Parallel Parking
Before beginning a parallel parking maneuver, what should you do first?
Check your mirrors and blind spots and signal your intention.
Before backing up, what should you check?
Your mirrors, blind spots, and the area behind the vehicle.
What should you do when you need to stop your vehicle?
Apply the brakes smoothly and firmly as needed.
What does a turn signal tell other drivers?
It communicates that you intend to turn or change direction/lane.
What is the purpose of an acceleration lane?
It allows you to increase speed and prepare to merge with freeway traffic.
When parallel parking, your vehicle should generally end up how far from the curb?
Close to and reasonably parallel with the curb.
When backing in a straight line, where should you primarily look?
Look through the rear window and check mirrors and surroundings as needed
Why should you avoid waiting until the last second to brake?
It reduces your stopping distance and gives you more control.
Before changing lanes, what three things should you check?
Mirrors, signal, and blind spot.
When entering a freeway, what should you check before merging?
Traffic around you, mirrors, and your blind spot.
You begin backing into a parking space and notice you are getting too close to the vehicle behind you. What should you do?
Stop, reassess your position, and adjust safely.
Your vehicle begins drifting toward the right while backing. What should you do?
Stop if necessary, correct the steering gently, and continue only when you can maintain control.
You are approaching a red light. When should you begin slowing down?
Early enough to make a smooth, controlled stop.
You signal to change lanes, but there is a vehicle in your blind spot. What should you do?
Stay in your lane and wait until it is safe to change.
You are entering the freeway and traffic is moving faster than you are. What should you generally do?
Use the acceleration lane to build speed safely and merge when there is an adequate opening.
Why is it important to check your surroundings repeatedly while parallel parking instead of looking only in one direction?
Because pedestrians, vehicles, bicycles, and other hazards can enter your path while you maneuver.
Why should you back up slowly?
It gives you more time to see hazards and stop if something enters your path.
The road is wet and slippery. How should your braking change?
Slow down and allow more stopping distance because traction may be reduced.
Why isn't using your turn signal alone enough to make a lane change safe?
A signal communicates your intention but does not give you the right to move into an occupied or unsafe space.
You reach the end of the acceleration lane but there is no safe opening. What should you do?
Do not force your way into traffic. Adjust your speed and merge only when it is safe and legal.
You are parallel parking on a busy street. You have signaled, but a vehicle approaches from behind and is waiting for you. What is the safest choice?
Continue only if you can complete the maneuver safely; do not rush because another driver is waiting.
While backing straight, you notice a person walking behind your vehicle. What should you do?
Stop immediately and wait until the area is completely clear.
A car suddenly stops in front of you. What is the safest response?
Brake promptly while maintaining control, keep your eyes up, and be prepared to stop without losing control of the vehicle.
You signal and check your mirrors, but traffic suddenly fills the lane you wanted to enter. What should you do?
Cancel or maintain the signal as appropriate, stay in your lane, and wait for a safe opening.
You are merging onto a busy freeway. A vehicle is approaching quickly from behind in the lane you want to enter. What should you do?
Do not merge in front of the vehicle if there is insufficient space. Adjust your speed or wait for a safer opening.