Learning to park can be one of the most challenging aspects of driving for new drivers. Whether it's parallel parking on a busy street or finding the right spot in a crowded car park, these tips will help you become more confident behind the wheel.
General Parking Tips
1. Take Your Time
There's no rush when parking. It's better to take an extra minute to park properly than to rush and cause damage to your car or someone else's. Other drivers will wait – it's expected.
2. Use Your Mirrors
Your mirrors are your best friends when parking. Before any manoeuvre, check all three mirrors to understand your surroundings. Many new drivers forget to use their mirrors effectively, leading to unnecessary stress.
3. Look Over Your Shoulder
While mirrors are helpful, they don't show everything. Always look over your shoulder to check blind spots, especially when reversing.
Parallel Parking Tips
- Find a space that's at least 1.5 times the length of your car
- Pull up alongside the car in front, about an arm's length away
- Turn your wheel fully towards the kerb as you begin reversing
- Straighten up when your car reaches a 45-degree angle
- Turn the wheel away from the kerb to swing the front in
- Centre yourself in the space
Bay Parking Tips
- Approach slowly and signal your intentions
- Use the lines as guides – they're there to help you
- Reversing into a bay is often easier than driving in forwards
- Use reference points on your car to help align yourself
- If you're not straight, don't be afraid to adjust
Car Park Navigation
Finding a Space
Don't circle endlessly looking for the "perfect" spot near the entrance. Often, spaces further away are easier to access and you'll save time walking rather than driving around.
Watch for Pedestrians
Car parks are busy with people loading shopping and walking between cars. Always drive slowly and be prepared to stop.
Note Your Location
Take a mental note or photo of your parking location. Large car parks can be confusing, and there's nothing worse than forgetting where you parked!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Rushing: Take your time – there's no prize for fastest parking
- Ignoring mirrors: Check them constantly during manoeuvres
- Over-steering: Small adjustments are usually all that's needed
- Forgetting the handbrake: Always apply it when parked
- Parking too close: Leave enough room to open doors
Practice Makes Perfect
The only way to become confident at parking is through practice. Find a quiet car park on a Sunday morning or use cones in an empty space to practice different manoeuvres. The more you practice, the more natural it will become.
Conclusion
Parking can seem daunting at first, but with practice and patience, it becomes second nature. Remember: every experienced driver was once a nervous beginner. Take your time, use your mirrors, and don't be too hard on yourself if it takes a few attempts to get it right.