Parallel parking can be one of the most daunting experiences for learner drivers. It can also be the maneuver that makes or breaks that dreaded driving test if we let it. But it does not have to be, with a bit of patience and lots of practice you will get there in no time. Here’s a step-by-step guide to show you exactly how to parallel park:
1. Find a suitable space: Look for a space that is at least as long as your car. Make sure there is enough room on both sides of the space to open your car doors.
2. Stop alongside the car in front of the space: Stop alongside the car in front of the space you want to park in.
3. Turn the wheel 1 turn towards the curb you would like to park next too.
4. Begin slowly reversing the car and I mean no more than 1 mph.
5. Also don’t forget to check your blind spot: Before you start reversing and check over your shoulder to make sure no one is behind you. If anyone is around that might have space to get past then wait or just wait to see if they are moving on. If they are waiting for you, continue slowly.
6. Continue moving back until your car is facing around 2 o clock on a clock face. Easiest way to do this is pick an object around 2 o’clock and continue reversing until you are facing that spot.
7. Once you are 45 degrees, straighten your wheel and carry on reversing into space.
8. Keep checking your left mirror to keep an eye on the curb and as you get around 1 meter from the curb stop the car and fully turn the wheel away from the curb. This will bring the back of your car out away from the curb helping you straighten up.
9. Make sure you are parked within half a meter of the curb and far enough away from the car in front that you can drive forward out of the space.
Check out our park like a pro guide for everything you need to know about other types of parking: https://drivingtestexpert.com/park-like-a-pro-everything-you-need-to-know/
The driving test examiner will expect you to finish this within 2 car lengths of the car in front. If you follow these steps you will be on your way to a perfect parallel park in no time and passing that dreaded driving test. And remember on the driving test there will not be a car behind you. You will only be expected to park behind a car in front of you.
How To Parallel Park in Tight Spaces
When you’re faced with parallel parking in a tight space first you need to think of it more like a 3 point turn that a parallel park. Start by lining up your car with the vehicle in front of the spot. Turn your wheel all the way towards the curb and back up slowly while checking your mirrors. As you near the car behind you, straighten your wheel and slide into the spot. If you get too close to the car behind then shunt it forwards. if you get too close to the other car in front shunt it backwards. Sometimes parallel parking in tight spots takes a few goes especially in tight spots. Just take your time.
How To Parallel Park on Hills
Hills in general can be quite intimidating and even scary when we are new to driving. Then on top of that, we have to park on them. Don’t worry here is how we do it. Start by finding a legit spot with enough space for your car, and follow the usual parallel parking steps above. Just remember to angle your wheels in the right direction based on whether you’re facing uphill or downhill, using the acronyms “Uphill D.U.R.” (Direction Up, Right) and “Downhill D.U.L.” (Direction Down, Left) to guide you. This way, you’ll keep your car from rolling into traffic if the brakes fail. You can also leave the car in gear if you drive a manual. This will stop the car from being able to roll into traffic should the handbrake not work.
How To Parallel Park at Night
This can be scary, not only is it dark but then other car lights can make it even harder and more stressful when you are trying to park. My biggest tip for this is the second you get that gut feeling you need to speed up because someone is waiting, instead I purposefully slow down. This isn’t because I want to delay anyone its because if i slow down i am more likely to do it right the first time and allow them to get off on there way faster. visibility can will also be limited so this makes slowing down even more important. Make sure your headlights and taillights are clean, and use your mirrors and backup camera (if available) to guide you into the spot.
How To Parallel Park on a One-Way Street
On one-way streets, remember that parallel parking is the same regardless of which side you’re parking on. The main difference is that you’ll approach the spot from the opposite direction. You also do not have to panic about the other side of the road. The one thing you will likely have to consider is how wide the road is. Most one-way streets are quite narrow which means you need to be aware of the front end of the car as you swing it into the space. Bets way to avoid this is to make sure your car is perfectly centered in the road between any other parked cars on either side.
How To Parallel Park on a Busy Road
When learning how to parallel parking on a busy road, use your signal to let everyone around you know what you want to do. Most people will see this signal and give you space to maneuver. That’s why it’s particularly important that you slow down earlier than the upcoming space and that you get that signal on earlier to give the person behind you time to understand what you want to do. Otherwise, they may end up right up your backside and then you won’t be able to reverse. Provided you do this then all you have to do is wait for a safe opening in traffic before starting your parking. try to be patient in these situations.
How To Parallel Park on a Narrow Road
I will be honest parallel parking on narrow roads can be a pain in the backside. But it can also be done with a bit of practice. The most important part of this is your starting position. You need your car either perfectly central in road between the parked cars or curbs.On narrow roads, be extra cautious when maneuvering your vehicle. Fold in your side mirrors if necessary and take your time to avoid damaging your car or others nearby.
How To Parallel Park on the Opposite Side of the Road
The steps for parallel parking remain more or less the same. The main difference is that you need to turn the wheel in the opposite direction and you will need to mostly use the opposite mirror than you are used too. The mos important thing is that you make sure the road is clear of on coming traffic before attempting this. I would avoid trying this in the dark as well as the lights will potentially blind on coming vehicles.
How To Parallel Park Between Two Cars
Ensure you have enough space to fit your vehicle (ideally, one and a half times your car’s length). Line up your car with the vehicle in front, turn your wheel towards the curb, and back up slowly while checking your mirrors. As you near the car behind you, straighten your wheel and slide into the spot.
Need more help?
If you are looking to improve your driving skills, particularly when it comes to parallel parking, our online driving course is a must-have: our Online Driving Course. Not only is it a convenient and accessible way to learn, but it’s also designed to help you master the art of parallel parking in no time. With tutorials, access to Josh The Driving Instructor, and expert guidance, you’ll gain confidence behind the wheel. Additionally, the course is designed to fit into your busy schedule, so you can learn at your own pace, anytime and anywhere. So whether you’re preparing for a driving test or just looking to improve your driving skills, our online driving course is the perfect solution.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts about How to Parallel Parking 💭
- For tight spaces, start by lining up with the vehicle in front of the spot, turn your wheel towards the curb, and back up slowly while checking your mirrors.
- When parking on hills, remember “Uphill D.U.R.” (Direction Up, Right) and “Downhill D.U.L.” (Direction Down, Left) to angle your wheels correctly.
- For parallel parking on the curb, follow the same steps as you would for a standard parallel parking maneuver, but make sure to align your vehicle close to the curb.
- When parallel parking at night, ensure your headlights and taillights are clean, and use your mirrors and backup camera (if available).
- On one-way streets and the opposite side of the road, approach the parking spot from the appropriate direction, but the steps for parallel parking remain the same.
- On busy and narrow roads, be extra cautious, patient, and aware of your surroundings.
- To parallel park between two cars, ensure you have enough space (ideally, one and a half times your car’s length) and follow the standard parallel parking steps.
Parallel parking is well known for being one of the most intimidating of the parking styles. As a driving instructor though I can honestly tell you with a bit of time and practice and belief in yourself you will find this one of the easiest forms of parking. Good Luck!
Hopefully this has helped you with your parallel parking. Good luck!
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