Tips on Parallel Parking

Okay so this is one of the most difficult manoeuvres of all and it is the one that tends to go wrong quite often so we want to make sure that we’ve got good control of the car and good observations before we start. Basically, the key is nice and steady and don’t panic!.
Examiners refer to this as a reverse parking manoeuvre so don’t get confused and don’t worry!. They will also tell you to parallel park.
The space you need to do this manoeuvre is about one and half times the size of your car the examiner will be picking a space that’s at least two car lengths.
If you can practice this in 1.5 car lengths you are easily going to do it in 2.
Sometimes we need reference points and they do work for some people, but they don’t work for everybody so have a chat with me and have a plan B.
The easiest method I have found over the many years of being a driving instructor is if you pull up along side the vehicle just slightly ahead of it. Then pop it into reverse, have a good look all around your vehicle before moving backwards. Reverse very slowly until the rear of your car roughly is roughly aligned with the end of the parked car at this point have a quick check over your right bling spot & do one whole turn to the left. Keep reversing slowly until you reach a 45• angle at which point you need to turn the wheel a whole turn right (wheels are now facing straight). Reverse slowly backwards until in the left mirror your front door handle is just over the kerb (visually!!) at which point you then need to turn the wheel a whole turn right. Keep reversing slowly backwards until your vehicle is parallel to the kerb! & that’s it!! Now those reference points will vary car to car.
We do have modern cars now with camera’s for reversing. Don’t overuse them. A glance into the mirror and a glance into the camera is useful but don’t rely on them. You must make effective all round and good observations. There’s lots of blind spots on the vehicle to easily hide a young child or a cyclist so keep your eyes peeled!. Make sure you’re looking into the direction of travel and never be afraid to have a little stop and an extra check.