Parallel Parking in Florida

Do you really need to know how to parallel park? Self-parking cars have eliminated this challenging on-the-road activity for many drivers. But you might not be sure if you should still learn how to parallel park anyway. Take a look at what you need to know about parallel parking, self-parking cars, driver's license requirements, and what you do (or don't) need to know.

Parallel parking is a challenging activity that can make new and experienced drivers nervous. Unlike straight-in parking, the parallel version requires you to back into a space, turning just enough to fit in-between two other parked cars. AS you move backwards and turn, you will need to avoid the car in front of you, the curb, anything near the curb (such as street signs), and the car behind you.
You won't need to parallel park in every situation. But you will need this skill to park on most public streets or even in some parking lot spaces. Think of parallel parking as creating one single line of cars, parade-style.

New, inexperienced drivers can easily pull head-in into a driveway or parking lot spot. Unlike this easy option, parallel parking takes significantly more driving skill.

The challenges involved include judging the best angle to back in, knowing how far to pull your car up (to start), pulling your car next to the car in front of you without side-swiping it, straightening the car accurately, and estimating the right amount of distance to put in between your car and the car behind you.

Even though parallel parking presents these challenges, modern cars have made this activity easier for drivers. Not only do self-parking cars eliminate issues that an inexperienced driver may have, but backup cameras have made it easier to park.

Instead of guessing how far your rear bumper is from the curb or the front of the next car, you can use the camera to get a precise idea of the space. This reduces the risk that you will hit a car, the sidewalk, or anything else.