Taking my Drivers test on tuesday...a question

You probably should look back and look at all mirrors when parallel parking. And far as everything else about the driving test....if you are not sure whether or not to look which directions/mirrors/etc....just do it and cover all the bases.

 

You can definitely look back, and I would strongly urge you to. There are blinds spots in every car, and just as with lane changing, you definitely want to look behind you (in both directions) when reversing. You'd be surprised what the mirrors can miss.

Good luck on the test.

 

I recall specifically being encouraged by the woman testing me to physically turn myself around in my seat to look behind me when backing in. This was in NY State back in '94, so unless things have changed, you should _definitely_ look behind you.

nlh

 

Of Course. "Don't Look Back" was a song by Boston, not a requirement on a DMV driving test.

 

isn't this the time where you rip-off your rear-view mirror a la "Gumball Rally" & the Ferrari and recite:
"It donna matter whatsa behind you"

Could always take the test in a Countach or Diablo & then claim
1) even though you have a reverse, you never use it
2) The valet parks it
3) Why would anyone parallel park such a fine car?

 

LOL!

 

i would suggest just turning your back just enough so your back is on a parrallel plane to your side windows and turn your head even further so you can see out the back window. No need to turn more than that. But immediately turn back around and keep your eyes on the road.

 

Double LOL!

 

1: You should be able to do it with 3 moves:
a) pulling forward parallel to the car in front of the space
b) Backing into the space
c) pulling forward to parallel the curb

2: You need to be 6" or less from the curb (it's in the manual)

3: Yes you need to signal your intentions on entering or leaving: Otherwise, how else would someone behind you know what you are going to do?

 

doesnt matter... because u should learn how to parallel park anyways esp. if you come to NYC

 

Very true. The alternative, of course, being having your mirror sheared off by a delivery truck or taxi.

 

How strict they are depends on where you are.

My driving test in New Jersey (5 years or so ago) was a joke. It was in a parking lot, which I drove around for about 2 minutes and that was it.

Don't be nervous. If you go out on the street, fine. If you are a little further away from the curb, fine. I'm sure you are better prepared than about 99% of the people who come out and try to drive. Oh, and I wouldn't be afraid to right yourself if you don't think you are close enough to the curb.

 

Dude, don't sweat it.

I remember the night before my driving test... I practiced and practiced and couldn't get close to the curb at all. I think I was just psyching myself out because come test time, I was right next to the curb.

My fiancee is a driving instructor in NJ... there are definitely quirks among all of the people at the DMV giving the test. Are you having a driving school take you for the test or are you going on your own? If you're going on your own, try and find out about the people who give the test from your friends' experiences. If you're going with a driving school, ask the instructor for the low down on the DMV people.

Just relax, drive normally and make sure you follow all instructions and signs. Good luck!

 

And of course, let us know how it goes.

Best of luck!

 

Good luck. Let us know the result.