Parallel and 90 degree parking practice?

Question

Hi,

I live in Eagan ( 55122)
I am learning driving..and I'll be taking road test pretty soon.
As per the MN license test..
we need to do parallel parking and 90 degree backing/parking.

I would like to practice that...in some kind of empty space ( with some cones/poles..)without real cars close-by..

I live in an apartment..and there isn't much parking space...in the complex

I am just wondering is there a place somewhere that Minnesotans/Eagans..do the practice..
and my next question is..is it legal to practice...that in a empty parking lot..?

Thanks!

Answer 1

use a church lot on weekdays and school on weekends :)
try this:

http://www.107.peugeot.co.uk/peugeot.swf

Answer 2

I would suggest going to a shopping mall early in the morning or on a week day if you can. At these times there are fewer cars in the further outling areas of the lot. The good thing about mall parking lots is that they are striped and so you can see how you're doing without hitting other cars or needing to bring cones. If there are enough spaces around your target space you can approach it from parallel or 90 degree, so you can practice both kinds.

If there is a lot of snow on the ground (and you can't see the lines), however, you will need to do this on the lower level of a covered lot, which means there will be some poles. However, some of the bigger malls have fairly open undercover areas. I am thinking about Ridgedale mall specifically, but this is a bit of a hike, there is likely something a lot closer.

Answer 3

Have a licensed driver take you to an empty parking lot like on a sunday(not the mall of amer this time of year) and practice. If the local authorites come by, the most they'll do is tell you to go away.

Answer 4

You can do it in your parking lot, just have a trustworthy friend helping you. It will actually help you using real cars. As long as your buddy keeps and eye on you, till you get comfortable. Once you learn your car, you can judge the distance between you and a parked car. With pylons, they are usually to short, for you to see from inside the car.

Answer 5

you got it empty parking lot is legal to practice