A Beginner’s Guide to the Most Common Parking Types

Learning how to park correctly is a big challenge when learning to drive. While there are many kinds of parking, two of the most common are parallel and perpendicular. Both types of parking have their challenges and techniques, but with practice, you will master both. The following are parallel and perpendicular parking, with simple tips to help you park with confidence, easily.

Parallel Parking

Parallel parking is where you bring your car into a space lined up with the cure between two other vehicles facing the street in a row along the sidewalk. Parallel parking on the street may be tricky, but it is okay once you understand the steps.

Simple steps to follow in parallel parking:

• Step 1: Find an area that would be sufficient space for the car.
• Step 2: Pull alongside the vehicle in front of the space, leaving about two feet between them.
• Step 3: It is time to back up your truck by slowly turning the wheel to your right and backing into the parking space.
• Step 4: Once clearing your vehicle partway into the space, straighten the wheel and turn left to finish backing in.
• Step 5: Back up immediately and pull forward to center your car in that space.

This is very useful during parallel parking in tight spots on busy streets, even though it requires reasonable altitude control and awareness of the space surrounding the car.

Perpendicular Parking

The most common form of parking in a parking lot is perpendicular, where the parking spots are lined up one after another, and cars park at an angle perpendicular to the curb. Perpendicular parking is generally easier than parallel parking, as the spaces are more extensive and no vehicles are parked in front of or behind one.

Directions for perpendicular parking:

• Step 1: Find an open space to pull into and use your turn signal to indicate a lane change into that space.
• Step 2: A couple of steps to undertake include the following: Step 2 is to align your car sufficiently to turn into space without hitting the cars next to it.
• Step 3: Conduct a turn by turning the steering wheel and entering the space at a plodding speed.
• Step 4: Straighten your wheel and center your car in the space, leaving a comfortable amount to either side.

Perpendicular parking is easier, but you should check your mirrors to ensure the car is evenly parked.

When to Use Each Type of Parking

Parallel parking is used mainly on city streets when there is limited parking and cars must park along the curb. This parking is standard in downtown areas or other neighborhood areas where parking on the street is the only option.

In contrast, perpendicular parking is usually done in lots, shopping centers, or driveways where the spaces are aligned straight. Most drivers will use perpendicular parking since most areas that people enter, such as grocery stores, schools, and businesses, have this type of parking setup.

Conclusion: Attend Northwest Driving School today!

Whether you want to learn how to do parallel parking or you want to know how to do perpendicular parking, Northwest Driving School is here to show you all that you need to know. With practical training from our expert instructors, you will feel confident at the wheel, whether on a busy street or in a crowded lot.

Call today to enroll in Northwest Driving School and start driving lessons, which include everything you need to become a safe and successful driver!