Parallel Parking

Approach (safe, legal, smooth)

• Make sure it’s safe and legal: avoid blocking driveways, being too close to junctions, or stopping on double yellows. See the Highway Code (Waiting & Parking).
• Initial approach: Apply the MSPSL routine. If a car is behind you, slow down gradually so you don’t surprise them.
• Start position: Roughly an open car-door width from the parked car; your boot looks level with theirs.

Routine & reference points (full turns only)

There are many techniques, but this one works well: left, right, right, left — your instructor may tweak it for their vehicle.

• Full left when both car boots are level.
• Full right when you see a 45° “pizza slice” in your left mirror (bonnet pointing ~2 o’clock).
• Full right again when the kerb disappears in your left mirror.
• Straighten (left) when you look parallel / directly behind the front car.

Observations, priorities & reversing aids

• Observations: Do a full 360° check before you begin. While reversing, mainly look over your left shoulder, and glance ahead for updates. Each time you steer right, look over your right shoulder too.
• Reversing cameras or sensors: These can be a helpful aid for low obstacles or judging distance, but they must not replace your observations. Use the camera briefly as a reference only — your main focus should be out of the windows and mirrors, checking all around for hazards.
• Priorities: You do not have priority during the manoeuvre. Stop for approaching vehicles and always for pedestrians nearby; continue only when you’re sure it’s clear.

1. Prepare the car, then look all around you, starting from the left shoulder and finishing over the right shoulder (six checks for a full 360°). Only pull out if the road is clear.
2. After moving out, check your interior mirror before stopping beside the parked car. If someone is behind you, signal and stop gently; if nobody is around, no signal is required.
3. Use the handbrake if necessary (e.g., on a hill), select reverse, and cancel your signal if it’s on. Your reverse light now shows others you intend to reverse.
4. Prepare the car again with the clutch at biting point so you don’t roll when releasing the handbrake. Avoid too high a bite or you’ll reverse too quickly.
5. Once ready, look all around (right to left). If safe, release the handbrake.
6. As soon as the car moves back, steer one full turn left (when your boot is in line with / just after the back end of their car). Avoid dry steering.
7. If you need to slow slightly, just dip the clutch. Keep looking over your left shoulder.
8. Glance in your left door mirror (don’t stare). When you see a “pizza slice” angle, glance over your right shoulder and steer one full turn right. Stopping briefly to check is fine — observations are more important than prettiness.
9. Keep reversing slowly, scanning all around, especially over your left shoulder. Imagine it’s busy (e.g., school finishing) even if it seems quiet.
10. Soon, steer one full turn right again. A good cue is when the kerb drops under the front of your door handle (varies by car). Steer quickly enough but avoid over-steer and dry steering.
11. The front will swing into the space. Keep very slow and stop for approaching vehicles or pedestrians — you don’t have priority.
12. When the vehicle looks parallel with the kerb, quickly straighten the wheels (steer left). You may reverse a touch more to finish straight if needed.
13. Keep checking behind while reversing; watch for pedestrians or vehicles appearing behind/around your car.

• No waving: Don’t wave cars or pedestrians on — it can mislead others and may be marked as a fault.
• Pause before turns: Early on, stop briefly to identify each turning point. Accuracy first; flow comes later.
• Don’t mount the kerb: Take a shunt (move forward to create space) if needed — allowed on test. Always re-check all around before moving.