Drivers Exam Parallel Parking
The parallel parking or reverse parking manoeuvre as it’s also known has a reputation for being one of the most difficult test manoeuvres and as a result, fails a great many driving tests. It’s important to use a structured technique and to practice this technique until a level of proficiency is reached so that each and every parallel park is accomplished successfully. When taking the driving skills examination, the following actions will result in an automatic failure: Disobeying a yield, stop, school zone, or no turn on red sign; Disobeying a traffic signal; Backing over curb while parallel parking; Driving into a parked vehicle while parallel parking; Failure to follow instructions; Failure to use. More states drop parallel parking from driver’s exam. In their driver’s manual revised in May, 2015, Maryland still required drivers to be able to perform a “reverse two-point turnabout,” in which they drive past the desired parking space (such as a driveway) and then back into that space. Maryland joined Oregon, California, Wyoming, Colorado.
Drivers Ed Parallel Parking Measurements
Georgia Other
Knowledge Exam
Knowledge exams are given on a walk-in basis at every DDS Customer Service Center statewide. To ensure that an applicant has adequate time to complete the knowledge exam, customers must begin taking the written test at least 30 minutes prior to closing. Please check the hours of operation before you visit on our website at dds.georgia.gov.
We offer special assistance for customers with reading disabilities and hearing impairment. Please visit your local CSC to schedule an appointment for an oral exam or to schedule an interpreter for the hearing impaired.
The road rules tests are available in some non-English languages, but all drivers must show ability to read and understand simple English such as is used in highway traffic and directional signs. Road signs and the actual driving test are conducted in English only.
These basic rules must be followed while a knowledge exam is being given:
- You may not bring pens, pencils, paper, or any other items into the testing area;
- All cell phones, text messaging devices, and other types of wireless devices are prohibited in the testing area;
- You may not speak to anyone during the test other than the examiner administering the test.
Any violation of these rules is considered misconduct. If misconduct occurs during the administration of the knowledge exam, the exam session will be counted as a failure.
The questions on the knowledge exam pertain to topics discussed in this manual and consist of the following components:
Road Signs
A set of questions on the meaning of standard highway signs will be given. This test is given in English only. You will be asked to identify certain signs, signals and markers. You must correctly answer 15 out of 20 questions to pass. You may take a practice test at dds.georgia.gov.
Road Rules
The road rules test consists of a set of questions about driver responsibility, knowledge of laws, and safe driving practices applicable to the class of license for which you are applying. You must correctly answer 15 out of 20 questions to pass. You may take a practice test at dds.georgia.gov.
Road Test
Making Road Test Reservations
The Road Skills Test is administered by appointment only. Appointments allow us to maximize our resources and to serve all of our customers more efficiently. When all testing slots have not been reserved, an appointment may be available for same day service. To make an appointment, please visit DDS Online Services at dds.georgia.gov.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
Drivers may perform the skills test in vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance technology. However, the applicant must demonstrate their ability to operate the vehicle without such technology.
Road Test For Class C or D
- DDS will only administer a Class C or D
road test in a four-wheel vehicle; - You must provide the vehicle for the road test;
- All road test vehicles must have a valid registration/license plate, or if equipped with a temporary dealership tag, the applicant must provide the bill of sale for proof of purchase within the last 30 days (7 days if the vehicle is purchased from a third party);
- All road test vehicles must be covered by liability insurance (you must show a valid insurance card or Motor Vehicle registration card that shows the VIN) and pass a safety inspection;
- If the vehicle is not equipped with illuminated turn signals, you must be able to pass the road test using hand signals;
- You may take the test in a rental vehicle. Please be advised that many rental agreements do not allow vehicle use for driver training or testing. Additionally, you must meet the following conditions:
- You must provide a copy of the rental contract (the contract will be reviewed to determine if testing is allowed);
- You must be listed as a driver on the rental contract;
- You must provide proof of valid insurance for the vehicle.
The driving test will not be conducted if weather conditions or any other conditions are determined to be unsafe for the driver or examiner. DDS will make every effort to ensure that impacted customers are rescheduled as soon as possible.
For the driving test you will be expected to demonstrate your ability to do all of the following:
- Parallel Parking: Park midway between two standards so that your car is not more than 18 inches from the curb. The standard parallel parking dimensions utilized in the driver’s license test are 22 feet in length by 10 feet in depth;
- Straight Line Backing: Back your car for a distance of approximately 50 feet at a slow rate of speed (not more than 10 miles per hour) as straight and as smoothly as possible. You must turn your head and look behind the vehicle while backing. No boundary lines should be encroached;
- Stop for Signs or Traffic Signals: Give the proper hand or brake signal; approach in the proper lane; stop before reaching a pedestrian crosswalk and remain stopped until all pedestrians have cleared the crosswalk on the side of the roadway upon which you are traveling; move through the intersection only when you may do so safely;
- Turn About: Turn your car in a narrow space using a three-point turn;
- Use of Clutch: If your car has a manual transmission, you must shift smoothly and correctly;
- Approaching Intersections and Corners: You must be in the proper lane and look in both directions;
- Yielding Right-of-Way: Always yield right-of-way to pedestrians, vehicle operators, and bicyclists who move into the intersection before you by stopping and remaining stopped until they have cleared the intersection;
- Turning: Move into the proper lane and signal an adequate distance before the turn;
- Passing: Always check in front of and behind your vehicle to make sure you can safely pass without interfering with other traffic;
- Following: Do not follow other cars too closely. Follow at a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you in order to maintain control of the vehicle in case of any emergency situation or abrupt stops or turns;
- Maintaining Good Posture: Keep both hands on the steering wheel. Do not rest your elbow on the window and do not attempt to carry on a conversation with the examiner because he/she will be busy giving instructions and recording your score.
At the end of the Class C/D road test, the license examiner will gladly show you your score sheet and will provide you an opportunity to discuss the results if you wish to do so. You must achieve a minimum score of 75% to pass.
Road Test For Class M
You must furnish a motorcycle for the test and pass a safety inspection of the motorcycle by the license examiner before the driving test is given. All road test vehicles must have a valid registration/license plate or if equipped with a temporary dealership tag, the applicant must provide the bill of sale for proof of purchase within the last 30 days.
Motorcycle operator testing information is covered in the Motorcycle Operators Manual, which is available at all DDS Customer Service Centers and online at dds.georgia.gov. For more information, you may contact the Motorcycle Safety Program at (678) 413-8400 in the metro Atlanta area.
If you hold a motorcycle permit, you may schedule a motorcycle skills test appointment by calling (678) 413-8400.
Motorcycle road tests cannot be conducted when the weather conditions make it unsafe for the driver or examiner, including when it is raining or when the pavement is damp.
Road Test For Class E and F Non-Commercial
There is no driving test for Classes E & F Non-Commercial; however, you must present an Application for Issuance of Non-Commercial E/F License (DS-36), establishing your ability to operate vehicles within the particular class, and pass a knowledge test for that particular class. You must also possess or be eligible to obtain a Class C Driver’s License. Class E & F licenses are available to volunteer firefighters at no charge.
Customers who wish to take the non commercial Class E/F exam should study the Commercial Drivers Manual. The Commercial Drivers Manual can be located online at dds.georgia.gov or customers can obtain a hard copy at any DDS Customer Service Center.
Road Test For Class A, B, and C Commercial
Drivers Test Parallel Parking Distance Mn
Commercial vehicle operator’s testing information is covered in the Georgia Commercial Drivers Manual, which is available at all DDS Customer Service Centers and online at dds.georgia.gov. You may schedule a Commercial skills test appointment by calling (678) 413-8400.
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. §40-5-25 and DDS Rule 1-1-.09(7), the $50.00 Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Road Skills Test fee is now required for each testing attempt.
Results of Pass/Fail
If you pass all the tests, you will be issued a temporary license/permit. Your permanent license/permit will be mailed to you when all other requirements are met. If for any reason you do not receive your driver’s license/permit within 30 days of meeting all requirements, contact DDS at (678) 413-8400 or visit your local DDS Customer Service Center.
If you fail any part of the knowledge or road test, and it is your:
- 1st Failure: You must wait until the next day before retaking the portion you have failed.
- 2nd or Subsequent Failure: You must wait 7 days before retaking the portion you have failed.
Parallel parking can be frightening for any driver. You are oftentimes forced to park in a tight parking spot in-between two cars. Your goal is not to hit any of the vehicles around you while not parking too close to the road, curb or any cars. Also, you may be trying to parallel park in a busy street, which can trigger anxiety.
With all these different factors at play, parking parallel can be difficult. However, there are parallel parking rules and a specific process that will help you understand how to parallel park. Additionally, there are 34 states that have a DMV parallel parking section in thedriving test, so knowing how to parallel park perfectly is crucial. Learn about the process, tips and places where you can and cannot park below.
The Process of Parallel Parking
Trying to learn how to parallel park can be tough. It is something that many drivers are not forced to do on a daily basis. Also, it is a parking method that is difficult to learn because of all the specific steps that must be followed.
If you are preparing to take your driving exam or just want to improve your parking, the parallel parking guide below will help you. If you follow each step, you will learn the easiest way to parallel park.
Find a Parking Spot
Find a parking spot where you can safely park in without damaging your vehicle. The parallel parking measurements are something to consider.
You want to find a space that is approximately nine feet long and 20 feet wide. Also, make sure the location that you find is a legal parking area and not a tow-away zone.
Check Your Mirrors
The second step in the parallel parking instructions is to check your rear-view, left and right side mirrors for traffic as you approach the parking spot.
You want to ensure that there is no vehicle immediately behind you. As you begin to approach the parking space, slowly brake and use your turning signal.
By doing so, you are letting drivers know that you are trying to park. If another vehicle comes up behind you and is not going around you, let them know that you are parking.
Position Your Vehicle
You want to position your car with the vehicle that is parked in front of the spot you want to park in. The best way to parallel park is by aligning your bumper with that adjacent vehicle’s bumper.
Make sure that you do not get too close or far from the automobile. You want to be two feet away from the car. This will allow you to have enough room to back into the parking spot without scraping the other vehicle.
Put Your Car in Reverse
Make sure that there is no traffic, bike or pedestrian behind you before parallel parking. Once you see the road is clear, put your vehicle in reverse.
Look over your shoulder towards the space and slowly begin to reverse into the parallel parking space. Once you see your back seat is aligned with the front car’s bumper, turn your steering wheel quickly towards the parking space.
You want to slowly continue to reverse until your car is at a 45-degree angle entering the spot.
When your tire is near the curb, you must turn your steering wheel back towards the road and slowly move backwards. You want to continue driving in reverse until you are close to the vehicle parked behind you.
Move Forward and Center the Vehicle
Put your car in drive and align yourself in-between both vehicles. Once your vehicle is straight and you are in the parking spot, make sure your parallel parking distance from the curb is no more than one foot.
You do not want to be far from the curb, as that increase the chances of a passing vehicle scraping the side of your car.
How to Exit a Parallel Parking Space
Now that you know the steps to parallel parking, it is just as important to know how to exit the parking space. You cannot just turn and drive out of the parking spot. There is a guide that you must follow to leave as well.
Put Your Car in Reverse
When you are ready leave, it is important to make sure there are no pedestrians behind your vehicle. Once your surroundings are clear, put your car in reverse and get as close to the car behind you as possible without hitting it.
Put Your Car in Drive
You now have to turn your steering wheel all the way to the left. Before driving off, you must put your turning signal on. This will indicate to other drivers that you are leaving the parking spot. Once there is no traffic or pedestrians in the area, make sure you have enough room from the car in front of you and drive out of the parallel parking space.
Where to Practice Parallel Parking
Now that you are familiar with the parallel parking guide, you are probably wondering where to practice parallel parking. If you are looking to practice parking parallel for the first time, you can train on your driveway.
You do not want to practice parking in between two cars right away because of the possibility of an accident. Instead, place two cones 20 feet away from each other and start practicing.
Once you are comfortable enough, you can begin to park in between vehicles. Also, you can train in an empty parking lot or any area that will allow you to place cones. Furthermore, it is important to avoid practicing in a location with heavy traffic.
Where You Cannot Parallel Park
You are not able to parallel park anywhere you would like. Just because you see an open space on the side of the road does not mean you can park there. You cannot park:
- Near a fire hydrant.
- Within 30 feet of a stop sign.
- In a train or bus lane.
- Where curbs are marked red.
- On a crosswalk or bike path.
- On private property
- On another person’s driveway without consent.
If you find a parallel parking spot that is not in any of the locations listed above, you can probably park there. Just make sure to follow this parallel parking guide.