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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.
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.
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.
Location: The Circle City. Sometimes NE of Bagdad.
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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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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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