Parallel parking is one of the manoeuvres you may be asked to do on your test. The secret is control: go slowly, and use reference points your instructor teaches you.
The method
- 1Signal left and pull up alongside the car in front, about a door's width away, with your rear bumpers roughly level.
- 2Select reverse. Do full all-round observations, including blind spots.
- 3Reverse slowly until the rear of your car is level with the back of the other car.
- 4Apply a full turn of left lock. Keep checking all around — especially for pedestrians and cyclists.
- 5When your car reaches about a 45° angle to the kerb, straighten the wheel and keep reversing slowly.
- 6When your front passes the rear of the parked car, steer to the right to bring the front in.
- 7Straighten up, finishing close and parallel to the kerb within about two car lengths.