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Old 05-31-2015, 02:23 AM
 
Location: Des Moines Metro
5,103 posts, read 8,541,297 times
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I knew how to parallel park at one time, but I haven't had to do it in years!
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Old 05-31-2015, 02:28 AM
 
Location: SW France
16,544 posts, read 17,306,171 times
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I used to park a Jaguar XJ, with its long overhangs, without parking sensors. These days with parking sensors and maybe cameras it makes it even easier.

I even got shown a self parking car recently- not sure I'd go to the expense of that but it was interesting.

The ability to parallel park here in the UK is generally required more than many parts of the US I think.
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Old 05-31-2015, 06:07 AM
 
114 posts, read 262,452 times
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It's as much about putting several skills together (close-quarters maneuvering, backing, checking for traffic, use of signals, blind spot monitoring, efficiency of maneuvering (does it take 10 backings to get in?), etc.). In many states, particularly more rural ones, it might not be a primary need. But it DOES show that the driver can put skills together, as well as not hit stuff. IMHO, Maryland is making a mistake by dropping it. We don't need to be making driver skills tests too easy.
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Old 05-31-2015, 10:36 AM
 
Location: 1000 miles from nowhere
551 posts, read 578,341 times
Reputation: 983
It's funny...parallel parking was the component of the licensing test I feared most. I struggled with it...I think it may have been the only thing I did right the first test! (Eventually got my license, on the third try.)
Now I take pride in it. I figured out the trick to working the angles just right and can nail it in one shot most every time. Parallel parking is my secret superpower
It should NOT be eliminated from the test. It is an important skill to have.
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Old 05-31-2015, 06:06 PM
 
Location: The Circle City. Sometimes NE of Bagdad.
24,268 posts, read 25,762,958 times
Reputation: 59446
Been licensed and driving for 58 years and have lived in medium to fairly large cities. Never had to pp when I got my license and not even when visiting large cities.
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Old 05-31-2015, 06:21 PM
 
14,078 posts, read 16,521,896 times
Reputation: 17654
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dirt Grinder View Post
Fewer folks are able to parallel park these days, and it isn't required on most driving tests.
Do you think it's important for people to be able to parallel park, or is it just something cool to learn if you have the time?

I don't really care if others can't parallel park - it just means I have a better chance at finding a parking spot.
I did it during my driving test, but haven't done it since. I just don't go anywhere that requires parallel parking.
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Old 06-01-2015, 03:01 PM
 
Location: Ohio
780 posts, read 2,905,538 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dirt Grinder View Post
Fewer folks are able to parallel park these days, and it isn't required on most driving tests.
Do you think it's important for people to be able to parallel park, or is it just something cool to learn if you have the time?

I don't really care if others can't parallel park - it just means I have a better chance at finding a parking spot.
Is it important to have the skills and knowledge to change a flat tire even though your vehicle doesn't have a spare?
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Old 06-03-2015, 09:40 AM
 
1,232 posts, read 1,884,999 times
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I agree that it really tests your ability to maneuver in tight places. This comes into play when backing-up and going around other vehicles in driveways and/or garages.
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Old 06-03-2015, 09:56 AM
 
520 posts, read 528,578 times
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I live out in the west coast and in the suburbs where there are miles of parking lot in front of everything so I just dont parralel park and dont even know if I still remember how to to be honest. I know I had to learn it at least basically for my driving test. You couldnt pass everything else and then just flunk the parallel parking and get enough points, so I had to do it atleast moderately ok. Cant say as how I remember anything though.
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Old 06-08-2015, 05:59 PM
 
Location: Heart of Dixie
12,441 posts, read 14,748,866 times
Reputation: 28430
Okay, here's one I witnessed recently...

The individual managed to parallel-parked their car. However, both right wheels ended-up flush with the curb after the back-and-forth maneuvering. That had to require some serious tire scraping to get out of that spot.

I'm not sure that was a successful effort after-all.
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