Parallel parking is one of the biggest fears for new drivers. In fact, around 74% say it’s the hardest part of their test. But the truth is, once you break it down into clear steps, it’s much easier than it looks.
You don’t need to be perfect the first time. With some practice and patience, parallel parking becomes just another skill—like signaling or stopping at a red light. This guide will show you how to do it step by step and help you feel more confident when it’s your turn to try.
Why Parallel Parking Matters for New Drivers
If you live in a busy town or city, parallel parking is almost unavoidable. It’s a common reason people fail their test, not because it’s impossible, but because nerves get in the way. The good news is that with practice, it becomes second nature.
Learning this skill saves time when parking, makes city driving less stressful, and helps you pass your test. During driving lessons, most instructors teach this early on so you can get comfortable before your exam.
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Step 1: Get Into the Right Position
Pull up next to the car in front of the space. Leave about 2–3 feet between your car and theirs, and make sure your back bumper lines up with theirs. This setup makes the rest of the maneuver much easier.
Many beginners rush this step, but good positioning is half the job done. Take a deep breath and line yourself up calmly before you start reversing.
Need extra help with positioning? Book automatic driving lessons where your instructor can guide you through it slowly.
Step 2: Start Reversing Slowly
Shift into reverse and move back at a steady pace. Turn the wheel toward the curb as you go, keeping an eye on your mirrors and blind spots. When your back wheel is level with the other car’s bumper, start to straighten the wheel.
The trick here is patience. The slower you go, the easier it is to adjust if things don’t look right. Speeding up only makes mistakes harder to fix.
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Step 3: Straighten Up and Adjust
As your car slides into the space, keep turning the wheel as needed to line up with the curb. Aim to park about 6–12 inches away from it. If you’re too far or at an angle, don’t panic. Just pull forward a little, adjust, and back in again.
Even experienced drivers need to correct themselves sometimes. The key is to stay calm and not rush.
Want to know the cost of driving lessons that include more practice on parking? Ask schools about lesson packages so you can focus on tricky skills like this.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make
- Forgetting to signal before pulling in.
- Turning the wheel too early or too late.
- Rushing and skipping mirror checks.
These are normal mistakes, and you’ll improve with practice. Most learners start to feel comfortable after just a few tries with an instructor.
If parking makes you nervous, book automatic driving lessons near me and request extra time to focus on this maneuver.
Start Your Driving Journey with Confidence
Parallel parking can seem like the hardest part of learning to drive, but once you know the steps, it’s manageable. With the right instructor, practice becomes less stressful and more rewarding.
If you’re ready to learn, book driving lessons, check the cost of driving lessons, and explore automatic driving lessons near me. A good driving lesson will give you the confidence not just to pass your test but also to handle real-life driving situations with ease.