Instructions for quickly and safely reversing into a parallel parking space.
For new drivers, reversing into a parking space is not easy because visibility is limited, and turning the steering wheel in the opposite direction can be confusing.
Before reversing into a parking space, the driver must turn on the hazard lights and observe the rear and surroundings for any people or vehicles nearby. Only reverse when it is safe to do so.
Instructions on how to reverse into a parallel parking space:
Step 1:
To reverse into a parallel parking space, the driver slowly approaches the parking space. The car should be parallel to the edge of the parking space, about 20 cm from the edge. Stop when the driver's shoulder is level with the edge of the parking space.
Step 2:
Turn the steering wheel all the way to the right. Observe the left rearview mirror until the center point in the mirror aligns with the center point of the parking space. Then, straighten the steering wheel and gently apply the brakes to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. If this step is done correctly, the car body will form an angle of approximately 45-60 degrees with the edge of the road, and the left rear of the car will be 1.5-2 meters from the edge of the road.
Step 3:
To begin reversing, shift into reverse gear and turn the steering wheel to the left about 1.5 turns, slowly backing the car into the parking space. Continuously observe the left rearview mirror. When you see the rear of the car pass the parking space by about 30 cm, look in the right rearview mirror; you should also see the rear of the car passing the parking space. At this point, slowly straighten the steering wheel. The speed at which you straighten the steering wheel while reversing will depend on how well you observe both mirrors to see if the car is reversing straight.
