The Ultimate Guide to Exiting Parallel Parking in 8 Easy Steps
Every driver needs to master the skill of pulling out from parallel parking, especially in densely populated urban areas like New York. In such areas, making efficient use of limited parking spaces is essential, and parallel parking is a key skill to achieve that. Parallel parking involves aligning multiple vehicles parallel to the road in the same direction, resembling stationary traffic.
For those accustomed to parking lots and driveways, parallel parking can initially be quite challenging. It requires practice to perfect this skill. Some drivers go to great lengths to avoid parallel parking due to its perceived difficulty. However, during your road test, you might not be able to avoid it. It is one of the essential skills that a road test examiner may ask you to demonstrate.
Successful parallel parking involves pulling up parallel to the car in front of the parking space, then slowly backing into the space. But once you have parked, how do you pull out when it's time to leave? Pulling out can be even trickier than parking, so it's crucial to learn the steps for a smooth exit.
You can't always avoid parallel parking or having to pull out from it. You might park your car in an empty roadside spot, only to return and find it sandwiched between two vehicles. This situation demands proficiency in parallel parking pull-out skills to navigate out of the line of cars.
Steps on How to Pull Out From Parallel Parking
Let’s start with a video tutorial:
1. Straighten the Wheel
Before moving the car out of parallel parking, ensure that the wheels are straight. Each tire has approximately 1.5 turns to the left and right. Turn the wheel until the tires are aligned straight.
2. Reverse/Back Up
This step depends on the available space between your car and the surrounding vehicles. Focus on the back wheels as you maneuver out of parallel parking. As you move, continue to straighten the steering wheel. Reverse as far as you can without hitting the car behind you. A good indicator is to reverse until you see the tires of the car in front. This gives you enough space to maneuver in front.
If the space is too tight, you may need to move forward and repeat the process before proceeding to the next step.
3. One Full Turn of the Steering Wheel Towards the Traffic
Turn the steering wheel one full turn (or as far as it will go) toward the traffic or the direction you intend to move.
4. Look Around For Hazards
Ensure all potential hazards are clear before you start moving. Check for pedestrians, cyclists, pets, or any other obstructions that could lead to an accident.
5. Signal Your Intention
Signal your intention to move so other road users are aware. This is especially important for alerting traffic behind you. Many learners forget to signal, which can cause them to lose points during a driving test. As a driver, you need to be both a leader and a follower. In this case, you lead the traffic behind you by signaling your intentions.
6. 3-Point Verification
Check your mirrors to ensure there is no oncoming traffic, pedestrians, cyclists, pets, or other obstructions. Also, look over your shoulders to check your blind spot.
7. Join the Traffic
If the coast is clear, cautiously pull forward and merge into the traffic. As you edge forward, ensure you clear the car in front of you.
8. Drive Straight Ahead
Drive straight and continue on your way, adhering to all traffic rules.
Wrap Up
Driving involves more than just steering a vehicle. That's why the best way to learn driving is by attending a driving school. You won't learn all these techniques from a family member who is a good driver. A qualified instructor knows all the aspects of driving and how to teach them step-by-step to a learner.
Drive Rite Academy is the top choice in New York for learning how to drive and preparing for your road test. Even if you are already a good driver, you might feel the need for more lessons on specific skills like pulling out from parallel parking. Our qualified instructors have extensive experience in both driving and teaching. You will learn how to effectively pull out from parallel parking, making the most of the limited parking spaces in New York.
Do you want to master parallel parking and other crucial driving skills to help you pass your road test in NY? Enroll in our 5-hour online class today by booking here or calling one of our associates at 718-928-7048.
