Before leaving a parallel parking space on a level street, which action should you take?

• A. Straighten your wheels and leave room between the two cars
• B. Back up until you are behind the second car
• C. Turn the wheels toward the curb
• D. Accelerate to merge with traffic

Answer: (A)

When you’re ready to leave a parallel parking space, you want to set up for a safe re-entry into traffic. Straightening the wheels keeps the car moving forward in a straight line and prevents you from swinging into the car beside you or into the curb as you start moving. Creating some space between the two parked cars gives you a buffer to merge smoothly into traffic without clipping either vehicle. After you straighten the wheels and check for traffic, signal, and move out slowly when it’s safe. Turning toward the curb or rushing out into traffic without establishing that space can lead to collisions or hitting the curb.