Parallel parking: the step-by-step guide that actually works
By Leo ·
Parallel parking is the road test's most feared maneuver — and the easiest to master once you stop improvising and use a reference-point method. This is the one we teach at Drivex.
Step 1: The setup is everything
Align parallel to the front vehicle, about 2-3 feet away, mirror to mirror. 80% of failed parallel parks start with a crooked setup. Take your time here.
Step 2: Reverse to your first point
Reversing slowly, when your side mirror passes the other vehicle's rear bumper, turn the wheel fully toward the curb. Your car starts entering at a 45-degree angle.
Step 3: The second reference point
When your left side mirror shows the headlight of the car behind — or when your seat passes the front car's bumper — straighten the wheel and continue straight back for a moment.
Step 4: Counter-steer and adjust
Now turn the wheel fully the opposite way. The nose swings in and the car aligns with the curb. Pull forward to center in the space if needed.
Practice the method 10 times with cones and it becomes automatic. Prefer to master it with an instructor beside you? It's a standard part of our road test prep: (787) 225-0907.