How to Parallel Park

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How to Parallel Park

This method of parallel parking will allow you to park in virtually any parking space, as long as your car fits. The best thing about it is that it works consistently. Good luck, and have fun!

Michael Paul

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Step 1 of 7

Find a great parking spot. Preferably, it should be slightly longer than your car. Tight spaces are tough, though they can be done. The car in front is the "target car".

Step 2 of 7

Line your car up with the target car. A good guideline to follow is if you can see the (invisible) driver next to you, then you're lined up properly. Here, the back end happens to be aligned.

Step 3 of 7

Shift into reverse, turn the wheel almost all the way to the right, then advance backward until your third brake light is lined up with the cars right headlight. See rearview mirror.

Step 4 of 7

Once aligned, back straight toward that right headlight until your right front tire lines up with the left rear tire of the target car, as seen here.

Step 5 of 7

Turn your wheels almost entirely to the left, and slowly advance backward. Get as close to the rear vehicle as you can without bumping it. Go slowly. Inch by inch if needed. Watch the curb.

Step 6 of 7

Once you've gone as far back as you can go, straighten your wheels out and advance forward slowly until the bottom of the target car's back tires are barely visible over the hood of your car.

Step 7 of 7

And there you have it! A perfectly parallel park job.

You're Done

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Michael Paul

Sacramento, CA

about.me/michael.paul

Follower of tech talk/news, internet start-ups, entrepreneurship. Producer of @gfreetv. UX Designer at heart. Closet musician. My thoughts are my own.

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1 Car

1 Parking space (preferably longer than your car)

Patience

Ohhh I see, thank you!

Jessica Tsoi 7 months ago

It's the one in the middle ie rear windshield one

Ahmed Kamal 7 months ago

In the third stage, what do you mean by the 'third brake light'?

Jessica Tsoi 7 months ago

As a retired police Sgt., believe me when I say I wish more people (especially younger/& student drivers) could do this maneuver as described. You'll not be in such a panic & feel very confident in your parallel pkg! Great teaching video!

Albert Petrides 7 months ago

Could have used these instructions before hitting that cop.

Melanie Turnage 7 months ago

i thought all driver was taught the same thing, this is nothing new at all to me, but nice tut ;)

Victor Phan 7 months ago

I must try this next time...!

Mio Mitchinson 7 months ago

Great instructions, all drivers could probably benefit from this. Explanation and photos were clear.

Randi Benedict 7 months ago

I will totally need this when I learn to drive again :p

Malea Sager 7 months ago

Video!

Steven Ramkumar 7 months ago

You should end with a video demonstration!

Rahul Malik 7 months ago

Got any ideas on how to do a J-turn? ;)

Miss Apple 7 months ago

This is exactly how I was taught to reverse parallel park for my drivers test. Obviously on the other side of the road and car for me though haha really great job explaining, very clear!! :)

Laine Smith 7 months ago