This is not the DMV help center but I think the answer you are looking for is that you need to practice and do whichever method works best for you. So that you park well and can execute the maneuver with confidence. Not a lot of in and out trying to get it right. I think that is what the instructor will be looking for.

The reason why I am asking is this. When I was a kid in school, I think many if not most people have experienced this, I would have these math tests and, despite getting the correct answer, the teacher would dock me points for not using the method she wanted me to.

I was wondering if the people who administer driving tests expect you to use a particular method in the same way that elementary school math teachers do.

The second method is definitely the easiest and the one I always use as I always back into a parking space. I never pull forward into a parking space because I'd rather leave the parking space going forward. The 3 point one is much more difficult and I've honestly never seen any actual driver who's parked that way. I've only ever seen people back in the second way.

>The second method is definitely the easiest and the one I always use

I assume that is the one that you used during your road test.

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As with school, not all math teachers use the same method. You will be required to do what you have been instructed to do. Did you get a booklet or other instructions? Did you check out the DMV website for test faqs?

I stick with ith my answer in that no instructor should be giving you a bad grade for using one method vs another, unless it's an issue of safety. Remember that kids learn from parents with variable skill level. As long as you park ok without it being a safety issue or you doing something extremely weird, you should get a passing score for that.

If you want a definite answer, contact the DMV. Only they can provide that level of confidence in an answer that you are looking for.

Agree, checking mirrors and looking over shoulder (and rear camera) is going to be very important.

That was 17 years ago but I believe so.

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That is crazy dumb. A person shouldn't rely on it, but at least check it as the head is moving and looking at mirrors and over the shoulder.

I was taught the first method by a driving instructor. However I think the person in the video pulls up too much. I'd back up a few inches and then back in

I understand the theoretical benefit of backing into a parking space, and it is on the road test. (And yeah, I learned the second method, taking driver's ed in Groton.) But. I never do it, and I never feel like doing so would provide any benefit. Parallel parking is a much more critical skill, which doesn't get tested at all for most (all?) CT drivers.

I would remind people who DO like backing into spaces that you should NOT back into angled parking spaces! That just makes things harder for you! Drives me crazy when I see it.

I read books about driving that made it sound like backing out of a parking space was harder than backing into one. However, I actually feel that backing into a space is harder.

I'm not an experienced driver, but I took my test a couple years ago doing method #2 and didn't have any issues personally(or any parking deductions). It's way easier and natural and not as convuluted as the first, and plus, the guy in the first video didn't even park perfectly anyway, he went over the lines when backing up(because he pulled too far forward), which could potentially lose you points if you have someone strict, but maybe not. You really need to practice doing it though in the vehicle you'll be using, because that will determine your exact positions you'll need.

They want to know that you're confident behind the wheel, use proper turn signals(you need to make sure you use a turn signal for every move you make, even if it's overexaggeration), do not cross lines, and do not hit anything(including the back of the parking spot if there's a curb), and park center(not over the lines).

Note that with method #2, it requires more space and proper signal usage(it's easy to forget the signals during the test for it). I really struggled with method #1 in some cars, because I was trying to follow some strict rule.

You can't really count the spots ahead if they instruct you to park at the end spot. So just be mindful of trying different parking spot locations beforehand, because you don't always get to choose the spot you'll be parking in at the end of your test, and sometines in reality as well.

Try and go during the weekend and test in the parking lot in a few different spots(first spot, last one, center) to prepare.

Go past the spot until your rear bumper aligns with the car's next to yours. Turn your wheel all the way to the right and start reversing. When your right mirror lines up with the rear of the other car quickly turn your wheel left and keep reversing. This should be enough.

Make sure to watch your back wheel so you don't contact the curb.

I have a pickup so my opinion is a bit biased, but when backing into a spot you have clear lines of sight on the road in front and behind you, as well as pedestrians who might be walking along parked cars. All you really need to worry about is where your back bumper is in relation to the cars you’re parking between, the rest you’ll see in your peripheral vision. When backing out of a spot you’ve taken too much time getting into your car so you don’t know where traffic/pedestrians are coming from and can’t see them until the rear 1/4-1/3 of your car is already backed into the road/lot