Parallel parking. Probably since the advent of the driving test, just the term itself has been striking fear in the hearts of applicants nation wide. Yet, mastering the art of parking parallel – and demonstrating that mastery – is a requirement to pass your driving test and obtain your license.

Therefore, it’s pretty important to practice.
 
Teen Drivers

If you’re a teen driver, chances are your state requires you to complete an approved driver education course  – whether through your high school or an approved third-party program – and these courses are designed to provide a certain number of classroom, on-road, and behind-the-wheel instruction. During that time, your instructor will work with you on parallel parking.

Even if your state doesn’t require any kind of formal driver education, it’s a good idea to enroll in a driver training course. A course like this will help you develop safe driving practices as well as master the skills required to earn your driver’s license – including parallel parking.

Also keep in mind that, even if your state already requires you to complete a driver education course, it may also require you to complete an additional number of behind-the-wheel practice hours with a licensed parent, guardian, or other adult before you can move on to the next license phase. This is a great time to get additional tips and instruction on parking parallel.

Adult Drivers

Drivers older than 18 usually don’t have to complete a driver education course to obtain their licenses; however, most folks have plenty of third-party driver training courses to choose from that will help them learn road skills and vehicle maneuvers such as parking parallel.

If you’re older than 18 but not interested in enrolling in a driver training course, it’s time to grab your parent, spouse, sibling, or best friend (as long as whomever you choose meets your state’s licensed driver age requirement and is comfortable with parallel parking) and hit the road for some practice.

Tips to Remember

• Choose someone who is skilled at parallel parking. Many people hate parallel parking, and lots of them will completely avoid it once they’ve earned their own licenses. Make sure you choose someone who can and regularly does parallel park.
• Practice parking parallel in a calm, low-traffic area first. It’s safer for all parties involved if you save practicing on the side of busy street for after you’ve practiced in an empty parking lot. If you can’t find a suitable low-traffic area, check with your local DMV office. Most have areas set aside for some of the trickier maneuvers and some allow practicing drivers to use these areas when they’re free.
• Pay no attention to the person in the passenger’s seat. If you’re nervous, try forgetting there’s someone there watching you. Unless, of course, he’s giving instructions or screaming “Stop! STOP!”