To parallel park successfully, follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Find a Suitable Parking Spot
Choose a space that is at least 1.5 times the length of your car to ensure enough room for maneuvering
- Position Your Car Parallel to the Car in Front
Pull up alongside the car parked in front of the space. Align your passenger side mirror with the other car’s driver side mirror, keeping about 2-3 feet distance between the cars
. Your front bumpers should be roughly aligned
- Start Reversing with the Wheel Turned Right
Turn your steering wheel fully to the right and slowly reverse. Stop when you see the two headlights of the car behind you in your left rearview mirror or when the left headlight of the car behind is fully visible
- Straighten the Wheels and Continue Reversing
Straighten your steering wheel and back up further until your front bumper passes the rear bumper of the car ahead
- Turn the Wheel Fully Left and Reverse into the Spot
Turn your steering wheel fully to the left and continue reversing until your car is parallel with the curb and the other parked cars
- Straighten Your Wheels and Adjust Position
Straighten your wheels and move forward or backward slightly to center your car within the parking space
Additional tips:
- Use your mirrors frequently to monitor your position relative to the curb and other cars
- Practice in a quiet area with cones to build confidence before attempting in traffic
- If misaligned, calmly pull out and try again
This method ensures you park safely and neatly between two cars in a parallel parking space
