Don't use the words "parallel park." Think of it as "backing into a parking place." Sounds easier that way.

I do it frequently. I drive a Rendezvous and have no problem with parallel parking. And I get to snag the first available spot instead of driving around looking for one to drive into.

I did today! This particular restaurant that I frequent only has spaces in front, and you have to parallel park.

I do it several times a week, in a minivan! I used to hate parallel parking years ago but I've been driving a minivan for 9 years now. It was either get used to parallel parking or stop going to certain places (like downtown). I can practically do it with my eyes closed now (not that I recommend that, LOL).

I love to parallel park. I grew up in the city and learned to do it with BIG Cadillacs back in the day, so with today's cars it's a cinch. I used to make a game out of trying to do it in one smooth shot.

Rarely but I can still do it in my GMC Sierra when necessary. I'm a pretty skilled driver. I actually preferr backing into regular spaces also. Much easier with a truck.

On the rare occasions I have to go "downtown," that's the only option..assuming you can find a space! I can still do it, but it sometimes takes two tries. I did it on the first try when I was 17..a VERY long time ago!

I rarely have to do it. Our downtown has diagonal parking. I don't mind parallel parking now that most all cars have power steering. I do find it awkward to parallel park on the left hand side of a one-way street.

We do not have a driveway so have to park on the street. my neighbors literally stop what they are doing to watch me try to parallel park! LOL I try VERY hard not to and when possible pull into a 2 car section. luckily, both neighbors have driveways so I can use their parts of the street to navigate if necessary.

I can parallel park, but avoid it like the plague with the car I now have. Its Dodge Stratus, 4dr, and the rear visibility is BAD. The nearest ground that comes into view is 1/2 block away, and I am average height for a guy. It is very hard to judge just where is that vehicle behind you. I have to resort to the rear view mirrors, but I know that driver examiners frown upon this. They want to see you twist around to see behind you and that does no good in this car. Due to the rounded front sides, it is hard to judge how close you are to the curb, however, a sneak peek in the right side mirror will tell.

The other factor is the turning radius. It isn't bad, but should be better for a car of this size.

Last year, when I had to take a driving test in order to retain my driving licence, if I hadn't been able to do it in a reasonably acceptable fashion, I'd have lost my licence.

ole joyful

I don't mind parallel parking, but I'm not too great at parallel parking on the left side of the street.

No, I don't have to parallel park, but I don't have a problem with it. I have several friends that don't like to, to can't do it.

I guess, getting my little car (mini cooper) just made it even easier for me. :)

Moni

I do not parallel park. I don't even remember doing it for my license exam but if I did, that's the last time I did it.

Jemdandy mentioned turning radius . . . that's one of the many things I love about my "cop car" ('92 Chevy Caprice). It has an amazing turning radius. I'm not all that aware of it while parking, but it's nice to know I can do a U-turn just about anywhere.

(Oh . . . did you say U-turns are illegal? I didn't say I actually do them. It's just nice to know I can.) :-)

I don't have to do it where I live. When I go into NYC, I always take the train.

I basically parallel park on the LEFT everytime I pull into my spot in our driveway--which is several times a day, most days. The way the driveway and fence are configured, it's exactly like parallel parking on the left. I pull right into my spot, first time, everytime--no need to 'wiggle' back and forth to get properly situated.

I'm surprised that so many are so fearful of parallel parking. It's a very, very simple procedure, if you follow the forumula taught by your driving instructor. Didn't most of your instructors teach it? (mine did over 40 years ago) It's almost impossible to do it wrong, if you've been properly taught how to P. park.

It's not so much I'm afraid to, there just isn't anyplace that has it anymore where we live/shop. Even when we lived in a tiny town the cars mainly parked diagonally downtown. I'm surprised so many places still have parallel parking--maybe it's a Florida thing???

The last time I parallel parked was when I took my driving test in 1963. I avoid it like the plague.
Azzalea, my driving instructors were other women in the neighborhood. I was the only one with a second car so they convinced me to get a driving permit, and when ever any of them had to go somewhere, they came over and off we went for another "diving lesson". Often with my three kids and theirs in the back seat. When I think of all the safety precautions used today, we must have been a menace on the roads. LOL

I'm with Paula! The last time I parallel parked was on my driver's test many years ago.

Haven't parallel parked in years ... around here, there are very few places that require it.

I do occationally. Our downtown has all parallel parking spaces. I do pretty good.

Yes,its very common to parallel park where I live.

This is one of my (few) skills! I'm an excellent parallel parker. You pull up parallel to the car in front of your space and about two feet away from it. Reverse. Start turning your wheels immediately as you back into the space. Once within the space, start straightening your wheels and go back as far as you can without hitting the or rear vehicle. Pull forward, leaving room for the car ahead to back to your bumper when he exits. (Have to adjust somewhat for longer vehicles on the first step.)

Did I ever till you I have naturally fabulous cholesterol levels, too?! LOL