How Do I Move Out of Parking?

Moving out of a parking space safely and efficiently requires awareness, proper technique, and careful observation of your surroundings. The exact method depends on how your vehicle is parked – whether you're pulling forward out of a spot or backing out.

Preparing to Exit Your Parking Space

Before you even touch the gear shift, take a moment to prepare:

1. Check Your Surroundings: Look around your vehicle for pedestrians, other cars, shopping carts, or any obstacles that may have appeared since you parked.
2. Adjust Mirrors: Ensure your rearview and side mirrors are correctly adjusted for maximum visibility.
3. Foot on Brake: Always start with your foot firmly on the brake pedal before shifting gears.
4. Signal: Indicate your intention to move by using your turn signal in the direction you plan to exit (e.g., left if backing out and turning left, or right if pulling forward and turning right).

Moving Out of a Forward-Parked Spot

If you pulled straight into a parking spot and are now facing forward, exiting is usually straightforward:

• Shift to Drive (D): With your foot on the brake, shift your transmission into "Drive."
• Check Mirrors and Blind Spots: Look into your mirrors and over your shoulder (blind spot check) in the direction you intend to move.
• Slow Release: Slowly release the brake pedal. If you're on an incline, a gentle press of the accelerator might be needed.
• Steer: Once your front bumper has cleared any adjacent parked vehicles, begin to turn your steering wheel in the direction you want to go.
• Accelerate Gently: Smoothly accelerate as you clear the parking spot and merge into traffic or the parking lot aisle.

Backing Out of a Reverse-Parked Spot (or Tight Spot)

Backing out, whether you reversed into the spot or are in a tight space, requires extra caution:

1. Shift to Reverse (R): With your foot on the brake, shift your transmission into "Reverse."
2. Look Back: Turn your head to look directly through your rear window. Do not rely solely on your mirrors.
3. Check All Mirrors: Continuously scan your rearview and side mirrors, along with turning your head, to monitor all sides of your vehicle.
4. Slow Release: Slowly release the brake pedal to begin moving backward.
5. Straight Back First (Especially in Tight Spaces): When backing out of a parking space, especially a tight one, prioritize moving straight backward initially as much as possible. During this straight backward movement, constantly monitor the distance between your vehicle and the car parked to your left using your left side mirror. This vigilant monitoring helps you maintain crucial clearance and ensures you do not hit the adjacent vehicle as you begin to maneuver out of the spot.
6. Begin Turning: Once your front bumper is clear of any vehicles or obstacles on either side, begin to turn your steering wheel in the direction you want the rear of your car to go. For example, if you want the rear of your car to swing left, turn the wheel left.
7. Counter-Steer and Drive: As your vehicle clears the spot and straightens out in the aisle, shift to "Drive," counter-steer to align your wheels, and proceed forward.

Special Considerations for Tight Spaces

When exiting a tight parking space, precision is key. If you're reversing out:

• Utilize Mirrors Extensively: As mentioned, your side mirrors are invaluable. Constantly check them to gauge your distance from adjacent vehicles or obstacles. For instance, diligently using your left side mirror to monitor the gap between your car and the vehicle to your left will help prevent collisions when reversing.
• Go Slowly: The slower you go, the more time you have to react to unexpected movements or objects.
• Use Your Vehicle's Features: Modern cars often have backup cameras and parking sensors. Use these tools, but remember they are aids, not replacements for direct observation.
• Patience is Key: If you feel you're getting too close, stop, reassess, and make small adjustments. It's better to take an extra moment than to cause damage.

General Tips for Safe Exiting

• Yield to Oncoming Traffic: Always give way to pedestrians and vehicles already moving in the parking lot aisle.
• Maintain Low Speed: Parking lots are high-traffic, low-speed environments. Keep your speed to a minimum.
• Watch for Pedestrians: People can appear suddenly from between cars. Be extra cautious.
• Avoid Distractions: Put your phone away and give your full attention to exiting the space.

Parking Exit Checklist

Action	Forward-Parked Exit	Reverse-Parked Exit	Tight Space Exit
Check Surroundings (360°)	✅	✅	✅
Adjust Mirrors	✅	✅	✅
Foot on Brake Before Shifting	✅	✅	✅
Signal Intent	✅	✅	✅
Shift to Drive (D)	✅	❌	❌
Shift to Reverse (R)	❌	✅	✅
Look Directly Out Rear Window	❌	✅	✅
Monitor Left Side Mirror for Left Car	N/A	✅	✅
Begin Turning After Clearing Obstacles	✅	✅	✅
Accelerate Gently	✅	✅	✅
Yield to Traffic/Pedestrians	✅	✅	✅

For further information on safe driving practices, you can consult resources from your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or reputable driving schools.