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Parking Cupid > Blog > A Step-by-step Guide To Mastering Parallel Parking (reverse Parking)

A Step-by-step Guide To Mastering Parallel Parking (reverse Parking)

Reversing into a bay parking space is an essential part of learning to drive. The most common way of doing it is from a 90-degree approach, but some drivers prefer the diagonal method. Regardless of which style you use, mastering this skill will ensure that you can park in tight and awkward spaces easily and safely.
Parking your car in a reverse bay is the safest and most practical way to park if you frequently use multi-story or supermarket parking lots. Have you ever seen someone struggle to drive out of a parking space backwards? If so, this guide will teach you how to complete reverse parking correctly.

A Car Between Two Parked Cars Preparing To Parallel Park

1. Go slowly
Safety should always be your top priority! When driving, be sure to keep your speed at a level that is similar to the pace of someone walking.

2. Select a parking location.
When backing into a bay, make sure you have enough space for you to get out of the vehicle. As you approach the area from behind, shift into reverse gear and allow the car to go back two lengths. This will give you enough room to maneuver in order to get safely parked.

3. Insight
Take a moment to look around and assess the situation to make sure it is safe to move. Pay attention to your surroundings just as you did in step one.

4. Position for Turning
Carefully reverse until the top of your back seat is aligned with the first white line of the parking bay you have chosen. Then, look through the passenger door glass to make sure that you are in the correct location.

5. Steer
As you back your car into the space, turn the steering wheel all the way to the left (or right if you are reversing into a spot on the right side). Be sure to reverse slowly and smoothly.

6. Sit up straight.
Adjust your steering to stay in the center of the road as you gradually straighten out the car. Aim for the vehicle to be parallel to the white lane markings.

Parking in Reverse Bays: The Diagonal Approach
You can move on to the diagonal technique once you have mastered the skill of reverse bay parking from a 90-degree angle. This approach may be more beneficial for those who find the basic strategy insufficient. Don't worry if you are unable to get your car into the bay in one try -- it won't cause you to fail your test.
Some new drivers prefer the diagonal approach for parking because it makes their positioning more visible. All they need to do is take a quick glance at the side mirror to make sure they are in the correct spot. This method can save time and reduce confusion, making it an attractive option for inexperienced drivers.

A Driver Looking Back And Reverse Parking Car

Check out these six steps for the diagonal approach of reverse parking:

1. Pick a location.
Choose a parking spot with enough room to easily pull in and back out of. Only attempt to park when it is safe to do so. Ensure you select a bay that meets your needs.

2. Slant the vehicle diagonally
To enter the bay, you need to angle your car's nose forward at 45 degrees and drive it in.

3. Pay attention
Be mindful of your blind spot and scan the area for pedestrians and other vehicles. Keep an eye out for any potential threats when driving.

4. Inverted
When you've checked for other vehicles and made sure there is enough space, begin to reverse your car slowly while keeping an eye on what’s around you. Turn the steering wheel gently as you move backwards. Be mindful of your environment at all times.

5. Position
As you back up into the bay, ensure that you check your side mirrors for directional guidance. The parallel lines on either side of you can be used to help aid in the maneuvering process.

6. Sit up straight
When you arrive at the parking bay, make sure to adjust your steering so that the vehicle takes up an equal amount of space on either side. This will ensure a more comfortable and safe parking experience.

Six easy steps to reverse bay parking done. There are two different approaches to this maneuver, and for better results, here is a list of Dos and Don'ts when reversing into a parking bay.

DO:
• Only park where it is allowed. Make sure you are leaving your car in a legally designated parking area to avoid fines or having your vehicle towed away. This can be done by parking at garages, roadside sections, and parking lots that were provided for this purpose. Doing so will help protect your property from damage, theft and tickets.
• Park your car in a well-lit area close to other vehicles. This will act as a deterrent for people who mean to do harm or damage. You can also use this technique to identify problem areas like bumps and depressions that you may have not noticed otherwise. Having your vehicle close to others provides an added layer of protection.

DON’T:
• When parking, it is best to avoid parking close to larger vehicles such as trucks, buses and other similar forms of transportation. This is due to the risk of accidents and restrictions on movement that these vehicles can cause. For a successful and safe parking experience, make sure you give yourself plenty of room when selecting your spot.
• If you find yourself in a situation where two people are vying for the same parking spot, take a step back and try to come to a mutual agreement. Avoiding conflict can help keep things peaceful and positive. Suggest taking turns or finding an alternate solution that works for both parties.

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