How to Parallel Park Perfectly (Step-by-Step) - Driving Tips

Learn how to parallel park like a pro with the easy steps outlined in this video. These tips are perfect to prepare you for parallel parking on the driving test and pass easily.
Parallel parking is often one of the most difficult parts of the road test, but if you follow the step-by-step instructions outlined in this guide, it will be no problem for you to complete the maneuver.
Remember that you need to have enough space to be able to safely parallel park between two cars - this is especially important when you're learning how to complete the maneuver. As you grow more confident in your ability, you can take on smaller and smaller spaces to fine-tune your parallel parking skills. Remember to practice the maneuver a lot before taking your driving test.
1. Find a large enough parking spot
2. Place your car parallel to the car in front
3. Turn the wheel fully to the right and begin to reverse
4. Turn your wheels straight and reverse further
5. Turn your wheels fully to the left and reverse into position
6. Straighten your wheels and creep forward into position
If you're looking for more tips, we have an awesome guide that goes through how to parallel park to pass your road test, and we recommend that you read it here: zutobi.com/us/driver-guides/h...
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TIMESTAMPS
0:00 How to Parallel Park Perfectly on the Driving Test (Step-by-Step)
0:06 How to parallel park - Step 1
0:30 How to parallel park - Step 2
0:48 How to parallel park - Step 3
1:09 How to parallel park - Step 4
1:29 How to parallel park - Step 5
1:55 How to parallel park - Step 6
2:18 Summary - how to parallel park
3:01 Do you have to parallel park on the driving test?
3:24 How to parallel park with cones
3:55 Zutobi drivers ed
4:07 Outro

[@Zutobi_US]

Get 100% ready to pass your Permit Test with Zutobi : ed.zutobi.com/us It’s packed with interactive lessons, game-like learning, and detailed videos. And when it’s time for your Road Test, our video section will show you exactly what to do to become an excellent driver. Download Zutobi and get started on your journey today! DMV practice test: ed.zutobi.com/dmv-practice-test App Store: apps.apple.com/us/app/-/id1394069110 Google Play: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.driverlicenseapp Are you a driving school owner or instructor? Boost your business with Zutobi Instructor - the only tool you'll need to run it all. Manage students, schedule lessons, and get an infinite access to the best training materials: our BTW video course and Driver's Ed app. Click on the link below to register: ed.zutobi.com/driving-schools

[@PandaManArchives]

to be honest this is the best video I've watched on this topic, I'm 26 and last year I got out of a 7-and-a-half-year long depression and now I'm just trying to have a late start in life Thanks for the help

[@pandawithachainsaw9482]

I have a sister that’s in your exact same position. I wish you luck

[@shanecountryman4026]

Hugs🙌

[@astralspark0ltl285]

Best of luck, friend.I hope you never slip back into that rut.

[@sanjeewakirulapana3411]

I watched your videos while doing my training for the road test in the last two weeks. I had my road test today and I got my license on the first attempt. Thank you so much for the valuable videos. It helped me a lot.

[@sholotahloya2023]

This method is absolutely amazing! I tried to park using this way, and it was first time I nailed it. YOU ARE THE BEST xxx

[@motorpuppy7717]

Thank you, i’ve been driving for 45 years and avoided having to parallel park unless I had a passenger to get out and guide me in (even then I sucked at it.) Can’t wait to build up enough courage to try it on my own. Feels like my first time driving again.

[@ruelwoodward5351]

Most people don't do it ever again once passed

[@HWme]

You can do it!!

[@dotunn]

I avoid it too, been driving for 2 years now, i only try it when there's no car behind. I have had some embarrassing moments and can only hope the neighbours didn't see. But, I'm going to try this now for sure.

[@prodigyz9113]

Got My test today at 2pm wish me luck

[@Xavierworldd]

Did u get it ?

[@YahyaOozeerally-fi1gy]

Got it?

[@deltafire12]

Got it???

[@brendan_reaper]

Did you pass??

[@exomalic6530]

Mine is at 11:00 am today

[@hattag3399]

I need this when parking downtown LA thanks for this video.

[@priscillaasafo-adjei8737]

The best n clearest explanation.hope you hv reverse bay parking between two cars too

[@ob3463]

Great tutorial! Showing the expected view in the side mirrors is really helpful. Could you also make tutorials for perpendicular parking and diagonal parking both forwards and backwards?

[@mc_flairy3716]

Thank you for this video, a lot of your will for sure help me along the way before I take my test, you are amazing and truly a blessing for this generation, God bless you love. ❤😊❤

[@inkova7443]

This is best video about parking! Thank u so much 😍

[@rayanbille7373]

Thank you so much. This was really helpful.

[@Hamadabatikh]

Simaliaaaaaaaaa

[@pythonl0rd584]

thanks for this! nailed my license test first try

[@hectorhidal]

In European cities we usually park with much less space. Normally having half a meter more than the length of the car is enough to park in 3 or 4 maneuvers.

[@alexmedanchuk1759]

Definitely will try it, thanks

[@advocacynetworkafrica2141]

Good videos. We used them for many of our learners too. Thanks for making them accessible and easy to understand.

[@fgcfgc4485]

This is a good video. I didn’t learn/I’m not learning using the “mirror method” unfortunately because a lot of cars are different sizes and people park all kinds of crazy ways. But, these are really really phenomenal tips and pointers and they really guide you Honestly, it’s just a lot of practice I’m finally learning how to do it and the first few times I tried parallel parking, my back wheels went up on the curb, I was too far away, too close, I literally got tears in my eyes, I was so frustrated that I was like “screw this I’m never going to get it right, I don’t need to parallel park. I don’t need to drive “ And I actually didn’t do it for a whole week Then, when I went for my driving lesson, I was like OK let me write the steps & look at videos, ask my instructor for a lot of pointers, then just keep going no matter what Yesterday It was really shaky and I didn’t get it Perfect but I see the progress. And the improvement from the first time when I was in tears, wanting to give up, two yesterday, when I was like “I can actually do this “ Is what makes it worth it Unfortunately, in my state, certain cities will not make you parallel park, but the one I’m in does make you parallel park for the driving test. Trust me when I tell you it makes me want to switch to the DMV that does not make you do it. Lol. Personally, I don’t think parallel parking should be a part of the driving test, and a lot of states have taken it off of their curriculum all together. Curriculum as in the driving test. They show you how to do it during the lessons, but it’s not a deciding factor in passing the actual test.

[@Positivity69]

Thank You So Much! It was really helpful!

[@ELVISR6699]

*Excellent video...I never press like button...but for this video.. definitely YES👉*

[@likenilaa6615]

Video is wonderful, clearly explained it

[@abdulahadshamsi6358]

The best of method of teaching about parallel parking. I like it 100 percent,you explained everything very nicely with written texts. Please I want you make a very nice video like this about How to do 3 point turn correctly and perfectly? Thank you very much for hard working.

[@ZachV007]

The best video of parallels parking ever

[@riovuhuynh8350]

Thank you so much for the explanation.

[@VM-zp1cz]

After saw this video .I'm subscribed you are perfect trainer

[@conscience2370]

Great tip by using side mirrors. Thank you.

[@Zutobi_US]

Glad it was helpful!

[@S3r53]

Awesome video. I tried this today and I was really successful. I'm over the moon. Thank you so much Could you make a video on 45 degree reverse parking between 2 cars and without cars please please please? 🙏

[@ghostpuppet31]

Visualization of the immediate area is important and made easier if your paying attention when you pull up to the parking space. Try not to be rushed when parking because it matters as it's far easier to park a vehicle when you move at a calm, slow speed (almost a crawl). Stop the vehicle if you need to turn the wheel a lot, as it gives you time to do this and watch the front and rear movements while turning into the space.

[@lindthelegend]

If you are starting this can be good (use curbs) Here's how they taught us back in the day. You reverse and keep going till you see the end of the car you are starting with in that triangle shaped backseat window. Then you slowly turn your wheel to the right and keep going, When you see the you passenger's door knob above the curb in your own side mirror, You quickly turn the wheel to the left. After some time I could time it since I got used to the car. (No curbs around) After a year or so you can just easily park without even trying to remember these steps.

[@princemaverik]

This was very helpful for my test this weekend thank you

[@Zutobi_US]

Glad to hear that! Congrats!

[@ramoncabucana4817]

Thank you for sharing this video sir.. I will apply later.

[@helenbalmes382]

I watched this video before my road test and I passed for the first time. Thank you!

[@missbashari-um9jt]

Thanks for sharing this useful information 👍

[@bakeandcookwithhabibaj5317]

Thanks so much I needed this 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@zemichaelarefaine5035]

Thank you so much, I like your video

[@sarahbee593]

This is great, but there's a catch. On road tests there isn't always a second car behind the target space. Sometimes there's only a single car in front. Need to come up with a different reference point based on car in front for when to turn wheels straight again to continue backing up (in step 3).

[@milly7878l]

perfect tutorial. I appreciate you most. Keep on showing otherr ways.

[@Zutobi_US]

Thanks for the positive feedback! 😊 We're glad you found the tutorial helpful. Stay tuned for more driving tips and tricks. If there's a specific skill or topic you'd like us to cover, feel free to suggest! Safe driving! 🚗💡

[@dotunn]

New drivers have it easier as you have these clear animated videos to show this to you from all angles, when i was initially learning there were barely any videos for driving lessons in the whole of youtube back in the late 2000's

[@rafaelsantosjesus7972]

Thank you so much.

[@lindanorris1817]

Thank you very much for the video and very helpful great 💁‍♂️🌎👏🎈🧸🌝

[@Heisenberg2K]

Appreciate it very much mate

[@munnuraaj8680]

Thank you very much for this video.

[@Zutobi_US]

Thanks for spreading the word about our driving lessons! We hope more people can benefit from our content like you have! 🙂✌

[@upendralakshan6438]

Thankyou for this video

[@tealnoise]

I got tested on parking straight, but not parallel. The examiner even circled straight and not parallel. Unfortunately I failed but will have to practice just in case. Helpful tips & video.

[@Zutobi_US]

Have you passed your test now? All the best!

[@viviannatorres4908]

Thank you!

[@gillianmurphy4280]

Great video for learner or new drivers

[@Zutobi_US]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@smitapillai5918]

The video is amazing :) , can you help the beginners with 90 degree reverse parking video same like this.

[@lisaalmen7335]

Thank you so much Sir. Your video is very helpful.

[@Zutobi_US]

You're welcome! We're glad to hear that the video was helpful to you. Thank you for your kind words! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask.

[@iBFP.]

Im not new to driving and i watched the whole thing 🙂

[@kimiyaf2755]

Awesome 👏

[@KillaFromErzurum]

This technique is new for me. The Advantage of this is you don‘t go too far when you drive back. I will try it by my next drive.

[@KillaFromErzurum]

i had try it and it is more effiecent, easy, faster and better than the previous one i used before 😄😄👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@Zutobi_US]

Cool! Happy to hear that! :D I use this method whenever I have to parallel park. Works every time

[@rajuparmar1862]

Very nice trick

Thank for your video

[@reshasharma5598]

Great explanation

[@jfletcher1029]

The method shown is too dependent on the types of cars parked compared with your own. The best (and easiest) way is this: drive up alongside as in video; when your back wheels pass the back of the car alongside turn your steering wheel to full lock; when your driver side window passes the back of the car alongside turn your steering wheel to full lock in opposite direction. Done.

[@ultrasafeadvanceddrivertra9720]

Not bad. Instead of your rear wheel passing the back of the car and then turning hard - roll back to where you can see the back of passenger headrest, the turn hard. Its easier to see back of passenger headrest than guessing when the back tires have passed the vehicle. You'll need to go back a little further if its a truck or van. Then instead of waiting till the driver side window is past the back and then turn - begin hard turn in opposite direction when you can see the back bumper of the other vehicle. This way you can park in a smaller spot. I've been teaching this technique for 12 years. Every parent who has observed this technique has said this is the easiest. Slight modifications might be necessary depending on size of vehicles, your turning radius, how close other vehicle is to the curb, width of the lane in the street. Yours is the best so far (besides my technique). Keep doing it if it works for you.

[@MAUROtele]

It's actually the same, the method shown in this video adds an extra step, and it's required that you are not too close to the other car. Once you start backing up in a straight line at 45° you will reach the same point you reach in the method you described.

[@musasizifrednand1780]

I don't think....it can work on every car

[@jfletcher1029]

@@musasizifrednand1780 it will work on any vehicle which has wheels near its four corners and that can steer with average steering angle unless your vehicle is significantly longer than the adjacent vehicle.

[@jfletcher1029]

@Iyas kelu if the space is long, then yes, you do have time and space to do so. Full lock both ways ensures you can fit into the smallest gap but you have to be sure you don't swipe the car in front as you turn in. Straightening out helps with this but you need a bigger space to fit. Practice with a big space with either no cars or cars spaced way out - if you fully commit to full lock you'll find you'll slip right in, no straightening needed.

[@missanita9042]

I got it Thnx❤️

[@BABYWOLF--1966]

THANKS FOR POSTING MY STEERING WHEEL IS ON THE RIGHT AND I DRIVE ON THE LEFT LONDON 🇬🇧

[@shardamohabir2955]

Thank you for sharing this my road test is tomorrow 🙏🏻

[@Zutobi_US]

You're welcome! Best of luck on your road test tomorrow. You've got this! 💪🍀

[@mohotasimkabir715]

way more useful than I thought it'd be haha

[@Zutobi_US]

Glad I could help!

[@yussifmohamed2siad251]

thank you very much

[@joshuacherian6718]

Excellent tip👍

[@Zutobi_US]

Glad it was helpful!

[@anandapadmanaban718]

Very effective communication

[@YahyaOozeerally-fi1gy]

Bomboclaaat maan thanks

[@rsrs6959]

Thank you so much. This is so helpful. Can you please also make a video on how to back out of parking. I am usually worried about the turning and not knowing if I am too close to the vehicles beside me so I usually back up a lot and then turn but in tight spots or when there is not enough room behind then it is quite difficult.

[@tutsecret499]

Why you have to backup and complicate your life. Can't you park going towards it with the front of your car? I avoid to back up at all cost, because of blind spots, special in small street with a lot cards parked, and the cars coming, and I can't see cars coming, it's hard to gamble.

[@rsrs6959]

@@tutsecret499 You mean reverse park so you can see better when exiting ?

[@kamalmalic3939]

Excellent

[@saramoh2041]

Thank you👍

[@Zutobi_US]

Welcome 👍

[@annploetz8916]

Exactly how I was taught.

[@shah6909]

very technically explained . but what if the car we parked parallel the first step is longer than ours ?

[@bryanchen4879]

just make sure the rear bumpers line up

[@marcmaatouk765]

Thank youuu

[@christak122]

Thank you very much

[@Zutobi_US]

You are welcome

[@gloriaduarte5093]

Me.gustaria escucharlo en español. Pero con las imajenes me ayudo bastante. Grs✨✨✨😌

[@onlymailz]

Amazing video. Please make video on 90° reverse parking. Thank you.

[@Zutobi_US]

Thanks! Noted! Thanks for your suggestion!

[@Kadebeck69]

Never done this before and my drivers test is tmrw, wish me luck

[@vandetgaming]

Good video

[@mammy4ya]

Got my test today at 1pm !! Wish me luck !! This is my 4th time ! 😅

[@Calamity8]

Thanks

[@sanjuflightxr1]

Great technicals. I do parallel parking very easy but this is very technical. thank you!. Can you please tell me what is graphics software used for the visualization?

[@Zutobi_US]

Adobe AE :)

[@kamilpasayev4312]

Excellent explanation👍👍👍👍👍

[@Zutobi_US]

Thank you for your kind comment. Happy driving!

[@ryshaunbrooks3517]

Road test is this Tuesday…. Never been more nervous

[@travisdarnelllittle1583]

This video is helpful

[@Zutobi_US]

Happy to hear that! :)

[@cossie4664]

Forgot the mirror alignment. Judge the cars rear wheels are aligned with the rear bumper of the parked car. This takes away any variation in car lengths. Use that mirror method parking a small car next to a people mover and you risk bumper to fender collision.

[@kibromtewolde2954]

Nice

[@2244khan]

At stage number 2, make sure the distance between the two cars is about 2.5 feet.

[@salemogla1495]

Good job

[@Zutobi_US]

Thanks

[@lot5953]

You should mention how to measure if the space is large enough to fit your car looking from inside your car.

[@vsandoval4900]

Gracias

[@-myal-8691]

I didn't parallel park successfully on my driver's test but was passed anyway. I didn't realize that was a do it or fail in most states.

[@Zutobi_US]

Sometimes you are lucky hehe

[@rejoicearabang1088]

Eish difficult parking for me a hit cone yesterday on yard test eish !wl try it again hope I wl pass

[@modo203]

nice, but word of caution. With this method, your rear wheel will hit the curb too soon if the reference car is narrower than yours.

[@tutsecret499]

What if a pickup has bicycle racks sticking out taking space, or even other longer thing they attach, so what's the referential landmark to stop my car to start the reverse, should I align with the end of the rack? or go find another parking space with car with no racks.

[@shigabim]

I hope you have a video using small cones huhu

[@vch3547]

Seems detailed and a bit complex,but I like the summary at the end.I can write it down ; study and memorize it.

[@Saa42808]

Live in NYC for a year you will learn all the driving skills. Driving yellow is much faster. 👍

[@Zutobi_US]

No problem. Thanks for sharing

[@allanjoel6571]

can i turn the steeering fully to right when the car is stationary (step 1) or car should come back little and start to turn righr??before starting to reverse park?

[@Sick_Pencil]

Make sure the car is stationed correctly before you turn the steering wheel.

[@iamcollinlam]

But then if using cones to practise, what to look at at the back mirror ?

[@karahanemre]

İstanbul da yaşayıp bu videoları aratıp park etmeyi öğrenmek isteyen varsa boşuna tıklamayın öyle bir video henüz yok 😂 çoğu zaman direksiyonu duzleyip geri gelme hamlesi yapacak boşluk bile kalmıyor bize farklı bir eğitim şart :)

[@johorakhanom1315]

Hi there, could you please show the switches. Thanks . Swapna

[@sayedms1669]

Wow

[@marycastro3917]

Yes

[@cllr.lafayetteb.gouldsr.9465]

if you are using a comb or a tyre in place of a car, how far should you be away from the comb, and which part of the car should align with the comb?

[@Zutobi_US]

To parallel park with great skill, whether you're using a comb or a tire: 1. Ensure your car's front bumper lines up with the front of the comb (or tire). 2. Keep a 12-inch (30-centimeter) gap between them. 3. Turn the steering wheel fully and commence backing up. 4. As your car's rear bumper aligns with the comb (or tire), turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction to make it straight. 5. Keep backing up until you're neatly parallel to the curb. 6. Practice and refer to the video for more wisdom! 🚗🅿️👍

[@Rodessenth]

I have a driver's license and I still have no idea how to park. The driving school's car had a strip that I could see through the mirror which I used as a cue, when it was above the curb I just went left and it was in.