Learning how to park.

LorelaiG

How do you all pluck up the courage to park in busy car parks ? I'm terrified to park between two cars because I'm afraid I'll ding them.

I'm a reasonably confident learner at this stage and have my test coming up.

(My sponsor is no good to me here because while he will accompany me driving he's more of the get it over with school of hard knocks... My instructor has given me tips but I still haven't had the chance to try it with her)

sKeith

Drive around until you find two cars parked sufficiently far apart that you feel confident in your ability to park between them without dinging them. Don't even try to squeeze into a space that you don't feel confident about being able to park in, just move on and look for easier space.

spurious

The further you go from the shop/entrance/lifts/whatever it is the car park is for, the less cars there will be.

LorelaiG

spurious wrote: »

The further you go from the shop/entrance/lifts/whatever it is the car park is for, the less cars there will be.

That's what I have been doing and in fairness can park it quite well and straight when there's no one around me but I'm just so nervous with other cars around

dsmythy

LorelaiG wrote: »

That's what I have been doing and in fairness can park it quite well and straight when there's no one around me but I'm just so nervous with other cars around

More the human side than the driving side. You kind of just have to do it. It's the only way to be comfortable.

You're parking your car and making sure you don't damage cars while doing it. You can take your time if need be. You're not going to wallop someone's car because someone behind you wants you out of their way. You're parking safely here. Even with that most people are happy to wait. Many might have had or still have issues parking themselves. Maybe that's why they are waiting and not parking in that other spot nearby.

That's the mentality you're trying to build up here so you can practice at busy times. Hope I'm of some help

MascotDec85

Next lesson, at the start, ask your instructor if you can work on parking

biko

Reverse in, it's easier and safer for when you leave.

Park in 20 different spots at a large car park.

Stark

Find someone to stand outside the car and help you by shouting stop if you're about to hit another car?

biko

What will happen at the test:

Parking
Coming towards the end of the test say to the applicant – “We’re now coming towards the end of your test, please find a suitable place and park.”
Do not request a reverse parking manoeuvre, but if the applicant attempts one he/she should not be stopped.
The tester must remain in the vehicle until it has been parked except as may apply to larger vehicles. If necessary, the applicant should be directed to a parking space.


My advice - when you get to the test centre - reverse in so you can drive out with the tester in the car.
When you return, just drive into any spot.
Don't reverse this time, you'll be too nervous.

MissShihTzu

biko wrote: »

Reverse in, it's easier and safer for when you leave.

Park in 20 different spots at a large car park.

I agree totally with this. I always reverse into a space. When I first learnt to drive, my Dad told me that. At least you can get out far easier.

I also reverse park on the street. I come from London and learnt there. You learn to park pretty darn quick there, otherwise you'll have a problem! :pac:

Go to the back of the supermarket car park. As pointed out before far less cars there. Find a nice big space, and practice reverse parking there.

Faustino

I’ve found reversing into parking spaces to be easier. The thing about looking at the front is that it’s a guess where your bumper is which you’ll have a pretty good guess at after a while but for the new learner that instinct isn’t quite there yet.

To be precise I find using the mirrors to guide me backwards into a space to be a little easier. You can see the lines etc..

Stark

Turning circle is tighter when you're reversing as well so you don't need as much space.

GrumpyMe

And learn to use your mirrors, rear view, and both wing/door mirrors while reversing in!