For some learners and experienced drivers, parallel parking is a manoeuvre that can be difficult. This is the one manoeuvre they find the most difficult, we will help you break the manoeuvre into sections so that you master each section at a time. With our instruction and top tips, you will be able to confidently complete this whether you are taking driving lessons or are an experienced driver.
This is an essential skill for all drivers and a manoeuvre that you may be asked to complete on your driving test.
What is parallel parking?
Essentially, parallel parking is where you park your vehicle in a parking space that is parallel to the road, often in a line of parked cars at the kerbside. It is considered one of the more difficult manoeuvres for learners and experienced drivers but most people become skilled at parallel parking with practice.
Parallel parking allows you to park in a space that isn’t much bigger than your car.
When will I need to parallel park?
If you need to park at the roadside where there is a parking spot big enough for your car but not big enough to drive forward into. Most commonly this will be in busy city centres or towns and residential streets. If you live in an area where you have to park on the street and spaces are at a premium this is something you will most likely have to do on a daily basis.
In brief – Most of the time, you’ll position your car roughly 1 metre side-by-side from the car you’ll be parking behind. You’ll then reverse into the space behind it, up to two car lengths, whilst straightening up and coming to a stop.
Our step by step guide on how to parallel park
Check your mirrors and blind spots as you approach the empty parking space to ensure it is safe to undertake this manoeuvre. Signal that you intend to stop alongside the vehicle. Stop your vehicle so that it is parallel to the car parked in front of the space you will be reversing into.
Stop your vehicle so that it’s parallel to and slightly ahead of the parked car the car parked in front of the space you want to reverse into, leaving approximately a metre of space between you. If there is oncoming traffic, you will need to wait until it’s safe to begin.
Check your positioning and observations, make sure you check all mirrors and blind spots regularly and if you notice anything approaching pause and allow them to pass before you continue.
If you have worked out reference points for this with your driving instructor use those to help you. Generally speaking, reverse back a little further, as this is safer than being too far forward.
When you start turning and reversing into the space the front of your car will move out into the road and any oncoming traffic which can be dangerous. Recheck your mirrors and blind spots and then only if it’s safe start to reverse slowly.
Turn your steering wheel one full rotation to the left, if you have given yourself enough room then this should be enough to avoid the other vehicle.
The next reference point to watch for is usually when the front-left corner of your vehicle has lined up with the rear-right corner of the parked vehicle. This may be different for you and your car, your instructor will be able to guide you on this. Always constantly check your mirrors and blindspots while doing this and stop to allow any approaching road users to pass safely before continuing.
When you reach the second reference point you need to put the steering wheel into a full, right lock, reverse very slowly, and gradually bring your vehicle parallel with the kerb. Keep checking your mirrors as you do this. Check your left-hand mirror to gauge your distance from the kerb. If you are not in the right position, go into first gear and move back to your previous reference point and then try again.
Once you are happy with the position of the vehicle, straighten up the steering wheel and come to a stop.
Top tips
Be precise, you want to be close to the kerb but not touching it.
Constantly check your mirrors and blind spots at every stage and if anyone approaches stop and let them pass before you continue.
Know your reference points, there are specific points on your car that help you know when to turn etc
Go slowly, this will help you to keep control of the vehicle and make it easier to correct any mistakes.
As long as you practice, remember to undertake the manoeuvre very slowly and stick to your reference points you will be able to do this safely whenever you need to.