Parallel and Vertical Parking

Repost this from my previous blog. Not sure if I should still share about my driving instructor as I've passed my driving test in year 2011. Not sure if the instructor is still teaching now. 


Fyi, I took my driving test under my private driving instructor at SSDC. Please don't ask me which driving school is easier to pass or such as I really have no idea although according to statistics, it should be BBDC. A little about my driving history: Much as I would like to say that I have passed my driving test on my first attempt but actually many years ago (4-5 years probably), I have taken my TP once under BBDC school programme. So the accurate thing would be that I have actually passed my TP on the second attempt. Many people said that it is easier to pass with school but I seriously don't agree with it. Unless maybe you pay more to get the same instructor all the time. That time, I learnt under different instructors and I got very confused as they don't teach the same thing.

I would also encourage people that if you fail, just keep retaking. I am sure that you will pass it eventually. Kinda regretted that I have waited so long to get my license. My confidence level that time was really bad =(

I shall write down the steps to do vertical and parallel parking since most people have difficulties in these 2. Maybe can share more if there is more demand. One tip by my PDI: Adjust the side mirror so that you can see part of the rear tyres in the side mirror when you enter the circuit.


Parallel Parking  

1. Position the car slightly ahead of the parking lot, approx 0.8m away from the left kerb.

2. Check the left side mirror, right blind spot and look through the rear view mirror. After that signal left and engage the reverse gear.

3. When you see your sighting point, turn the steering wheel fully to the left. (For me, my sighting point is bottom 2/3 of the left side mirror.)

4. Reverse in slowly until you see the yellow part of the block disappear (for SSDC. I don't know if other schools got the block or not.) in the right side mirror. Then straighten the wheel.

5. Reverse in until the wheel just touches the line. Full turn to the left again. Ensure that the wheel doesn't hit the kerb behind and return the steering wheel straight.

To come out..

6. Change to reverse gear, check rear view mirror and full turn left and quickly return straight before the back wheel hit the block at the back.

7. Change to forward gear, signal right, check right side mirror and blind spot before turning the steering wheel full turn to the right.

8. When you see the left side kerb appear at the left hand corner of the windscreen, u can return the steering wheel and drive out.


Vertical Parking

1. Position the car near the centre line.

2. Engage reverse gear. Check your left side mirror and right blind spot.

3. When you see your sighting point, turn the steering wheel full turn to the left and reverse in slowly. (For me, my sighting point is top 1/3 of the rear view mirror.) Make sure you turn your head to the back to check.

4. Continue to reverse in. If the car is too close to the left, return steering wheel to the right before the rear left wheel hit the left kerb. If the car is too close to the right, stop the car before the rear right wheel hit the right kerb. Change to forward gear and turn the steering wheel to adjust. Make sure the car is straight. Then change to reverse gear and reverse into the lot. Make sure you turn your head to the back to check before reversing in.

To come out..

5. Make sure that the kerb reaches your shoulder then come out. (Turn steering wheel to the left or right depends on where you want to drive to.) Make sure you check the respective blind spots and signal where you want to turn to.