Everything You Need to Know About Parallel Parking
Written by Mary Salatino
Parallel parking can be nerve-wracking for any driver, regardless of experience. But like any driving skill, it gets easier the more you understand and practice the process.
Whether you’re a new driver preparing for your road test or just someone who’d rather walk further to their destination than to parallel park their car, this guide describes what it is, how it’s used and how to do it without the extra panic.
What is Parallel Parking?
Parallel parking happens when a driver pulls their car into a space that's aligned with the curb and in between two parked vehicles. The car ends up parallel to the curb (hence the name), usually on the right-hand side of the road.
You’ll often see a parallel parking spot on busy city streets where space is tight and angled or pull-in spots aren’t possible. It’s also one of those must-know skills for passing your driving test in many states and is a key component of most drivers education programs.
Even though it can feel intimidating at first, parallel parking is a skill that gets easier with practice. Besides, who doesn’t want more parking space options?
How to Use Parallel Parking
Parallel parking usually comes into play when you’re at a location where a regular parking space may not be available. Think busy downtown areas, narrow residential streets or anywhere parking is limited and in high demand. If you’ve ever circled the block looking for a place to squeeze in, you’ve probably needed to parallel park.
You’ll often find these spaces along curbs, between two parked cars. They’re common in cities, near restaurants, small businesses and older neighborhoods where parking lots aren’t the norm.
Some places even mark these spots with painted lines, but others are simply open curb space. So, it’s up to you to know if parking there is legal and safe.
Before pulling in, always look for signs, meters or curb markings (like red, yellow or white paint). Some areas restrict parking during certain hours, for deliveries or for emergency vehicles. Avoid parking too close to driveways, fire hydrants or crosswalks. Those spots can earn you a ticket.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Parallel Parking
Ready to finally learn how to parallel park? Follow these steps:
1. Find a good spot.
Your parking space should be a few feet longer than your car. This way, you have enough room to maneuver and maybe even make a mistake or two.
2. Signal and check your surroundings.
Turn on your right turn signal to let other drivers know you’re parking. Check your mirrors and blind spot for approaching cars, bikes or pedestrians.
3. Line up your car.
Pull up next to the car in front of the space so your rear bumpers are roughly aligned. There should be about two to three feet between your car and theirs.
4. Start reversing slowly.
Put your car in reverse and begin backing up slowly. As your rear tires pass the back bumper of the car next to you, turn your steering wheel all the way to the right.
5. Angle the vehicle into the space.
Angle your car into the space until your front bumper passes the bumper of the car in front of you. Then, straighten your wheel and continue reversing.
6. Turn the wheel left to straighten out.
Once your front end is mostly in the space, turn your steering wheel to the left to swing the back end in and align with the curb.
7. Adjust as needed.
You might need to pull forward a bit to straighten out. That’s normal. Just make sure you’re centered in the space and not too far from the curb (ideally six to 18 inches away).
Take your time. Parallel parking is about control, not speed. The more you practice, the more natural it’ll feel.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let’s face it: parallel parking doesn't leave much room for error. But many hiccups that drivers experience come from a handful of common missteps. Spotting them ahead of time can make a huge difference.
- Starting too far from the other car makes turning into the space harder.
- Turning the wheel too early or too late throws off your angle.
- Forgetting to check your surroundings puts others — and your car — at risk.
- Relying only on mirrors instead of also checking blind spots can lead to surprises.
- Panicking under pressure leads to rushed, sloppy parking.
- Not straightening out can leave your car sticking too far out or blocking traffic.
Staying calm and in control is the key. You don’t have to get it perfect — you just have to park safely.
Tips for Perfecting Your Technique
Mastering parallel parking doesn’t have to be a source of dread. A few simple habits can make a big difference in how you feel behind the wheel.
Keep practicing!
Find an empty lot or quiet street where you can set up makeshift parking spots using cones or trash bins. Practicing without pressure — especially without the risk of hitting another car — lets you build muscle memory in peace.
Look for visual cues.
Instead of guessing, use reference points to guide your movements. Many drivers find it helpful to start turning the wheel once their rear tires line up with the back bumper of the car next to them. Others use the side mirrors or back windows to judge distance. Find what works for you and stick with it.
Take it slow.
The slower you go, the more control you have. Work on mastering a series of small, calculated movements. Going slowly also gives you time to make minor corrections before your car ends up at the wrong angle.
Adjusting isn’t failing.
Sometimes, you need to pull forward or back up again to center yourself better in the space. That’s totally normal. Don’t be afraid to take a second pass. It’s still considered a successful park if you finish in the right spot.
Block out the pressure.
If there are cars behind you or people watching, it's easy to feel rushed. But trying to park quickly often leads to bigger mistakes. Ignore the pressure and give yourself the time you need. Most drivers will understand, and if they don’t, that’s on them.
With the right mindset and a little repetition, parallel parking becomes less of a chore and more of a routine move in your driving skill set.
Parallel Parking on the Driving Test
Let’s be honest: parallel parking is a part of the driving test that makes a lot of people nervous. But the good news? You don’t have to do it perfectly. You just have to do it safely and with control.
During the test, the examiner is looking for a few key things:
- Proper use of signals
- Good mirror and blind spot checks
- Smooth steering and reversing
- Reasonable distance from the curb (usually within 12 to 18 inches)
- The ability to park without hitting the curb or another vehicle
It’s also OK if you need to make a couple of small adjustments once you're in the space. You can usually pull forward to straighten out, as long as you're still in control of the car and not taking too long.
Hitting a cone or the curb too hard might count against you, but brushing the curb lightly isn't always an automatic deduction. Remember, the rules vary by state.
Some states even let you skip the parallel parking portion altogether, especially if you're taking the test in a rural area. But if it’s part of your test, make sure to practice ahead of time with a parent, instructor or even a friend, ideally in a spot that mimics the testing area.
The examiner isn’t expecting perfection. They just want to see that you understand the steps, stay aware of your surroundings and can safely fit into a tight spot. And once you’ve done it on the test, doing it in real life feels way easier.
Learn to Parallel Park With Driver’s Ed
Still unsure about parallel parking? That’s totally normal. A driver’s ed course can help you build these skills step by step with the support of experienced instructors and practice time that makes a real difference.
SafeMotorist offers a variety of online driving courses that teach essential skills like parallel parking, defensive driving and road safety to help you feel prepared to hit the road.
Whether you're preparing for your test or just trying to get better, don’t neglect this skill. Keep practicing, stay calm and remember that everyone, even the best drivers, once dreaded parallel parking too.