Driving guides/How to parallel park, step by step
How to parallel park, step by step
To parallel park, signal, pull up alongside the car in front of the space, back in slowly with the wheel turned toward the curb, straighten as your front clears that car, then centre yourself and stop within 6 to 18 inches of the curb, depending on your state's standard.
Parallel parking is not on the written test in most states, but several road tests require it, and the written test asks how close to the curb you must park.
Step by step
- Find a space large enough for your car, and signal that you are stopping (and, to the right, that you will back up).
- Pull up alongside the vehicle in front of the space, parallel to it and about two to four feet away (New Jersey's manual).
- Check all around, then turn your body to look out the rear window. Release the brake and back up slowly.
- After about two feet, turn the steering wheel fully toward the curb (to the right on the usual right-hand curb). Washington's guide says to keep backing slowly until your front bumper is level with the rear bumper of the car you are parking behind, then turn the wheel sharply and back into the space.
- When your front has cleared the rear bumper of the car ahead, stop and check your angle and that your rear wheel has not touched the curb.
- Turn the wheel fully the other way and keep backing slowly so the front swings in. Stop before you touch the car behind you.
- Straighten the wheels and pull forward to centre the car in the space.
How close to the curb
The standard depends on the state. These come from the manuals:
| State | Closest standard | Source |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | No more than 6 inches from the curb | Driver Manual |
| Washington | No more than 12 inches from the curb | Driver Guide |
| Georgia (road test) | Within 18 inches of the curb, in a space 22 feet by 10 feet | Drivers' Manual |
Leaving the space
Before you pull out, check traffic in all directions. Washington's guide says to place your foot on the brake, shift to reverse and back as far as you safely can toward the car behind, then pull out when the road is clear.
Related road signs
Keep reading
Common questions
It depends on the state. New Jersey's manual says no more than 6 inches, Washington's guide says no more than 12, and Georgia's road test allows up to 18 inches. Use your own state's manual for the number it tests.
Turn it fully toward the curb as you start backing in, then fully the other way once your front has cleared the car ahead.
Georgia's road test uses a 22-foot by 10-foot space. In daily driving, look for a gap clearly longer than your car.
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Sources, checked 2026-10-08: New Jersey Driver Manual (rev. 09/25); Washington Driver Guide (2025); Georgia Drivers' Manual (DDS-2203-P). Written in our own words; follow your state’s manual for the exact wording and numbers.