Parallel Parking Strategy
Even the tough "Parallel Parking" test is not scary if you know the theory!
We explain "How far to back up and when to turn the wheel" in a step-by-step format with diagrams.
Overview & Preparation
Parallel parking is parking your car parallel to the road. Let's grasp the procedure first.
▲ First, visualize the whole movement!
🛑 Important! Safety Check Before Backing
Stop with about 1m gap between your car and the pole.
And before backing up, always check rear safety.
*Missing this is a point deduction in the exam!
Stop with about 1m gap between your car and the pole.
And before backing up, always check rear safety.
*Missing this is a point deduction in the exam!
Step 1: Turn Wheel Left
1. Back up Straight
First, back up with the wheel straight.
Stop when you can see the pole slightly from the rear left door window!
(The rear end of the car is aligned with the pole)
First, back up with the wheel straight.
Stop when you can see the pole slightly from the rear left door window!
(The rear end of the car is aligned with the pole)
▲ When car's rear aligns with pole, turn wheel FULLY LEFT!
2. Turn Fully Left
Once aligned, turn the steering wheel fully to the left and back up slowly.
Once aligned, turn the steering wheel fully to the left and back up slowly.
Step 2: Back up Straight
Next is the phase where you angle the car in. The stopping point here is crucial.
▲ Stop when you see the "Far Back Pole" in the right mirror!
3. Check Right Mirror
As you back up turning left, the pole behind will appear in your right side mirror.
Stop exactly when the last corner pole is fully visible.
This is the perfect angle for entry!
As you back up turning left, the pole behind will appear in your right side mirror.
Stop exactly when the last corner pole is fully visible.
This is the perfect angle for entry!
4. Return Wheel
Here, return the steering wheel to straight.
Here, return the steering wheel to straight.
Step 3: Turn Wheel Right
Finally, finish by putting the car's rear into the frame.
▲ When left corner aligns with pole, turn wheel FULLY RIGHT!
5. Back up Straight
Back up slowly while keeping the angle.
Turn the wheel fully to the right when the car's left front corner (bumper corner) aligns with the front pole.
(At this time, the right rear wheel is entering the frame)
Back up slowly while keeping the angle.
Turn the wheel fully to the right when the car's left front corner (bumper corner) aligns with the front pole.
(At this time, the right rear wheel is entering the frame)
⚠️ Watch the Timing
● Too early: Hit the front pole.
● Too late: Left rear wheel goes too deep and drops off (Datsurin).
If unsure, you can stop and stick your head out the window to check.
● Too early: Hit the front pole.
● Too late: Left rear wheel goes too deep and drops off (Datsurin).
If unsure, you can stop and stick your head out the window to check.
6. Finish
Back up slowly checking with eyes and mirrors, and complete when the car fits inside the frame!
Back up slowly checking with eyes and mirrors, and complete when the car fits inside the frame!
We used poles for easy visualization, but in reality, you park between cars, so treat the pole as a car and operate calmly and slowly!
Training for Success!