If you’ve never parallel parked before, consider bringing plastic bins or cones to a parking lot and practice parallel parking between them. Always make sure it’s safe and legal to park in a spot beforehand. Note any time limits or pay-for-parking signs so you aren’t surprised later on.
In most cases, you’ll be parallel parking on the right side of the road, which is why you’ll use your right turn signal. If you’re parking on the left side of the road, use your left turn signal instead.
Conceptually, envision pushing the steering wheel in the direction that you want the back of the car to go. Avoid swinging the front of your vehicle into the space too early, as you may hit or scrape the vehicle in front of you.
Another good indicator to begin turning the wheel the other way is when the license plate on the vehicle in front of your space is centered in your windshield.
Remember, you’ll still be in reverse at this point. If you need to drive forward, switch to drive first. Leave enough room in front of you and behind you so that the cars around you can pull out if needed.
Use your rear view mirror and your side mirror as well as turning in your seat to triple check that no cars are coming before you pull out again.
