How to Parallel Park
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Parallel parking is a reference-point exercise, not a talent. Once you learn where to stop, when to turn, and when to straighten, it works the same way every time. Practice in an empty street or lot first — twenty minutes of repetition beats an hour of reading.
Practice away from traffic until the steps are automatic. Always signal, check mirrors and blind spots before and during the maneuver, and yield to pedestrians and cyclists — reversing vehicles must give way to everyone.
What you'll need
- A legal curb space at least 1.5× your car's length
- Cones or trash bins for practice (optional)
- Patience — ignore the car waiting behind you
The steps
Tap through one step at a time — built for one-handed use at the roadside — or switch to all 9 steps to read ahead or print.
Step 1 of 9: Find a space at least 1.5× your car
Step 1: Find a space at least 1.5× your car
Drive past the space slowly and judge it: you want roughly one and a half car lengths — about 3–4 feet longer than your car at minimum when learning. Check for 'no parking' signs, hydrants, and driveways before committing.
Step 2: Signal and pull alongside the front car
Signal right. Pull up parallel to the car ahead of the space, about 2–3 feet away from it, with your rear bumper roughly aligned with its rear bumper (a common reference: your side mirror lined up with its side mirror or rear wheel).
Step 3: Check mirrors, blind spot, and the backup camera
Before moving, check both mirrors and your right blind spot for cyclists and pedestrians. Shift into reverse so your reverse lights warn others. Take a breath — the driver behind can wait.
Cyclists filter past stopped cars constantly. A shoulder check before swinging the front end out is non-negotiable.
Step 4: Reverse slowly, wheel turned fully toward the curb
With your foot covering the brake, back up at walking pace while turning the steering wheel fully to the right (toward the curb). The car's rear swings into the space. Watch the front of your car swing out — leave room for passing traffic.
Step 5: Straighten at the 45° angle
When your car is at about a 45° angle to the curb — a common reference: your car's rear corner is aligned with the front car's rear corner, or you can see the front car's license plate in your side mirror — stop and straighten the wheels (about one and a half turns back).
Step 6: Reverse straight back
Back up slowly with the wheels straight until your front bumper just clears the rear bumper of the car ahead — reference: the other car's rear corner appears near your front side window or A-pillar.
Step 7: Turn the wheel fully away from the curb
Now turn the wheel fully to the left (away from the curb) and continue reversing slowly. The front of the car swings neatly into the space. Watch the curb in your right mirror and the car behind in the camera.
Step 8: Straighten up and center the car
Once parallel with the curb, straighten the wheel and pull forward (or back) gently to center yourself between the two cars, leaving them room to exit. Aim to end up within about 12 inches of the curb — many jurisdictions ticket for more.
Step 9: Final check before leaving the car
Set the parking brake. Check your mirror and blind spot before opening the door (the 'Dutch reach' — open with your far hand — forces the check). Re-park if you are more than a foot from the curb or blocking a driveway.