How to Judge and Choose a Parking Space Safely
Last reviewed: 2026 · Driviology Road Safety Education Team
Quick Answer
Choosing a good parking space means judging whether it is genuinely large enough for your vehicle, positioned with a clear, easy exit path, and avoiding spots with obstructed sightlines before committing to park there.
The technique of parking gets most of the attention, but choosing the right space in the first place is a separate, equally important judgment.
Judging Whether a Space Is Large Enough
A space that looks technically large enough may still be tight in practice, particularly if a neighbouring vehicle is parked slightly over the line, making it worth a second look before committing.
Considering the Exit, Not Just the Entry
A space that is easy to enter but difficult to exit later, especially in a busy lot, is worth avoiding in favour of one with a clearer path out, complementing the setup covered by good mirror adjustment.
Avoiding Obstructed Sightlines
Spaces next to large vehicles, pillars, or blind corners reduce visibility when reversing out later, making them worth avoiding when a clearer alternative is available.