The complete step-by-step guide to parallel parking for your UK driving test. Learn the technique, reference points, common mistakes, and expert tips.
6
Steps
Hard
Difficulty
High
Test Chance
#1
Most Practised
Pull up alongside the parked car you want to park behind. You should be roughly level. your door mirrors aligned with theirs. and about half a metre to a metre away.
Select reverse gear. Check all mirrors and both blind spots. Look through the rear window. When it's clear to proceed, begin reversing very slowly.
When the back of your car passes the rear of the parked car (use your reference point), steer one full turn to the left. Continue reversing slowly, checking all around.
When your car reaches roughly a 45-degree angle to the kerb (or your reference point), straighten the steering wheel. Continue reversing.
As the front of your car clears the parked car ahead, steer one full turn to the right to bring the car parallel to the kerb. Continue reversing until straight.
Straighten the wheels. You should be within one car length of the vehicle behind, reasonably close to the kerb (within about 30cm), and parallel to it.
Keep the speed below walking pace using clutch control (manual) or gentle brake (automatic). Speed is the number one cause of failed parallel parks.
Check all mirrors and blind spots before each steering change. Pause and look around regularly. the examiner marks observation heavily.
If you end up more than a car door's width from the kerb, pull forward and try again. Adjustments are allowed and show good awareness.
Use your left mirror to monitor the kerb distance. If the kerb is getting close, ease off the left lock or straighten slightly.
Position yourself no more than about a metre away from the parked car. Too far makes the angle much harder to judge.
If your rear wheel touches or mounts the kerb, stop immediately, pull forward, and reposition. Mounting the kerb can be a serious fault.
There's no time limit on manoeuvres. Slow and controlled beats fast and sloppy every time.
Mentally (or quietly out loud) narrate each step. This keeps you focused and helps avoid skipping observations.
The examiner expects corrections. Pull forward and adjust. that's a sign of good awareness, not a fail.
If a car approaches while you're mid-manoeuvre, stop and wait. Resuming safely scores well with the examiner.
Your instructor will have taught you specific reference points. Trust them. they're based on your seating position and the car you're using.
While the test only requires left-side parallel parking, practising on both sides builds confidence and spatial awareness.
Our instructors will help you nail it before your test day.