Driving tests can be stressful. They’re often one of the last few things standing between you and that shiny new license. What’s more, they can be tricky, especially for new drivers, and doubly so if your state requires a parallel parking test as part of your final driving exams.&
Parallel parking is no easy feat, even for more experienced drivers. So, here are our tips for acing that parallel parking test!
Tips for Parallel Parking Driving Test
Parallel parking is all about experience and technique. That means putting in the work to practice. Remember to check your state laws on learner’s permits before you hit the road though.
Some states only allow you to practice driving with a licensed instructor, while others are more lenient and will allow you to practice with simple adult supervision.
Use a Properly Sized Practice Space
You don’t want to put all that effort into learning how to parallel park only to find out on the test date that the slot you need to park in is smaller than you were expecting.
The road test parallel parking dimensions differ from state to state, but many are between 7 to 9 feet wide and 20 to 25 feet long.
You can check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for the exact parallel parking dimensions for their driving test. That way, you’ll know how much space to give yourself for your practice parking slot.
You can use traffic cones to mark the state’s parallel parking test configuration in an empty parking lot and practice from there. You might also want to set cones to indicate where the cars above and below the space would be. That way, you can use the cones to practice positioning as well. If you like, you can even add dowel rods in each cone to match the height of actual cars.
Position Your Vehicle Well
Positioning your vehicle is a lot easier when you have cones to help you visualize the car in front of your practice spot. Line your vehicle up parallel to that imaginary car, staying two to three feet away from what would be its side.
Practice parallel parking using the imaginary vehicles as a reference for when to reverse, and adjust your wheels.
Master Your Timing and Speed
Turning your vehicle’s steering wheel either too early or too late can ruin a good parallel parking attempt. Turning it too early will make you hit the curb, and turning too late can lead to you hitting the imaginary vehicle behind you. If you make a mistake, reset and try again to get your timing down.
You can’t go too fast or too slow either because that can make parking even more difficult and unsafe. Keep a steady pace as you practice parallel parking, using the brakes and accelerator as needed.
Only Shift Gears While Stopped
Driving tests will judge more than just your parallel parking. Remember to follow all the usual rules while practicing and during the test itself. Only shift gears when your vehicle’s stopped, and keep both hands on the wheel while your vehicle’s moving.
Straighten Your Vehicle’s Wheels
Remember to straighten your wheels when your vehicle’s halfway into the space. This will straighten your vehicle and keep it from parking at an awkward angle.
Stick to Tried and Tested Methods
You can’t keep switching techniques when practicing how to parallel park for a driving test —at least, not if you want to ace parallel parking in a decent amount of time. It’s usually best to stick to a method that suits you.
Whether you learned the method from a professional instructor or a parent, be consistent when practicing it. There’ll be plenty of time to test out other methods once you’ve passed your test.
Ask for Feedback
Have a driving friend or family member watch you practice parallel parking so you can ask them for feedback. They might have a few tricks up their sleeve for you, or they might notice things that you don’t from the driver’s seat.
Remain Calm and Keep Practicing
Frustration is natural, especially when learning something difficult. Keep calm, and remember that parallel parking is difficult even for experienced drivers.
Be patient with yourself and keep practicing. Don’t rush your practice. Also, your driving test might be a timed one, but it’s better to go slow and safe. These tests are designed to give you as much time as you need to calmly complete the assignments.
Parallel Parking Tests Vary Per State
Knowing how much space you have for a parallel parking test can be mighty helpful, but knowing if your state even has a parallel parking test can save you a headache.
Not all states require you to pass a parallel parking test to gain your license. Nevada and Maryland don’t have it as part of their testing programs. Ohio has a maneuverability test that’s similar to parallel parking, but they don’t replicate the full situation.
Whether it’s part of your state’s test or not, you might as well get in the practice. Once you have your license, it’s only a matter of time before you drive into a full parking lot with a single empty parallel space left.
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