Mastering Parallel Parking and Three-Point Turns
It’s time for your final Road Skills Evaluation and our Driving Academy in East Valley AZ., will be testing your road skills. The evaluation includes parallel parking, the three-point turn, and a state-approved driving route.
Tips on parallel parking and three point turns
Many new drivers are terrified of parallel parking and the three-point turn but don’t fret. Our licensed and knowledgeable trainers are ready to guide you through. Parallel parking is a way to park your car between two cars in the same line. It’s a little confusing but let’s see if we can clear things up with the following scenario.
Parallel Parking Can Be Difficult
You’ve just passed your final Road Skills Evaluation with our team at Legacy Driving Academy. However, your first big test of practicing what you’ve learned happens when driving in the city. There is a prime parking spot right in front of the place you need to go, but you need to parallel park. It’s your big chance to prove that you can actually parallel park.
It’s a good thing you’re driving your mom’s compact car because you know that you’ll fit in between the two vehicles. Remembering what you learned, you give it a try. Parallel parking can be between two cars or in front of or behind one other vehicle. There are specific steps you can follow to make parallel parking simple.
Understand The Steps For Parallel Parking
- Find the parking space that fits – Generally, the best space for parallel parking is a space that is one-in-a-half times larger than your car.
- Proper positioning – Position your car alongside the car you will be parking behind. About two to three feet away will be perfect. Then, position your back bumper to align with the other car’s back bumper. The alignment should be your passenger-side mirror to their driver’s side mirror using a similar size car.
- Put your car in reverse and begin to back up – Slowly back up your car while turning the wheel to your right. Your vehicle should be moving close to the curb.
- Straighten the wheels – While your car is backing up into the space, start straightening out your wheels. Be sure to check your mirrors and the car in front to ensure you’re at a safe distance. Your car should be straight and close to the curb.
- How close are you? – Check to determine if your car is close to the front and back cars. When there is enough room for either car to leave their space, place your car in park.
It is just that simple. Another part of the Phoenix AZ’s Legacy Driving Academy final Road Skills Evaluation is the Three-Point-Turn or K-turn. A three-point turn is necessary when the road you’re driving on is not wide enough to perform a U-turn. The Three-Point Turn is easy once you understand the mechanics behind it. There are specific steps to take while performing your turn.
The steps for a Three-Point Turn include:
- Create some room – Move your car towards the outmost part of the street, giving you more space to manage the turn.
- Be sure to check for cars – Checking for cars in the rearview mirror will alert you to any vehicles located in the front or behind you. Avoid obstructing the road from other drivers.
- Point #1 – Steer your car so that it approaches the edge and stop when you actually reach the edge.
- Point #2 – Shifting your car into reverse, turn the wheel to the right, pointing your car in the opposite direction you were driving.
- Point #3 – Shift your car back into drive and start driving in the opposite direction from where you came.
- Constantly check for other cars at every step. Also, keep in mind that the Three-Point Turn should only be used only as a last option.
Practice makes perfect, and our driving academy in Phoenix AZ will always drive this home. By practicing the three-point-turn and parallel parking, you’ll gain the confidence to do it right every time. Empty parking lots are an ideal place to practice. The state of Arizona’s road test includes a 3-point parking test where you’ll need to begin in a starting position and pull into the first space. Then you’ll need to reverse into a second space and finally drive forward into a third space. Once securely in the third space, the instructor will tell you what to do next. It is very similar to a three-point turn.
Practice Parallel Parking and Three Point Turn with Legacy Driving Academy In East Valley AZ
Our knowledgeable trainers are here to prepare you to pass your driver’s test. They will help you navigate the Three-Point turn and teach you how to parallel park. They always act professionally and courteously and are licensed and approved by the Arizona Department of Transportation.
We look forward to teaching your teens safe and responsible driving. Contact us today to learn more about starting up with lessons.
