For parallel parking, set cones 25 feet apart and 7 feet away from the curb. Place one cone in front of the car and two behind. The most effective way to master parallel parking is to practice. Many behind-the-wheel driving tests use cones. To begin, set up the cones in a deserted lot or very quiet street with little traffic.
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Few driving tasks are as intimidating as parallel parking. Many new motorists have failed an otherwise perfect driving test on this technicality alone. How many of us avoid parking on busy streets because we're just not good at parallel parking? Thank goodness for strip-mall parking lots the size of a small state―maybe humiliation-free parking is the real motivation for suburban sprawl.
- Seek out a space you feel comfortable that you can safely get your car into without crunching into another car. Drive around the block until you find a larger gap if you need to; you will need a space that's several feet longer than your car.
- Check your rearview mirror and driver-side mirror as you approach the space to ensure another car is not riding on your tail. Signal toward the space as you approach it, slow down, and stop. If another motorist rides up on your rear, simply maintain your position and keep signaling. You might even need to roll down your window and wave the other driver around; they might not have realized you're trying to park.
- Line up your vehicle with the parked vehicle directly in front of your desired spot. Don't get too close on the side, or you might scrape the other car when you make your move. But you also don't want to be too far away―two or three feet will suffice. Position your vehicle parallel to the parked car, aligning your bumpers.
- Checkyour surroundings. Use all your mirrors and check your blind spotsfor cars, bicyclists and pedestrians BEFORE you begin to reverse your car.
- Put your vehicle in reverse. Look over your other shoulder at the space to assess the gap.
- Release the brakes and slowly begin backing into the turn.
- Turn the steering wheel when you see the front car's back bumper. When your back axel is aligned with the front car's bumper, turn your steering wheel all the way to the right (assuming you're parking on the right-hand side of the road).
- Reverseuntil your car is at a 45-degreeangle. Then, turnyour steering wheel in the opposite direction. Imagineyour car is creating an S shape as you are maneuvering into the spot.
- Keep backing up until your car is in the spot. Besure to take a few quick glances at the front of your car to make sure youdon't hit the vehicle in front of your spot.
- Pullforward to straighten out. Once you're in the spot, you can turn the steeringwheel so your tires are parallel to the curb.
Voila! At this point, if all went well, you should be tucked nicely in the space and parallel parked. If you aren't, there's no harm done. Just signal that you're about to leave the curb, pull out and alongside the car in front of you, signal toward the curb again, and start over. You won't be the first person―and certainly not the last―who tries parallel parking a few times before getting it right.
Keep in mind that some states require your vehicle to be within a certain distance from the curb. The ideal distance when parallel parking, for the safety of you and your vehicle, is to be within a few inches of the curb. If you're not close enough, don't be afraid to start again. And remember—practice makes perfect!
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To ensure a passing score and receive your driver's license, be aware of these common mistakes new drivers make on their road test.
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Mistake #1: Nerves & Lack of Confidence
Even if you've prepared correctly, nerves can play a factor in how well you perform behind the wheel. A few ways nerves or stress can negatively impact your testing score include:
- Decreasing focus or concentration.
- Failing to follow the directions of the test examiner.
- Forgetting the basic rules of the road.
- Losing control of your emotions.
Part of showing vehicle control is displaying confidence in your actions. Driving too slowly or braking too hard is not only unsafe; it will also show a lack of confidence behind the wheel. While you'll want to be careful and follow defensive driving rules, being overly cautious could negatively impact your score.
Mistake #2: Not Practicing Enough
Whether it's your parent's busy schedule or your own, finding enough time to spend practicing behind the wheel can be difficult—and it's often the reason mistakes are made on test day.
One way you can build confidence and honestly evaluate your performance behind the wheel is to sign up for driving school. The instructors will simulate testing conditions and provide you with feedback for areas to practice before you head to the DMV.
Mistake #3: Rolling Stops
A common deduction new drivers will receive on the road test is failure to make a complete stop. While most drivers will slow down, to avoid getting negative marks you must:
- Come to a complete stop when making a right-hand turn at an intersection.
- Come to a complete stop behind the demarcation line at a stop sign or red light.
Mistake #4: Following Too Closely
Part of defensive driving is keeping a safe distance between your car and the other vehicles on the road. This will help you to avoid an accident by providing enough time to react should you need to brake suddenly.
While it is generally recommended that you keep a few car lengths between the vehicle in front of you, refer to your state's driver's manual if you're unsure of what constitutes a safe following distance.
Mistake #5: Not Controlling Your Speed
Instructors will often take testers through areas where the speed limit will change frequently. These include:
- School zones.
- Residential streets.
- Freeways.
- Construction zones.
Instead of following the speed of other drivers on the road, pay attention to speed limit signsand adjust your speed accordingly.
Mistake #6: One-Handed Steering
In order to demonstrate proper control of your vehicle, it is recommended that you keep both hands on the steering wheel during the test when possible. The general rule is to think of your steering wheel as if it were a clock face, and keep your hands where the numbers 10 and 2 would be. During practice, form good driving habits to avoid a slip-up while you're being graded.
Mistake #7: Improper Lane Changes
Changing lanes incorrectly is a mistake even experienced drivers make. To do it right, make sure you:
- Look first.
- Signal your intention using your turn signals.
- Check your side and rear view mirrors for other vehicles.
- Look over your shoulders to check your blind spots.
- When all is clear, change lanes.
In addition to these basic rules, also make sure you maintain a consistent speed and keep a safe following distance from vehicles in front of you.
Mistake #8: Not Adjusting to Road Conditions
It might not be perfectly sunny and bright during your test. If rain, snow, or fog decides to show up, you'll need to adjust. In adverse whether conditions, make sure you:
- Increase your following distance.
- Use your headlights if visibility is low.
- Decrease your speed when roads are slick.
Mistake #9: Parallel Parking
This skill will require a lot of practice in order to perform it correctly and confidently. If it is required on your state's road examination, practice by setting up a few cones or similar objects in an empty parking lot. This will help you develop the needed skills in a low-stress environment.
Mistake #10: Failure to Yield to Pedestrians
Entering a crosswalk at an intersection or school zone before it is free of pedestrians is incredibly dangerous, and could be grounds for an automatic failure. If a person enters or looks as though he or she is about to enter a crosswalk, make sure the person has reached the other side of the street safely before you proceed.
Mistake #11: Poor Vehicle Condition
Most states require you to bring a safe and working vehicle to the examination (a test vehicle is usually not supplied). If your vehicle isn't deemed safe to operate, you likely won't be able to test at all. Also be sure to take the test in a vehicle you are familiar with.
To ensure your vehicle meets the required guidelines, check your:
- Headlights.
- Tail lights.
- Turn signals.
- Windshield wipers.
- Seat belts.
- Window visibility.
- Interior for cleanliness.