Lesson 5.2 | Module 5: Everyday Road Problems

Parked Cars And Tight Gaps

Pass parked cars with enough space and the right speed for the gap.

Main Video

Common mistakes from 2:14Judging gaps from 3:23

Visual Guide

Parked cars on one side
Parked cars need space, early planning, and safe speed.

What This Helps With

Parked cars create narrow gaps, hidden pedestrians, opening doors, and meeting-traffic decisions.

The Simple Version

Leave roughly a door's width where possible. If you cannot leave much space, slow down enough that you can stop or adjust safely.

Common Mistakes

  • Driving too close to parked cars.
  • Keeping 30 mph through tight gaps.
  • Not watching for doors, pedestrians, or vehicles pulling out.
  • Moving out too late.

What Examiners Care About

They want safe clearance and speed that matches the risk. Less space means less speed.

Practise On Your Next Lesson

Ask your instructor to call out whether you had a door's width, less than that, or too little space.

Ask Your Instructor

"Was my speed right for that parked-car gap?"

Quick Self-Check

  • Did I move out early?
  • Did I leave enough space?
  • Did I slow down when space was tight?
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