How to Parallel Park

We are here to help anyone in need of passing their driver's exam and having difficulty learning how to parallel park. We have all been in situations where we need to parallel park because it’s the last available spot cause lets face it who wants to deal with that. With these instructions it will help you become feel more comfortable with parallel parking so you don’t have to stress when it's your only option left. Ready to make your parking experience easier than welcome! :) Go ahead and proceed to our following steps and get to know what supplies will be needed.

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There is not much that you need except for:

• A car that you are most comfortable driving in
• A car that is not too big (for beginners in driving)
• A car that is up to date with any inspections or things needed fixed (an example of this would be to not be driving a car that needs a new set of brakes, or a car that needs the headlights changed) 
• Someone to guide you outside of the car to watch you so that you don't accidentally hit a car.
• A parking spot that you feel comfortable in driving in
• Four parking cones in case you do not feel comfortable using cars yet to practice parallel parking

Take note that:

• MIRRORS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR PARALLEL PARKING

Having a backup camera is not enough and will not allow you to get the skills of parallel parking! Not all vehicles contain a backup camera so you should consider covering or ignoring the back up camera when parallel parking. Once you're able and confident to parallel park without a backup camera you can then incorporate them and it will be easy to use since you already have the skill of not using them.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• Parallel parking is a type of parking that most people almost always fail or have difficulty doing during their license driver's exam. With the use of our instructions we want to help you become a better driver and pass your exam!

Therefore...

The reason behind finding a good and comfortable car that you are able to drive in is because most people do not feel comfortable parking in a spot if they are not comfortable with driving their own car. Making sure to know your car beforehand and be used to driving the vehicle so it is not unknown to you it is important so you are able to use it properly. 

This is why we added a few examples of what is a good car to use, and what is a bad car to use. Having a smaller car is much more easier for you to park in because when parallel parking, the parking space is always very limited and sometimes can be a tight space as well. Not only that, but it is also difficult to find a parking spot that has a large amount of space. So when you are a beginner, DO NOT automatically begin learning how to parallel park in a big car such as a truck unless you own a truck and will be using that to drive in your everyday life to be able to get comfortable with using such a big vehicle when parallel parking.

When looking at the images at the top...

The right image is an example of what not to use because of its length. It is way too long for a beginner and is easier for you to hit another car.

The middle image is a perfect example of what is appropriate because it is not too big nor too small and the length is perfect size.

The left image is also an example of what not to use because of the height and length. It is very difficult to see what is in front and behind you. Also, due to the height, it makes it more difficult to see how close you are to the curb.

When you begin looking for a great spot to parallel park, use your turn signal lights to let others know that you are about to park in, as well as checking if your sight is visible and also visible in the mirrors. Make sure the parking spot is large enough for your vehicle to fit.

• align the end bumper of your car with the end of the bumper of the other car that is parked in front of where you are about to park

Note: BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS!!!!  (no car is coming, the car stopped to allow you to park in, or just being aware of the car in front and behind the spot you will be parking in)

• Check that it's safe to proceed parallel parking.
• When the end of both bumpers of the vehicle are aligned to the other car, reverse the car about 1/4 of the way to the middle. 

Before proceeding with this step, please be checking all your mirrors throughout the process of moving your car. Doing this will allow you to properly park your car in without hitting any of the cars or the curb.

• When the car is ¼ of the way to the middle, stop and turn the steering wheel to the direction that will lead your car into the parking space you chose.

Your car should now be diagonally in the parking space close to the curb

In this step, it is necessary for you to be steering the wheel ONLY WHEN IT IS NEEDED. When parallel parking, limiting the amount of steering you do, allows you to maintain the car as straight as possible.

• once the car is at a diagonal angle, close to the curb (neither too close, nor too far), turn the steering wheel all the way to the opposite direction of how you first turned it, making note of how straight your car is and turning the wheel when necessary for you.
• Begin reversing the car again, and begin aligning the car to the parking spot

Remember: do not turn the wheel when you don't need to.

Before doing this step, your car should already or almost be straighten up.

• When you believe your car is in good position and ready to straighten up, make sure your wheel is straightened and straighten the car as necessary and if necessary.

This is the last and final step that you have to do.

• When the car is parked well, make sure no car is coming your way, and you are all good to open your door, check and lock the car, then enjoy your day :)

Now that your car is positioned correctly, congratulate yourself! You have now learned how to parallel park!

Continue following these steps daily in order to become an expert in parallel parking!