Parallel parking has a reputation for being the hardest thing you do in a car, especially with traffic waiting behind you. In reality it is a short sequence of steps that works the same way every time. Once you learn the reference points for your car, it becomes routine.
Pick a space you can actually use
As a beginner, look for a space noticeably longer than your car. With practice you can fit tighter spots, but there is no prize for squeezing in on the first try. Before you commit, make sure the space is legal: read the signs, and check for hydrants, driveways, crosswalks and curb ramps.
Signal early so drivers behind you know what you are doing. Check mirrors and blind spots before slowing down.
The basic sequence
- Line up. Pull alongside the car in front of the space, about two feet away from it, with your rear bumper roughly even with its rear bumper.
- Back up straight. Shift into reverse, check all around and begin backing slowly.
- Turn in. When your rear wheels are roughly even with that car’s rear bumper, turn the steering wheel fully toward the curb and keep backing slowly. Your car will angle into the space.
- Watch the angle. When your car is at about a 45-degree angle to the curb, or when your front bumper clears the rear of the car ahead, straighten the wheel.
- Swing the front in. Continue backing slowly, then turn the wheel fully away from the curb. The front of your car will swing into the space.
- Straighten and center. Pull forward or back slightly to center yourself between the cars, with wheels straight.
Every car is a little different, so these reference points are starting points. Practice in an empty lot with cones or boxes until you find where the markers fall in your own vehicle.
Use your mirrors and camera wisely
Side mirrors help you judge your distance from the curb. Some drivers tilt the passenger mirror down while parking to see the curb line. Backup cameras and parking sensors are helpful, but treat them as aids, not replacements for looking around. A camera may not show a cyclist approaching from the side or a pedestrian stepping off the curb.
Common mistakes and quick fixes
- Too far from the curb. Pull forward, turn toward the curb a little and back up again. Small corrections are normal.
- Hitting the curb with the rear tire. You turned in too early or too sharply. Pull out and try again.
- Front end sticking out. You straightened too late. Pull forward and redo the final swing.
- Rushing because of traffic. Drivers can wait a few seconds. Moving slowly is safer and usually faster in the end.
Winter and leaving the space
In winter, snowbanks can narrow the space and hide the curb. Leave extra room front and back so you can get out later on slippery pavement. When leaving, signal, check your blind spot carefully and pull out slowly, watching for oncoming traffic and cyclists. Before walking away, check the signs one more time for time limits and payment rules. When the street is full, a nearby garage or lot can be far less stressful than another lap around the block.
A Practice Plan for Building Confidence
Parallel parking becomes routine through repetition, not luck. A short, structured practice session teaches you more than a dozen nervous attempts on a busy street.
What you need
- An empty lot or quiet street where you have permission to practice.
- Two markers, such as cones or empty boxes, to stand in for the cars in front of and behind the space.
- A helper, if possible, to watch and tell you how close you are.
A four-stage session
- Long space, no pressure. Set the markers well apart, about one and a half car lengths. Run through the full sequence several times, paying attention to where the reference points fall in your windows and mirrors.
- Note your markers. When the turn-in feels right, notice what you see. Where does the rear marker appear in your side mirror? Where does the curb line sit? These are your personal reference points.
- Shorten the space. Move the markers closer together little by little. The sequence stays the same, but your timing must be more precise.
- Practice both sides. On one-way streets, you may need to park on the left side. The steps mirror the right side, but the view is different, so practice it separately.
Fifteen to twenty minutes is usually enough for one session. Stop while you still feel focused.
Moving From Practice to the Street
The first real parallel parks are about managing the environment as much as the steering. A few habits help.
- Choose quieter times. Practice on real streets when traffic is light, such as weekend mornings.
- Start on familiar blocks. You will know the curb height, slope and typical spaces.
- Watch for cyclists and doors. When pulling alongside the front car, check for bikes coming up on your right. When you finish, check before opening your door into traffic.
- Know when to pass. If a space looks too tight or traffic is too heavy, it is fine to keep driving and find another one.
Hills and slopes
Parking on a slope changes the feel of every step. Uphill, the car rolls back less easily, so you may need a little more gas. Downhill, it rolls more easily, so cover the brake throughout. Once parked, turn your wheels according to your state’s rules for hills, and set the parking brake firmly.
Parallel Parking Questions
How close to the curb should I be?
Many state driver handbooks give a maximum distance from the curb. Check your state’s handbook for the exact rule, and aim to be close and parallel without touching.
Is it okay to bump the car in front or behind?
No. Even a gentle tap can cause damage. If you touch another car, stop, check for damage and follow your local rules for leaving your information.
Should I rely on a self-parking feature?
Self-parking features can be helpful, but you are still responsible for the car. Stay alert, watch your surroundings and be ready to stop at any moment.
What if I freeze up with traffic behind me?
Turn on your signal, take a breath and finish slowly, or pull forward and try another space. Most drivers waiting behind you have been in the same position themselves.
