Parallel Parking Step by Step – A Guide That Works

"Please park parallel backwards in the designated place". This sentence from the examiner often causes paralysis. Wrongly! Parallel parking is a purely technical maneuver. If you know the reference points, you will do it even with your eyes closed (which we obviously do not recommend!).

Why Is It So Difficult?

Because it requires sensing the dimensions of the car and precise steering at the right moment. On the exam, you have a specific space for this (length of your car + margin), but in everyday life, you squeeze in where there is free space.

Step-by-Step Instructions ("Pillar" / "Mirror" Method)

Let's assume you are parking behind a silver car standing by the curb on the right side.

Step 1: Starting Position

Drive up to the car behind which you want to park. Position yourself parallel to it, keeping a side distance of approx. 0.5 - 1 meter. Key point: Your right mirror should be at the height of the left mirror of that car (or your rear bumper level with its rear bumper if the cars are of similar length).

Step 2: First Turn

Put in reverse. Move slowly. When the rear axle of your car aligns with the rear bumper of the car next to you:

1. Stop (or roll very slowly).
2. Turn the steering wheel all the way to the right.

Step 3: Entering the Gap

Reverse slowly, looking in the left mirror. Reverse until you see the entire front of the car standing behind you (or both its headlights) in this mirror AND the curb forms an angle of approx. 45 degrees with your car. Alternative point: Look in the right mirror. Reverse until your car is at a 45-degree angle to the curb.

Step 4: Straightening

Straighten the wheels (usually 1.5 or 2 turns to the left, depending on the car). Reverse straight. Observe the right front of your car – it must pass the left rear of the car behind which you are parking. When your right A-pillar (windshield) passes the rear left corner of that car (or when your right mirror covers its rear lamp):

1. Stop/slow down.
2. Turn the steering wheel all the way to the left.

Step 5: Docking

Reverse further until the car is parallel to the curb. Observe the right mirror so as not to hit the curb, and the rearview mirror/camera so as not to hit the car behind. When you are parallel – STOP. Straighten the wheels. You can drive slightly forward to equalize the distances.

Most Common Mistakes

1. Turning right too early: You will drive onto the sidewalk or hit the curb with the rear wheel.
2. Turning right too late: You won't fit and will stick out onto the street.
3. Driving too fast: Precision in parking requires turtle speed. The clutch bite point is your friend.

Advice for the Exam

If you see that it won't work out – you have the right to a correction. If you haven't hit the line/curb and haven't created a danger, you can drive out and try to correct (within one task you have one correction, but it's better to do it smoothly).

Practice this maneuver on an empty parking lot with cones or cardboard boxes. This is the only way to feel these moments in a specific car model.