Lesson 8 · Parking
How do you pull out of a parallel parking space?
Short answer
Signal, check your mirrors and look over your shoulder, and wait for a gap. Traffic in the lane has the right of way.
Watch it play out
How to do it
- Signal toward the lane you are entering.
- Check your mirror and look over your shoulder for cars and cyclists.
- Wait for a safe gap.
- Pull out smoothly and speed up to traffic speed.
Why the rule works this way
Your car is partly hidden by other parked cars, and drivers in the lane do not expect you to pull out.
Common mistakes
- Relying on the mirror alone and missing a cyclist.
- Pulling out slowly in front of fast traffic.
Questions people ask
What about opening my door?
Look before you open a door on the street side. Cyclists can be right beside you.