When parking in a perpendicular space, how should you plan to exit the spot?

Study for the Just Drive Test. Boost your driving knowledge with multiple choice questions and detailed explanations. Prepare for success!

The main idea is to plan your exit so you can leave the space while moving forward. When you drive out forward, you have better visibility through the windshield to spot pedestrians, bikes, and other cars approaching from the sides. This reduces blind spots behind you and makes it easier to merge into traffic safely. You can position the car in the space so you can steer straight into the driving lane, use your signals, and check mirrors and over-your-shoulder for hazards as you go.

Backing out first limits your view behind the vehicle and requires turning into traffic with reduced visibility, which is riskier. Turning the wheel sharply to one side doesn’t address the fundamental issue of visibility and can invite misjudging distances. Driving out in reverse provides the least forward visibility and is the least safe option in a perpendicular space.