How to reserve into a parking space like a pro

Step1: Find a good parking spot and flip on your turn signal

Step2: drive 2 spots past the spot where you want to park

Line up your rearview mirror with the third parking line (counting from your target spot).

Distance from parked cars: Keep less than 1 foot (0.30m) away

Step3: Turn your wheel in the direction of the spot until it locks

1. Shift into reverse and turn the wheel fully in the direction of the parking space.

Right-side spot? Turn fully right.

Left-side spot? Turn fully left.

2. This method eliminates guesswork, ensuring a precise and consistent turn every time.

Step4: Turn your head to see where you are going as you reverse.

1. Check all directions, even if using a backup camera.

2. Turn around and look in the direction your car is moving.

3. Adjust if needed:

If too close to another car, stop.

Pull forward slightly and turn the wheel slightly away from the spot.

4. Rely on your own vision, especially during driving tests where backup cameras may not be allowed.

Step5: Straighten your wheel to finish backing into the spot.

1. Reverse slowly and watch your rear bumper.

2. Begin straightening the steering wheel once the rear bumper is about halfway into the spot.

3. Continue until your rear tires are parallel with the parking lines.

Step6: Move straight back to the end of the spot.

Step7: Check your space and adjust as needed.

How to Parallel Park Your Car in Four Simple Steps

First, find a safe and legal parking space, starting with wider spots if you're a new driver. Check for parking signs, restrictions, and obstacles like open gutters or rocks. Ensure the space is at least 3-4 feet longer than your car or about 1.5 times its length for easy parking.

Follow these four simple steps to parallel park your car effortlessly.

Step1: Position your car

Position your car parallel to the parked vehicle in front of the available space, maintaining at least one arm’s distance but no more than half your car’s width. Align either your rear wheels with the back of the parked car or your mirrors with the adjacent car’s mirrors for better visibility. If space allows, positioning your rear tires slightly beyond the parked car’s rear can also work.

Step2: reversing in

Lock the steering to the extreme left, engage reverse, check mirrors, and start backing up. Keep an eye on the car behind through the IRVM and the front car’s rear. Look over your shoulder for better visibility. Reverse until your front wheels align with the rear of the front car, using the ORVM to monitor spacing. If using a reverse camera, follow the dynamic guidelines while also judging spacing manually.

Step3: straighten up and turn the car back in.

Straighten the steering and continue reversing as your car nears the pavement and rear parked car. Use the passenger-side ORVM to monitor surroundings. Once the front clears the parked car, turn the steering in the opposite direction while ensuring enough space at the front and rear. Use parking sensors and the reverse camera for guidance but rely on visual judgment for precise maneuvering.

Step4: The final alignment of the car

Once in the parking space, straighten the steering and adjust as needed. Align with the front car’s license plate or check the ORVMs for proper positioning. Look over your shoulder and adjust mirrors for a final space check.