Parallel and angle parking

By the end of this topic you can

• You can reverse parallel park close to the kerb in one smooth sequence.
• You can angle park correctly where signs or markings allow it.
• You can use reference points on your car to judge position.
• You can secure the car and leave a parking space safely.

What you need to know and understand

• Parallel parking is the normal way to park unless a sign says otherwise.
• Park facing the direction of traffic, parallel and as close as possible to the kerb, within any marked bay.
• Leave at least 1 metre in front of and behind other parked vehicles.
• On a one-way street you may also park on the right side.
• Angle park only where signs or markings allow. Unless they say otherwise, park at 45 degrees with the front of the car to the kerb.
• Before leaving the car, apply the park brake. If you go more than 3 metres away, take the key out and, if nobody is left in the car, lock the doors and windows.
• Check for cyclists and traffic before opening your door, and indicate for at least 5 seconds before pulling out.

Reverse parallel parking, step by step

1. Check your mirrors, indicate left and stop alongside and parallel to the car you want to park behind, leaving a small, safe gap between the two cars.
2. Check all around, including your blind spots, then reverse very slowly.
3. As your rear bumper passes the other car's rear bumper, steer sharply left until your car is at about 45 degrees to the kerb. A common reference is your left front door lining up with the other car's rear bumper.
4. When your front bumper is clear of the other car's rear bumper, turn the steering wheel fully right and keep reversing slowly.
5. As your car comes parallel with the kerb, straighten the wheels and stop.
6. Move forward to centre the car, leaving at least 1 metre to the vehicles in front and behind.

Angle parking

Most angle bays are entered forwards. Approach slowly, indicate early, check your mirrors and blind spot, and start turning when your front bumper lines up with the first line of the bay. Aim for the centre of the bay and stop with your wheels just short of the kerb.

Some places have signs telling you to reverse into angle bays. Follow the sign. When reversing out of an angle bay, move back slowly, look over both shoulders and give way to traffic and pedestrians.

Reference points and practice

Reference points are spots on your car, such as a door handle, mirror or windscreen edge, that line up with something outside, like a kerb or another car's bumper, when the car is in the right place. They differ for every car, so work out your own with your supervisor.

If a park goes wrong, it is fine to stop, pull forward and start again. Taking a second go safely is much better than touching another car or the kerb.

Common mistakes

• Reversing too fast. Keep it to a crawl so small steering changes work.
• Forgetting the front of the car swings out when you steer. Check the front and the road beside you.
• Stopping too far from the kerb. Aim to be close and parallel.
• Parking closer than 1 metre to another car, which makes it hard for them to get out.
• Opening your door without checking. Look for cyclists and traffic in your mirror and over your shoulder.

Test yourself: Parallel and angle parking

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Parking Rules in Australia