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Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Can you give me some curbside parking tips?
Brea from GHS: What is the best way for me to avoid hitting the curb during the parking, and backing up? How far away can I be? How far do I have to back up?
Hello Brea, it seems that, like so many other teenagers roaming the earth, the ghost of curb-side parking is haunting you too.
In response to "How far away can I be?": In California, you are required to parking within 18" of the curb (or 1½ feet) WITHOUT touching the curb.
In response to "How far do I have to back up?": Again in California, on the drive test, you back up about 3 car lengths. Each examiner will use their own judgment and have you back up as much as they deem necessary.
To best avoid hitting the curb when you park, I suggest:
When you back up, just make sure you look behind you and then use your right-side mirror from time to time to make sure you're going straight along the curb, not getting too close or too far away. Also, many people who back up poorly move the steering wheel too much. Do your best to keep the wheel mostly straight, only making tiny adjustments to the steering wheel.
Until next time Brea, approach the curb slow and steady, look for the street gutter, and park within 18" of the curb without hitting it!
Jonny Driving School
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Is it an instant fail if you hit the curb on your Oregon driving test at the DMV?
Alex from West Linn HS in Oregon asks: Hi i live in oregon, my friend just took the driving test and said if you hit the curb that is NOT an instant fail? is this true? can you please email me back
Hey Alex
It is my understanding that in Oregon, hitting the curb on your drive test is a potential auto fail. It really depends on two factors:
- how hard you hit the curb (did you barely touch it, scrape it, or did you run into it hard?)
- the examiner's point of view (some examiners are more laid back, some are more strict, or you might just catch an examiner in a bad mood). Each examiner will grade a little differently based on how they interpret the situation.
So my answer to you would be this: Don't touch the curb whatsoever because you are not supposed to. Give yourself at least 6 inches or more of cushion for peace of mind. That way, you don't have to worry about whether or not you will fail.
Hope that helps!
Until next time, stay away from that curb and off the sidewalk Alex!
Jonny Driving School
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