Mastering the Art of One of Driving’s Most Feared Maneuvers
Parallel parking: two words that make many new drivers nervous. Even experienced drivers sometimes hesitate when faced with a tight spot between two cars on a busy street. But the good news? It’s a skill that anyone can master with the right technique, practice, and a little patience.
If you’re learning to drive or preparing for your driving test, especially here in India where road space can be limited and traffic chaotic, knowing how to parallel park isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.
What is Parallel Parking?
Parallel parking is a method of parking your car parallel to the road, usually between two parked vehicles. It’s commonly used in urban areas where space is tight and angle or straight parking options aren’t available. The process involves positioning your vehicle in line with the car in front of the empty spot, reversing into the space, and aligning your car within the boundaries.
Sounds tricky? It’s not, once you understand the technique.
Why Parallel Parking Matters in India
In Indian cities, finding a parking spot is often more challenging than the drive itself. With narrow lanes, limited parking spaces, and vehicles parked in every nook and corner, knowing how to parallel park can save you time, stress, and even prevent scratches and dents.
It’s also a critical part of most Indian driving tests. Failing to demonstrate proper parallel parking can cost you your driving licence on test day.
Step-by-Step Guide to Parallel Parking
While the actual movement may differ slightly based on vehicle size or situation, here’s a simple guide to help you:
- Position your car: Pull up next to the vehicle in front of the empty space, leaving about two feet of distance between the cars. Make sure your rear bumpers are aligned.
- Check mirrors and surroundings: Look around for pedestrians, traffic, and obstacles before you start.
- Start reversing: Begin reversing slowly, turning your steering wheel towards the curb (usually left in India).
- Angle into the spot: As your car’s front clears the back of the car in front, start straightening your wheel and continue reversing.
- Straighten out: Once your car is almost fully in the spot, turn the wheel away from the curb to align your vehicle within the space.
- Adjust: Move forward or backward slightly to centre your car evenly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Rushing: Parallel parking takes time and focus. Don’t rush under pressure from honking traffic behind you.
- Not using mirrors: Your mirrors are your best friends while parking. Always use them for distance judgment.
- Wrong angle: Starting too far or too close to the parked car can mess up your approach.
- Panicking: Stay calm. Confidence builds with practice.
Practice Makes Perfect
Like any driving skill, parallel parking becomes easier with repetition. Practising in an open space with cones or markers is a great way to start before trying it between real cars. At Harisree Driving School, we make sure our students get real-world practice, including parallel parking on actual roads—not just simulations.
