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The "Dreaded" Parallel Park
...and a 20 Minute Fool-Proof Anxiety Smasher
Do this practice session AFTER your student has done a
few in class.
...and a 20 Minute Fool-Proof Anxiety Smasher
Do this practice session AFTER your student has done a
few in class.
Objective: The objective
of this lesson is to teach the driver confidence through smooth and fluid movement.
Backing and turning slowly and deliberately must be learned, it is not a natural
maneuver. Looking back and glancing forward should
be stressed. Objective: The objective
of this lesson is to teach the driver confidence through smooth and fluid movement.
Backing and turning slowly and deliberately must be learned, it is not a natural
maneuver. Looking back and glancing forward should
be stressed.
Directions: Review the
diagram below then look at the photos on the next page.
(1): Car "A" approaches with right blinker
on and aligns back bumper. (mirrors, steering wheel, front seat also align if forward
vehicle is the same size). Your vehicle should be 3 - 4 feet away from the side of
the forward car. Try to visualize that car with its driver door open - pull along
side so as NOT to hit the "imaginary" open door. Select a rear target and
turn the wheel all the way ( 1½ revolutions of the steering wheel in most cars) to the
right. Move the steering wheel as you roll slowly in reverse. Quick head
checks make sure the path is clear). Some count the turns of the wheel - if it works for
you, do it!
(2): Straighten wheel as in Car "B"
when aligned with target (or front seat-back is aligned with left-rear corner of forward
vehicle). See diagram below. This "angle
of attack" is commonly LESS than 45 degrees. Use something other than the rear
vehicle for a target: a point on the curb, parking meter, sign, tree in the background.
(3): Back straight into the target until front bumper aligns with rear corner of
front car ("AND" you as the driver are looking 2 - 3 feet away from the side of
the forward vehicle and down the row of parked cars) as in Car
"C". Keep your eyes and attention focused to the rear (direction of
travel). You may glance forward! (You may also want
to note position of your radio antenna on the right front hood.) Now steer all the way to
the left to bring the front of your car in to place. Straighten the wheel when your car is
parallel with the curb. Center your car in the parking place. Review the
diagram below then look at the photos on the next page.
(1): Car "A" approaches with right
turn signal on and aligns back bumper(s). (mirrors, steering wheel, front seat also align if forward
vehicle is of the same size). Your vehicle should be 2-3 feet away from the side of
the forward car. Try to visualize that car with its driver door open - pull along
side so as NOT to hit the "imaginary" open door. Select a rear target and
turn the wheel all the way ( 1½ revolutions of the steering wheel in most cars) to the
right. Move the steering wheel as you roll slowly in reverse. Quick head
checks make sure the path is clear). Some count the turns of the wheel - if it works for
you, do it!
(2): Straighten wheel as in Car "B"
when aligned with target (or front seat-back is aligned with left-rear corner of forward
vehicle). See diagram below. This "angle
of attack" is commonly A LOT LESS than 45 degrees. Use something other than the rear
vehicle for a target: a point on the curb, parking meter, sign, tree in the background.
(3): Back straight into the target until front bumper aligns with rear corner of
front car ("AND" you as the driver are looking 2 - 3 feet away from the side of
the forward vehicle and down the row of parked cars) as in Car
"C". Keep your eyes and attention focused to the rear (direction of
travel). You may glance forward! (You may also want
to note position of your radio antenna on the right front hood.) Now steer all the way to
the left to bring the front of your car in to place. Straighten the wheel when your car is
parallel with the curb. Center your car in the parking place.
Over-extending this practice session
causes more harm than good. Only attempt four or five parallel parks in a practice
session. Doing more can cause an overload if both parties become stressed.
When practicing, don't repeat a parking maneuver twice on the same parking space.
This allows travel of at least five car lengths for an approach to the forward vehicle.
Give
the new driver time to make proper adjustments in speed, lane position, and communication
(rear view check, and a right turn signal!).
Remember, a rear vehicle is not required for practice,
but a rear "target" is !
Driver Education of Vermont
Jericho, VT 05465
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