When parallel parking, what should you ensure before moving to drive away?

When preparing to move after parallel parking, it is essential to signal and check traffic before proceeding. This step is critical for safety, as it helps ensure that you are aware of your surroundings and that it is safe to merge back into traffic. By signaling, you communicate your intention to other drivers, which can prevent accidents and misunderstandings. Checking traffic allows you to assess the flow of vehicles, pedestrians, and any potential obstacles that might pose a risk.

Ensuring that your back is clear is important, as is turning off the turn signal after you have moved, but they are secondary steps compared to the primary necessity of signaling your intentions and checking for safety in the traffic around you. This ensures that you make a smooth and safe transition back into the flow of vehicles on the road.