Learning how to parallel park with confidence is critical to successful driving, particularly in urban areas where parking along congested streets is common. Before attempting to park between actual cars, many people practice parking in an area with no obstructions, using traffic cones set at a distance that represents two cars on the street with an open space between them. This method provides a safe option for mastering the art of parallel parking and gives the learner the skills needed to park without hitting cars.
Step 1
Practice parallel parking in an empty parking lot, placing two traffic cones approximately 25 feet apart to represent where actual vehicles would be if parking on the street.
Step 2
Approach the markers as if they were a vacant parking space on the street. Use your indicator to signal a right turn. Stop to the left side of the front marker, so that you are even with the cone and approximately 2 feet away.
Step 3
Look over your right shoulder and slowly back the car up, turning the wheel to the right and aiming the back of the car towards the right rear corner of the space between the markers.
Step 4
Turn the wheel one revolution to the left when your front seat is approximately 10 feet from the front cone to straighten out the tires.
Step 5
Turn the steering wheel quickly to the left as the car fully enters the parking spot and finish reversing into the parking spot. Straighten the car out if necessary, turning the steering wheel one revolution to the right while pulling forward.
Step 6
Repeat the process while approaching the markers from the opposite direction.
Warning
If you hit the markers, you are not ready to try parking between real cars. Keep practicing until you can maneuver the car perfectly between the cones.