Essential Tips to Master the Art of Reverse Parallel Parking

For many drivers, regardless of their experience level, reverse parallel parking can be a daunting chore. So, many avoid it.

But, it’s often easier than trying to park in a space forwards.

When you reverse, the car swings more when you steer. So, with the right technique, you can fit into tighter spaces more nimbly.

Preparing to Park – the ‘marker’

Figure 1 – Starting point

You need a space around 50% longer than your car. Signal left and drive up next to the vehicle in front of the space. We’ll call this vehicle your marker.

Make sure your wheels are straight, and be about a door’s width away from your marker. If you like, you can drive forward a little to straighten your wheels (Figure 1).

The ‘One Full Turn’ Process

Step 1: Start Backing Up

Figure 2 – Steer left

Select reverse and have a good look round – particularly into the space you want to park in. Keep observing all around as you reverse slowly in a straight line.

Back up to where you can see the back of your marker car in your rear passenger window. Once you can, you won’t hit the marker when you steer (Figure 2).

Figure 3 – Steer right

Now, as you reverse slowly, steer one full turn to the left (not full lock).

Check your right side mirror and blind spot when your car starts to swing into the space. The front of the car will be swinging out to the right, so it’s important to check for hazards there.

When your car is pointing around 45 degrees, or 2 o’clock, to the right, steer one full turn to the right. This straightens your wheels (Figure 3).

Step 2: Move in

Figure 4 – Steer right again

Continue reversing until your left door mirror is level with the right door mirror of the marker (Figure 4).

Turn the steering wheel another full turn to the right. This will bring the front of your car in towards the kerb.

Step 3: Straighten up

Figure 5 – allow the front of the car to swing in

When your vehicle is completely in line with the marker car, and you are a reasonable distance from the kerb, turn the steering wheel one full turn to the left. This will straighten your wheels (Figure 6).

Figure 6 – Steer left

If there’s still space behind you, continue to reverse slowly back until you are safely in the parking space, with an equal gap behind and ahead of you. Make minor steering adjustments as you go.

Tips for Perfecting Your Technique

Pace: Slow feet, fast hands. Your steering should be brisk, and your speed as slow as you can.

Steer less to adjust: Once in the space, minor adjustments can be made, but any steering you use must be cancelled by steering an equal amount the other way before straightening.

Mirrors: Many people don’t have their side mirrors adjusted properly – you should be able to see about two thirds road, and one third sky.

Don’t get flustered: Other motorists may try and pass you while you’re parking. Let them. Just make sure you’re not moving when they are.

Practice: Find a quiet road to refine your technique.

Don’t stare: Keep looking around throughout the process, so you don’t miss any hazards. Try not to stare into one mirror, or at your camera if you have one.

Keeping your speed dead slow gives you more time to perfect the reverse parallel park. 

If you follow these tips, you’ll be looking forward to showing off your technique to your examiner!