How to Parallel Park — Step-by-Step Guide

On the driving test

You may be asked to park behind a parked car at the side of the road (parallel park). The examiner is looking for good observation, control, and accuracy. You should finish within two car lengths of the target vehicle and reasonably close to and parallel with the kerb.

Key Positions

1. Pull alongside

2. Steer & reverse

3. Straighten in

Step-by-Step: How to Parallel Park

1

Pull up alongside

Pull up alongside

Drive forward and stop parallel to the parked car, about half a metre away from it. Your mirrors should be roughly level.

2

Check all around

Check all around

Check your interior mirror, left mirror, right mirror, and both blind spots. You need to see that it's safe all around before reversing.

3

Begin reversing

Begin reversing

Select reverse gear. Slowly reverse back in a straight line until your rear bumper is level with the back of the other car.

4

Steer left (full lock)

Steer left (full lock)

When your rear bumper is level, steer full lock to the left while continuing to reverse slowly. Keep checking your mirrors and around.

5

Straighten up

Straighten up

When your car is at roughly 45 degrees to the kerb (check your left mirror — you should see the kerb in the left mirror), straighten the wheel.

6

Steer right

Steer right

Continue reversing slowly. When the front of your car is about to clear the rear of the other car, steer full lock to the right to bring the front in.

7

Straighten and adjust

Straighten and adjust

Once the car is parallel to the kerb, straighten the wheels. You should be within two car lengths of the target and reasonably close to the kerb.

Common Faults

Hitting the kerb
Steer right sooner if you're going to hit the kerb. If you do touch it, pull forward and readjust.
Ending up too far from the kerb
You may not have steered left early enough or far enough. Next time, start the left steer slightly sooner.
Not checking mirrors enough
Keep checking all around throughout the manoeuvre. The examiner watches your head movements.
Taking too long
Practise until the sequence becomes natural. The examiner allows reasonable time but won't wait indefinitely.

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Practice parallel parking in 3D

Try this manoeuvre on real roads near your test centre in our photorealistic simulator.

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