Do I need to know how to parallel park for the Hastings road test? (moving, suburbs)

[OhSugarify]

A lot of people who haven't taken it there say I do, but the one person I know who did, says I don't parallel park.

[laxster]

Parallel parking is only worth a few points on ANY Minnesota road test. You could completely fail at parallel parking and pass the rest of the driver's test with flying colors.

[audadvnc]

Yes. Parallel parking is part of the Minnesota drivers test (or at least it was not too long ago). I'd recommend you learn how to do it. It's a useful life skill, like learning how to use a spoon or open a jar.

I taught my (50 year old) partner how to parallel park a couple years ago; she was from the suburbs and dreadfully afraid of parallel parking, but now she does it in town without even thinking about it.

Here's an easy way to parallel park:
- drive alongside the car in front of the space you wish to park in, until you are right across from the parked vehicle's drivers seat,
- Put your car into reverse, slowly back up straight until your rear wheel is across from the next car's back bumper,
- turn hard with your steering wheel (swinging the front wheels out into traffic) while looking into your rear view mirror at the the vehicle behind your parking spot,
- When you see the curb side headlight of that vehicle in your (inside rear view) mirror, straighten your steering wheel, continuing to back up,
- when your front fender passes by the bumper of the car in front of you, turn your wheel hard to swing the front of your car into the parking spot.

You'll want to practice this move a few times on a low traffic street so as not to get distracted by other moving cars. After a few times over, making adjustments for your car and driving style, you'll have it down. Problem solved!

[emcee squared]

Parallel parking IS on the test and they will judge you more strictly if you do poorly at it.

Also, there are a handful of one-way streets/no-entrances to confuse you (at least when I took it).

Do: Complete stops, proper hand-over-hand turning, use mirrors, ect.

Honestly, a lot of the stuff the teach you how to do isn't really practical in real life...

[OhSugarify]

I take it this thursday.

[OhSugarify]

@emcee squared hand-over-hand is frowned upon now, i have to shuffle steer.

[emcee squared]

Originally Posted by OhSugarify

@emcee squared hand-over-hand is frowned upon now, i have to shuffle steer.

Wow. Times changed, thankfully.

Think I took the test in '06 or so.

[Ghengis]

Originally Posted by audadvnc

Yes. Parallel parking is part of the Minnesota drivers test (or at least it was not too long ago). I'd recommend you learn how to do it. It's a useful life skill, like learning how to use a spoon or open a jar.

I taught my (50 year old) partner how to parallel park a couple years ago; she was from the suburbs and dreadfully afraid of parallel parking, but now she does it in town without even thinking about it.

Here's an easy way to parallel park:
- drive alongside the car in front of the space you wish to park in, until you are right across from the parked vehicle's drivers seat,
- Put your car into reverse, slowly back up straight until your rear wheel is across from the next car's back bumper,
- turn hard with your steering wheel (swinging the front wheels out into traffic) while looking into your rear view mirror at the the vehicle behind your parking spot,
- When you see the curb side headlight of that vehicle in your (inside rear view) mirror, straighten your steering wheel, continuing to back up,
- when your front fender passes by the bumper of the car in front of you, turn your wheel hard to swing the front of your car into the parking spot.

You'll want to practice this move a few times on a low traffic street so as not to get distracted by other moving cars. After a few times over, making adjustments for your car and driving style, you'll have it down. Problem solved!

spot on, works first time, every time.

or, do the opposite of this...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-bItJf7yUE

Remember if during your test you get in a bind, turn on your wipers on high speed and crank your radio up LOUD! If you fail the test accuse the instructor of doing that when you weren't looking.

[Laggard]

It's something you should know how to do anyway. Can't imagine not knowing.

[audadvnc]

Originally Posted by Ghengis

do the opposite of this...

Hahaha Ghengis FTW!