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Parallel Parking

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Parallel parking

Love it or hate it, if you drive, you have an opinion on parallel parking. For those of you who don't know what that is , it is the reversing into a car parking space next to the curb between two cars. This is taught in driver's training courses but still there are those who, for whatever reason, haven't mastered this skill.

In certain parts of America it is possible to live where you will never have to do this. If you only shop at malls and grocery stores that provide their own parking areas, you may never need this skill or have the opportunity to practice it.

In the photo you will see this road where all the cars are parallel parked.

I hate parking

I wish I could just leave my car anywhere. I much prefer to park in a parking lot and walk farther than have the stress of parallel parking. I hate to inconvenience the drivers behind me. It always seems to be some impatient man leaning on his horn who has blocked my path to reverse back. I get nervous about doing it even though I have done it many times successfully.

Watch average Americans show you how it's done.

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Extend your rear view mirror

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A tight spot

Duel Debate Module

Do you think knowing how to parallel park should be mandatory before passing a driving test?

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Yes , it is a necessary and important driving skill.

Pastiche says:

It's a necessity in cities but I avoid it more these days. I actually had to park parallel between 2 state trooper vehicles when I took my driver license test in 1970. I was driving a 1963 station wagon with a standard shift on the column of the steering wheel. I did it perfectly, first try, no stalls or problems. The testing guy in the passenger seat was almost speechless.

CDT says:

Parallel parking is one of the reversing manoeuvres that driving test candidates may be asked to demonstrate to the examiner here in the UK - I run a driving school (and I'm the Squid Angel for "Cars: Driving & Safety") so yes, I'm all for people knowing how to drive safely and considerately! :D

No, I can always find somewhere else to park.

joe says:

I can parallel park easily, but lack of parallel parking skill has nothing to do with being a good driver. The nervousness that this one manuever causes drivers taking their road test is way outsized to it's importance in suburban and rural areas. It should only be mandatory in densly populated urban areas where there are few alternatives.

 

Parking bumper stickers

A parallel parking game

Here is a fun parallel parking game for you to try. See how you do. You can play the game here.

A quick survey about parallel parking

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I would love to hear your thoughts on parallel parking.

  • Pastiche Apr 11, 2011 @ 11:05 am | delete
    When I was younger it was no big deal. I have a new car now and I'm not 100% comfortable with it, but I do parallel park when I must. The parking spots are smaller than they were years ago ... or so it seems to me.
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