Nearly ready for my driving test - but have a problem!

[puddinggal]

I feel confident driving and I am nearly at the stage where I will apply for my test (I have passed my theory)
Only problem is - I find parking really difficult. If I can just get over this I will be happy. My instructor thinks that my parking is ok - but that is when she is in the car telling me what to do!!

Has anybody got any tips on parallel parking or bay parking?
Thanks

Just practice, practice and practice some more.

not very exciting but that the only way.

did I mention practicing

Actually women are better at parrallel parking than men. It's to do with how we perceive space.

tips are know your car's dimensions, I measure mine out in footsteps and take your time. Even on test you can hace many attempts as long as you are safe and in control

hth

aim your headlights at the headlights behind you iykwim, and yes
practise
practise
practise (I lived near a football ground and could never get a big space so got used to parking a lot when I was learning. passed first time he he)

I just passed my test 2 months ago. I still find parking quite nerve-wracking and find the biggest space I can. I totally agree with what the others have said - practice as much as you can. Good luck with your test.

Sorry, that should read practise - bad grammar!!

oh I thought it was practiCe.........silly me!

Emmatmg, I used to always mix them up. Easy way to remember - ICE is a noun, so is practICE; IS is a verb, so is practISe. But, I don't suppose it really matters that much when you're stressed out trying to park!

Look here

HTH!

message withdrawn

Puddinggal,
I passed my test nearly 3 years ago (on the fifth attempt:0) and I had the same worries as you, (I also got into a state over the reversing round a corner thing). By the time my fifth test came I was so much past caring that I relaxed a bit and managed to parrallel park withput taking out any wing mirrors! The key things are to practice, and TRY to relax, its not the end of the world if its not perfect.

Why did my smiley face go wrong?!

parallel parking

reverse until back of car level with the other car, one turn left until 45 degree angle then one turn right until the back wheel is nearly on the kurb then full right. Then when the car is straight, straighten up the wheel.

It seemed easier in my head

Good luck!! It took me 4 gos on my driving test 2 years ago

I would suggest the following exercise: Pull up to park, reverse halfway into space, get out of car and go right around it to see how much space you actually have versus how much you thought you had. Reverse a little more and turn wheel the other way. Get out of car and circle around it again to see how much space you have. If you continue this all the way through parking the car and do the whole thing over again a few times, I think you will end up finding parking much less traumatic. You usually have more space than you think you have.

Thanks so much for all of these responses. I have been out every day this week practicing and actually managed a bay park without running commentary from my dh!
I think you are all right about the practice. I think also it is state of mind. Since I started thinking "right I WILL do this and I dont care how long it takes" I have actually improved!!
Thanks for all your tips and the website is great hulababy. Will use it loads. Will let you all know when I pass