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Parallel Parking

Reverse in at ~40°, roll back to the gutter, then swing parallel.

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How to use this sim

Watch the app drive the maneuver the correct way — with the right order and timing. Follow the narration and the checklist as each step is done for you. Hit Restart to watch it again anytime.

Step by step

  1. 1Positioning. Pull up even with the parked car — door bar to door bar (bumper to bumper for longer cars) — about 1 meter (3 ft) out and straight in the lane. Shift to Reverse and dry-steer all the way to the right.
  2. 2Entering. Check your blind spots a full 360° and look back through the rear passenger window. Reverse at idle speed — no gas — and stop when the car reaches about a 40° angle to the curb.
  3. 3Roll back at 40°. Dry-steer 1½ turns back to the left to straighten the wheels, then reverse slowly at idle, straight back at 40°. Stop when your mirror shows the top of the rear tire just outside the gutter.
  4. 4Straightening out. Dry-steer all the way to the left and reverse at idle until the car is parallel to the curb. Then shift to D, dry-steer 1½ to the right, pull forward to center in the space, and set the parking brake.

💡 Pro tip

Park by reference points, not feel: line up door-to-door to start, stop the swing at 40°, and watch your mirror for the rear tire to clear the gutter. Reverse at idle the whole time — no gas — so you can stop the instant a reference lines up.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Using the gas instead of idling — creep slowly so you can stop exactly on each reference point.
  • Starting too far forward or back — line up door-to-door with the car ahead before you begin.
  • Straightening the wheel too early, leaving the nose sticking out into the lane.