly affect entry; instead, the second and third points—where you straighten the wheel and turn outward—are critical. Delays in these two points can impact the test results.
I've been driving for decades, and I feel that parallel parking is difficult mainly due to limited space and high precision requirements. Reversing is simpler—usually, you just need to back up in a straight line or make minor adjustments within a small range, with clear visibility through the rearview mirror or camera. But with parallel parking, especially in narrow urban street spots, I often have to move back and forth multiple times, worrying about the front bumper scraping the car ahead or the rear hitting the one behind. Visibility is another major issue; there are many blind spots on the sides, relying solely on turning your head and side mirrors, but angle judgment can be off by just a few centimeters, risking scraping the curb or a parked car. When reversing, you mainly focus on what's behind you, but parallel parking requires splitting attention between left, right, front, and back, multiplying the pressure. When teaching beginners, I always recommend practicing in a parking lot to get a feel for it, using markers to gauge distances. Overall, this complexity makes the margin for error much higher, unlike reversing, which is much easier to pick up.
