Angle, perpendicular, and parallel parking

Parking maneuvers are slow-speed skills tested on the road test. Each one follows a sequence: check traffic, signal, move slowly, steer at the right moment, then center and secure the vehicle.

Entering an angle or perpendicular space:

Identify the space and check traffic
Signal
Move forward slowly, steering left or right, until you reach the middle of the space
Center the vehicle, move to the front of the space, stop and secure it

Handbook p. 36 ↗

Parallel parking steps — Pulling into a perpendicular space

Exiting an angle or perpendicular space:

Check traffic in all directions with mirrors and head checks
Keep checking and back straight until your front bumper clears the vehicle beside you
Turn the wheel sharply in the direction the rear should move
When clear of the space, stop and shift to drive
Accelerate smoothly, straightening the wheels

Handbook p. 36 ↗

Entering a parallel space:

Identify the space (behind a parked car), check traffic, then signal
When clear, shift to reverse and look to the rear in the direction you'll move
Back slowly, turning the wheel rapidly, until your front bumper lines up with the rear bumper of that car
Back slowly, turning the wheel rapidly, to center the vehicle in the space
Stop before touching the bumper behind you; shift to drive and adjust

Handbook p. 36 ↗

Exiting a parallel space:

Check traffic in all directions with mirrors and head checks
Shift to reverse and back as close as possible to the vehicle behind
Check traffic and signal; shift to drive and move forward slowly, steering into the lane
Make sure your front bumper will clear the car ahead; if not, reverse and correct
Enter the lane when your door post clears the rear bumper of the car ahead

Handbook p. 36 ↗

Accessible parking space layout — Angled and perpendicular parking

Know the rule

Never open a door into traffic.

Handbook p. 35 ↗

Put it into practice

Leaving a parallel space, you realize your front bumper won't clear the car ahead. Stop, shift to reverse, correct your steering, and try again. Don't nudge past it.

Check your understanding

Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.

When entering a perpendicular or angle parking space, what should a driver do first?

Shift directly into reverse
Turn on the hazard lights
Back in from the travel lane
Identify the space and check traffic

Answer: Identify the space and check traffic

Drivers should first identify the parking space and check for traffic before proceeding.

Handbook p. 36 ↗

When pulling forward out of a parallel parking space, what should the driver make sure of?

That the front bumper will clear the vehicle ahead
That the wheels are pointed straight ahead
That the hazard flashers are on
That the rear bumper touches the car behind

Answer: That the front bumper will clear the vehicle ahead

Drivers should ensure the front bumper clears the vehicle ahead before moving forward.

Handbook p. 36 ↗

When exiting a parallel parking space, a driver should first back up as close as possible to the vehicle behind them.

True
False

Answer: True

Exiting a parallel spot starts with backing up close to the vehicle behind before pulling out.

Handbook p. 36 ↗

Backing out of a perpendicular parking space, how far should you back straight before turning the wheel?

Until your rear bumper reaches the traffic lane
Until your door post clears the car beside you
Until your side mirror passes the parked car beside you
Until your front bumper clears the car beside you

Answer: Until your front bumper clears the car beside you

Move straight back until the front bumper clears the vehicle parked next to you, then turn sharply the way the rear should go.

Handbook p. 36 ↗

Entering an angle or perpendicular space:

Exiting an angle or perpendicular space:

Entering a parallel space:

Exiting a parallel space:

Check your understanding

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