(WXYZ) — Another state has eliminated parallel parking from its driver's test. According to our sister station KTNV in Las Vegas, the Nevada DMC eliminated the portion of the test last month.
Kevin Malone, public information officer with the Nevada DMV, released the following statement about the change to KTNV:
"Parallel parking was eliminated from the skills tests as of Jan. 13, 2020. The Department determined that parallel parking was an unnecessary part of the test. Testing of the parking skills needed is met by the requirements of entering, and backing out of, a perpendicular parking space and by other vehicle control requirements. The Nevada skills test meets the national standards set by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators.
We believe this change makes our drive tests safer and we are still able to maintain the integrity of our mission, putting safe drivers on the road. The change also eliminates the need for repeat visits by drivers who test well on everything but parallel parking.
The new technology in cars had no bearing on the decision at all. In fact, drivers are told to not rely on any assistive technology during the test, not even the backup camera."
According to the Auto Insurance Center, there are now 17 states in the U.S. that don't have parallel parking as part of their driving test.
While Michigan still requires it, a bill was introduced last year in the Michigan House to eliminate it.
Rep. Sarah Lightner, a Republican representing parts of Jackson, Eaton and Lenawee counties, introduced the bill last May saying her constituents were upset after paying $50 for a driving test but failed during the parallel parking game.
