If you get sweaty palms just thinking about parallel parking, trust us, you are not the only one. Many drivers feel the same pressure when they have to align and park the car without causing any damage to other cars.

Parallel car parking is a hard skill to master because of how intricate it is. And yet, it is an essential driving manoeuvre that you must know of to park in tight spaces that you encounter in day to day driving.

Here is all that you need to know about parallel parking, which along with the on-road practice, will help you master the art with ease.

Understanding the Technique of Parallel Car Parking

Parallel parking is a method of parking a car in line with other parked vehicles on one side of the road and facing in the same direction as traffic on that side. To do this, one has to slightly drive past the available parking space and pull up next to the parked vehicle, then gradually reverse to fit in the space whilst keeping a safe distance.

This may sound a little tricky, but there is no need to get nervous. With concentration and some practice, one can easily master the technique of parallel car parking.

Steps Involved in Parallel Parking

Being a precise driving manoeuvre, parallel parking hinges on following the right approach. Here are the four steps to parallel park your car.

Step 1: Find the right fit

In parallel parking, you should not just park in the very first space spotted. It requires careful analysis of the available parking space to see if your car will fit there. As a thumb rule, the parking space should be one and a half times the length of your car. Only then should you pull up or else keep looking until a suitable space is available. Once the right spot is found, stop your car parallel to the car you are going to park behind. Maintain a distance of 2-3 feet while doing so.

Step 2: Put it in reverse

Next, slowly reverse until the middle part of your car is parallel to the other vehicle's rear bumper. At this point, your car will start changing direction to slot behind the car in front. The benefit of maintaining distance will become evident here; you'll have enough space to reverse without risking any contact between your car and the other vehicle.

Step 3&4: Slot your car into position

Now, cut the steering wheel towards the right to achieve a 45° angle and continue in reverse gear. Then, turn the steering wheel anti-clockwise and continue reversing until your car is perfectly aligned with the rest of the vehicles, and parallel to the wall or divider on the driver's side.

Note: The same approach will be applicable when you are parallel parking your car on the left. In this case, the left side of your car will be parallel to the wall, divider or any such boundary.

Step 5: Straighten and align

The final step is to check if your car is at an equal distance from the cars in front and behind, and the edge of the road. If not, then reposition your car until it is in the center and demonstrates perfectly parallel lines.

5 Tips That Work Best for Effortless Parallel Parking

Is it surprising for you to see other drivers flawlessly parallel park their car? Here are the 5 must-know parallel parking tips to help you get there.

1. Use Your Indicators

Always keep your indicator (whether left or right) switched on while you are parallel parking the car to let other drivers know about your intended turn. Remember that this is the only way to communicate with other vehicles on the road. Hence, use your indicators wisely while parallel parking your car.

2. Put your IRVM and ORVMs To Good Use

There are quite a few possibilities of blind spots when parallel parking. Hence, always keep an eye on both using your IRVM (Inside Rear View Mirror) and ORVMs (Outside Rear View Mirror) to check for any risks or obstacles while reversing the car.

3.Slowly Back Up

Rushing is never a good idea on the road especially when parallel parking. Keeping in line with the thought, slowly and gradually reverse your car as you slot your car into the empty parking space.

4.Maintain Control of the Steering Wheel

Parallel parking is all about how swiftly and smartly you turn the steering wheel whilst having full control of it. Remember to place your hands in the nine and three-position at all times and let the wheel spin freely with both your hands on it as much as possible to maintain good control.

5.Finalise Your Position

While keeping your car as close to the wall or divider as possible, you also need to ensure that there's ample room left in front and behind for other vehicles to easily pull in and out of their respective parking spaces without the risk of damage.
When the divider or wall is on the driver side while parallel parking, leave enough room for the right side doors to open for you and your co-passengers to get in and out.
Remember, the more you practice using these tips to parallel park, the easier it becomes to master the art without any sweaty palms or the risk of bumping into other parked cars while you are parallel parking your car.

We must admit that each and every one of us is guilty of making errors while driving. The lessons learned at a driving school are executed based on sincerity, and that is something that differs from person to person. We hope that this article reiterates the important protocols that you need to follow by avoiding some common mistakes. These include:

Lane cutting

You may be a vigilant driver but when one cuts another car or bike while changing a lane, it becomes very dangerous for everyone on the road. It is a known fact that the more predictable a drivers’ behavior, the fewer the number of accidents. In a scenario where you need to genuinely change lanes, wait patiently for an opening, give the correct signal, and then procee

Missing the blind spot

Many expert drivers miss using this out of laziness. Looking over your shoulders is essential to avoid blind spots before you change your lane. As a matter of fact, you need to follow caution and check it manually. A sensible way of reducing the risk due to blind spots is to adjust a car’s side view mirrors for the most expansive rear view of the road behind.

Not using seat belts

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seat belts reduce the risk of death by 45% and that of injury by 50%. It is against traffic laws to not wear seat belts in many countries, and with good reason. In fact, drivers themselves should develop the responsible habit of wearing seatbelts and urging other passengers to wear them too.

Ineffective usage of turn signals

In general, the usage of turn signals is very less. Using them too late or too early is as catastrophic as not using them at all, as they confuse the drivers behind you. Using turn signals at the appropriate moment is an important practice in safe driving

Neglecting servicing and maintenance due dates

You may procrastinate when it comes to getting a car serviced by assuming that the vehicle is in perfect condition and nothing could go wrong. It is critical to adhere to the servicing schedules recommended in your owner’s manual and get your vehicle serviced by an authorised dealership or service center.

Tyre pressure

Not checking tyre pressure from time to time can not only increase the risk of tyre punctures but also tyre bursts. Drivers also forget that not checking tyre pressure leads to high fuel consumption.

Inability to understand traffic signs

Most of the time, we take theory lessons at driving schools for granted and assume that certain things are not worth our time. At times, drivers are even unaware of stop signs or school or hospital signs. Due to that, they choose to be oblivious to them. Responsible drivers should be well aware of these signs to follow them and respect others who share the road with them

Drinking and driving

‘Drinking and Driving’ is one of the most common causes of accidents and fatalities on the road. Drunk drivers not only put themselves at jeopardy but also put countless lives in danger

Usage of phones

One of the most irresponsible mistakes to make while driving is the usage of phones. Texting on the phone can prove to be as fatal as driving under the influence of alcohol. Moreover, the usage of phone while driving is regulated in many countries. So, give priority to yourself and your fellow drivers on the road, and avoid using a phone when you are behind a steering wheel.

Not being sensitive enough towards pedestrians and emergency vehicles

Most drivers are in a hurry to reach their destinations, and in doing so affect pedestrians and emergency vehicles. The truth is that it is only one’s attitude that makes one believe so. We undermine the difference one driver can make to help the situation. One should be more respectful and considerate towards pedestrians and similarly towards emergency vehicles.

Collating all mistakes and reading them, again and again, will give you a clear direction. Taking our driving licence for granted is among the biggest mistakes that we tend to make. It is imperative to upgrade our driving skills, have in-depth knowledge of traffic signs, and know more about how our automobiles work – these are important steps to take towards becoming a better driver.

Over 2.2 million students, 540+ schools across 260+ Indian cities, 2100+ professional trainers and 17 years of operations.

Welcome to Maruti Suzuki Driving School (MSDS), India's one of the biggest driving school chain. MSDS is unleashing a revolution across the car driving school landscape of India through a slew of innovative approaches. Here is a brief summary that explains why millions trust MSDS to take their car driving lessons.

Tech Enabled Learning

We live in an era of technology, and Maruti Suzuki Driving School is right at the cutting edge of it. MSDS initially teaches students on a driving simulator which ensures they drive more confidently when they step out onto the road.

Scientifically designed curriculum

MSDS offers a blend of theoretical, simulated and practical knowledge. At MSDS, learners begin with theory, familiarize themselves on the driving simulator, and then step into a real car and hit the road. This approach is holistic, and ensures that learning is quick, safe and fun.

Interactive Courses

MSDS tailors the courses based on the information provided by students while signing up. This is aimed at making learning effective and enriching yet fun. This strategy helps learners explore courses before taking them up and get a clearer picture about what they're going to learn.

Extensive driving school network

With 500+ driving schools spread across 260+ cities, MSDS has got the most extensive driving school network. This gives learners access to a high-quality driving school experience across the country.

Well-trained instructors from Institute of Driving and Traffic Research (IDTR)

Learning to drive can be an unnerving experience if an instructor is unprofessional, and worse, if rude. To ensure that learners get a top-notch experience, MSDS has well-trained instructors from IDTR, who not only take a professional approach while training students but also have the requisite soft skills to make the learning process enjoyable.

Value Added Services

The driving school offers a range of value additions meant to make learning a lot more enriching. For instance, learners have the option of learning to drive in their own cars, thus familiarizing themselves with their cars. Learners also have the option of license assistance* and upgrading to higher variants of cars to learn with more advanced features, and car sizes.

*Subject to RTO Norms

Valuable training on road behaviour, defensive driving

This is another aspect of driver training where MSDS goes the extra mile. At MSDS, learners aren't just trained on driving a car but also given valuable training lessons on how traffic behaves on the road, and how they need to respond to different situations. Also, defensive driving is another key part of the course, and this helps learners stay safe on unpredictable roads.

Whether for travelling and exploring or work purposes, there may be times when you have to get behind the wheel while in a foreign country. This is where having an international driving license becomes necessary. The international driving license is an official translation for your driver's license issued in your home country, which lets you drive legally in a foreign country.

What is an International Driving License (IDL)?

The International Driving License, officially known as the International Driving Permit (IDP), is a document authorized by the United Nations and issued to people travelling to foreign countries. It certifies that the holder legally possesses a valid driving license in his/her home country. It also translates the document into various foreign languages, so it is easier for foreign officials to verify and understand the credentials. It allows you to legally drive the types of vehicles that are listed in your IDP in foreign nations. The International Driving License contains the name, photo, and driver information, and is a valid form of identification in more than 150 countries, along with your original country's valid driver's license and a valid passport.

How to Apply for International Driving License in India

Thanks to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, applying for an International Driving Permit is now a very convenient process. Any individual who wishes to rent and drive vehicles in another country on an overseas trip is required to apply for an International Driving Permit.
The steps involved in this process are: -
1. Individuals should visit their nearest RTO with the required documents and the application fee.
2. You can either fill the application form in person at the RTO or fill it online, at the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways portal (parivahan.gov.in) and carry the acknowledgement with you, along with the other necessary documents to the RTO.
3. Submit the documents and pay the prescribed fees. The application and the required documents have to be submitted in person to the concerned RTO by the applicant in both cases.
4. The processing time to get an International Driving License after the submission of documents is usually 3-4 business days.

Documents Needed for Applying for an International Driving Permit

1. Valid Driver's License and its copies
2. Valid Passport and its copies
3. Valid Visa (when applicable) and its copies
4. Copy of your air ticket for verification
5. Valid medical certificate (Form - 1A)
6. Application for the issue of IDP (Form- 4A)
7. Four copies of your recent passport size photograph
8. Prescribed fees and user charges

Advantages of Having an International Driving License
The International Driving Permit,

• Allows you to drive a vehicle in a foreign country.
• Is accepted as proof of your driving credentials and capabilities.
• Is a confirmation stating that you hold a valid driving license in your home country.
• Can be used as an identity proof alongside your original valid driving license and valid passport. It is quite useful if your original driver's license is not in a language spoken in your country of travel.
• Is accepted in over 150 countries across the world who are signatories to the 1949 United Nations Convention agreement.
• Some countries do not allow you to rent a car unless you have a valid IDL.
• Insurance companies require an IDP to provide coverage to foreign drivers who drive motor vehicles.
• Does not require you to take any additional driving tests in the countries you are visiting.

An International Driving Permit is valid for 1 year from the date of issue and it is crucial that you apply for one if you are planning to drive on your next overseas trip.

As per the MoRTH notification dated Jan 7, 2021

Applicants will be able to renew their existing International Driving Permits online through Indian Embassies, in case their license expires when they are still abroad. After submitting the documents required and the prescribed user fee, applicants will no longer need to submit a valid visa and medical certificate and will be able to get their international driving permits renewed easily, without hassles.

Important Points to Note:

• If an individual applying for an IDP was issued their driver's license within 3 months of their IDP application, then they will be required to take the driving test for a second time while applying for the IDP.
• Only Indian citizens are allowed to apply for an international driving permit through the RTOs or an Indian transport authority office.
• There are a number of websites and organizations that offer online submission and issuance of IDP documents. Always stay wary of fraud on such platforms and only apply for an International Driving Permit through the official government transport authority in your country, which is the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways portal (parivahan.gov.in) in India.