Photo: Raysonho, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Parallel parking is on the Ontario G2 road test, along with the three-point turn and the roadside stop. It is not on the G test for now. This guide gives the MTO handbook’s parallel parking steps, which way to turn your wheels on a hill, the legal distances to keep from hydrants and intersections, and how to do a three-point turn and a U-turn.
Is parallel parking on the Ontario road test?
| Manoeuvre | G2 road test | G road test |
|---|---|---|
| Parallel parking | Yes | Not included until further notice |
| Roadside stop | Yes | Not included until further notice |
| Three-point turn | Yes | Not included until further notice |
Parking aids such as automatic parking and back cameras may not be used on the test. You must show mirror and shoulder checks. What the examiner marks: Ontario G2 road test.
How to parallel park: the handbook steps
Look for a space about 1.5 times the length of your vehicle. Park on the right side, facing the direction of traffic. On a one-way road you may park on either side unless signs say otherwise.
- Check traffic, signal and pull alongside the vehicle in front of the space, about 1 metre from it.
- Stop when your rear bumper lines up with its rear bumper.
- Check all around and both blind spots. Reverse slowly, turning the wheel fully toward the curb.
- When you can see the outside rear corner of the vehicle in front, straighten the wheels and keep reversing.
- Turn the wheel fully toward the road to swing the front in line with the curb.
- If you are not parallel, drive forward to straighten.
- Set the parking brake and select park (first or reverse in a manual).
- Engine off, key out, check for traffic and cyclists before opening the door, lock the vehicle.
What loses marks
- Hitting or mounting the curb.
- Touching another vehicle.
- Ending up outside the space markings.
- Missing the signal, mirror or blind-spot checks when pulling out.
Parking on a hill in Ontario: which way do your wheels go?
| Facing | Turn the front wheels | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Downhill | Toward the curb or right shoulder | If it rolls, it goes into the curb, not traffic |
| Uphill, with a curb | Toward the road | The tires catch the curb if it rolls back |
| Uphill, no curb | Sharply right | If it rolls back, it goes off the road |
Memory aid: only uphill with a curb turns the wheels away from the curb. Every other case turns them right. Always set the parking brake as well.
Where you cannot park in Ontario
| Keep away from | Distance |
|---|---|
| A fire hydrant | At least 3 m |
| An open public entrance to a hotel, theatre or public hall | At least 6 m |
| An intersection | At least 9 m |
| An intersection with traffic lights | At least 15 m |
| The nearest rail of a level railway crossing | At least 15 m |
| A bridge | Not on it or within 100 m of it |
| A curve, hill or anywhere you cannot see 125 m both ways | Do not park |
Also never park:
- on the travelled part of a road (use the shoulder if you must stop)
- blocking a parked vehicle, sidewalk, crosswalk, pedestrian crossing or road entrance
- where you obstruct traffic or snow clearing
Municipal parking bylaws
Cities set their own parking rules, and the handbook warns that not all bylaws are posted on signs. Check your municipality’s rules on things like overnight and winter parking.
The roadside stop
- Mirrors and blind spot before slowing.
- Signal before slowing, unless a side road or driveway between you and your stopping point would make the signal misleading. Then signal after you pass it.
- Stop parallel to the curb, no more than about 30 cm away, without blocking an entrance.
- Cancel the signal, hazards on, park and parking brake.
- To leave: hazards off, left signal, mirrors and blind spot, accelerate smoothly, cancel the signal.
How to do a three-point turn
Use it to turn around on a narrow road. Never on a curve, near a railway crossing or hilltop, or near a bridge or tunnel that blocks your view.
- Start from the far right side of the road. Signal left.
- When clear both ways, move forward, turning sharply left toward the far curb.
- Stop before the curb and shift into reverse.
- Signal right. Check traffic again and back slowly, turning sharply right, to the other side.
- Stop, shift to drive, check traffic and drive off.
On the test, use the whole road, reverse only once, and do not touch the curb.
U-turns
- Illegal on a curve, on or near a railway crossing or hilltop, or near a bridge or tunnel that blocks your view.
- Never make one unless you can see at least 150 metres in both directions.
- Check that no sign prohibits it.
Reversing
- Turn and look over your shoulder in the direction you are moving: right shoulder for straight back or to the right, left shoulder for reversing left. Check the other side too.
- Watch the front end swing when you turn.
- Reversing on a divided road with a limit over 80 km/h, including its shoulder, is illegal except to help someone.
Accessible parking permits
Park in an accessible space only if the permit is yours or belongs to a passenger, and it is displayed. The same applies to accessible pick-up and drop-off areas. Misuse brings fines and loss of the permit.
Common questions
How big a space do I need to parallel park?
About 1.5 times your vehicle’s length, according to the handbook.
Can I use my backup camera when parallel parking on the test?
No. Back cameras and automatic parking may not be used.
How far from a fire hydrant do I park in Ontario?
At least 3 metres.
Which way do I turn my wheels parking downhill?
Toward the curb or the right shoulder.
Is there a three-point turn on the G test?
Not at present. Ontario has removed it from the G test until further notice because the G2 test covers it.
Can I park on the left side of a one-way street?
Yes, unless signs say otherwise.
More Ontario guides: intersections and roundabouts, sharing the road, booking your road test. Back to learning to drive in Ontario.
Sources
- Government of Ontario, “The Official MTO Driver’s Handbook: Parking along roadways” (ontario.ca)
- Government of Ontario, “The Official MTO Driver’s Handbook: Changing directions” (ontario.ca)
- Government of Ontario, “The Official MTO Driver’s Handbook: The Level Two road test” (ontario.ca)
- Government of Ontario, “Get a G driver’s licence: new drivers” (ontario.ca)