The Basics: How To Parallel Park

Theo TuckerJuly 16, 2025 - 2 min read

Parallel parking is one of the most challenging parts of learning to drive — but it doesn’t have to be. With the right reference points, a clear method (like the 1-2-1 technique), and plenty of practice, you’ll soon master this essential manoeuvre.

Whether you’re preparing for your driving test or just want to sharpen your skills, this guide covers everything you need to know about how to parallel park in the UK — step by step.

What is parallel parking?

Parallel parking is an essential skill that all drivers need to know how to perform correctly. Essentially, parallel parking involves putting your vehicle in a parking space that is parallel to the road, usually in a line of other parked cars.

Most of the time, you’ll position your car roughly 1 metre side-by-side from the car you’ll be parking behind. You’ll then reverse into the space behind it, up to two car lengths, whilst straightening up and coming to a stop.

Although it’s considered one of the more difficult manoeuvres that drivers have to perform, most people become skilled at parallel parking over time.

Why do you need to know how to parallel park?

You may be asked to perform one of the following manoeuvres as part of your practical driving test: bay parking, pulling up to the right-hand side of the road and reversing two car lengths, or parallel parking at the side of the road.

This means that there’s a 1-in-3 chance you’ll be asked to parallel park by your examiner, so you need to know how to do it correctly. You could fail your test if you lose control of the car when performing this manoeuvre or make a serious misjudgment.

You also need to know how to parallel park after you’ve passed your test and are out on the roads. It’s a reasonably common manoeuvre that drivers have to perform.

If you live in an area where parking spaces are at a premium, you’ll most likely have to parallel park on a daily basis.

When will you need to parallel park?

You’ll need to parallel park when a parking spot on a road is too small for you to drive forward into. Usually, there needs to be two empty parking spaces in a row for you to be able to park by driving forward. So, if there’s only one empty space, you know you’ll need to parallel park.

Performing a parallel parking manoeuvre means you can park in a space that isn’t much bigger than your car. The most common places you’ll need to do this are city centres, busy towns, or residential streets. In these places, parallel parking is often the only way to find a parking spot.

Will I need to parallel park on my driving test?

Yes, possibly. The DVSA examiner will ask you to perform one of three reversing manoeuvres during your practical driving test. These are:

Parallel park at the side of the road
Bay park (either reversing in or driving in and reversing out)
Pull up on the right, reverse two car lengths, and rejoin traffic

This means there’s a 1 in 3 chance you’ll be asked to parallel park.

What will happen if I fail my parallel park on my driving test?

You won’t automatically fail your test if your parallel park isn’t perfect. You’ll likely get a minor fault for small issues, such as finishing slightly far from the kerb. But if you make a serious error, such as:

Mounting the kerb
Failing to observe properly
Getting dangerously close to another vehicle

…then you may receive a serious fault, which results in a test failure.

Can you correct yourself when parallel parking on your driving test?

Yes! You are allowed to make adjustments — and in fact, it’s encouraged. If you realise you’ve misjudged your position, you can move forward to realign. Just make sure you keep your observations up throughout.

Can you fail your driving test on parallel parking?

Yes — but only if the mistake is serious or dangerous, or if your lack of observation puts others at risk. Rushing, hitting the kerb, or not checking your blind spots could all lead to a fail. So take it slow, be safe, and don’t panic if you need to correct your positioning.

How to parallel park: step-by-step

The easiest way to learn is by using the 1-2-1 method — a simple system of turning your steering wheel at key points.

1. Stop alongside the parked car

Find a suitable space (around 1.5x your car length).
Check your mirrors and blind spot.
Signal left if there are vehicles or pedestrians nearby.
Pull up parallel and slightly ahead of the parked car — about 1 metre away from it.

2. Check your positioning and make observations

Before reversing, do a full 360° observation.
Reverse slowly until your rear wheels line up with the back bumper of the car next to you (or use your instructor’s reference points).
Keep checking mirrors and surroundings.

3. One turn left – start reversing into the space

Turn your steering one full turn to the left.
As you reverse, your car will start angling into the space.
Check your left mirror and rear window constantly.
When your front-left corner lines up with the back of the parked car, pause.

4. Two turns right – bring your front in

While stationary, turn the steering two full turns to the right.
Reverse slowly again. Your front will now swing in towards the kerb.
Watch your nearside mirror to avoid hitting the kerb.

5. One turn left – straighten up

Once your car is parallel with the kerb, turn the wheel one full turn left to straighten.
Check your final position — you should be:
- Within 30cm of the kerb
- Not too far forward or back
If needed, make small adjustments.

This 1-2-1 method works for parking on the left-hand side. If you’re parallel parking on the right (less common), reverse the turns: right-left-right.

Top tips for parallel parking

Be precise – Make sure you steer precisely and keep a close eye on your left-hand mirror to gauge your distance from the kerb. You want to be close to the kerb but not touching it. If in doubt, re-adjust and try again.
Go slow – The slower you go, the easier it is to stay in control and make small corrections.
Use your mirrors – Your left-hand mirror helps judge the kerb. Your rear-view mirror shows how close you are to the car behind.
Know your reference points – Work with your instructor to identify visual markers (e.g. where to line up the mirrors or bumpers).
Always observe – Check all around before and during the manoeuvre. If another road user approaches, pause and let them pass.
Practice the 1-2-1 method – It’s simple, repeatable, and gives structure to your parking.

Common mistakes when parallel parking

Even experienced drivers slip up here. Here’s what to avoid — and how to fix it.

Turning too early or too late

Problem: Your car ends up at the wrong angle.
Fix: Use your reference points. Adjust by pulling forward and trying again if needed.

Being too far from the kerb

Problem: You finish the manoeuvre too wide.
Fix: Check your nearside mirror while reversing. Reposition by moving forward and reversing again with tighter steering.

Mounting the kerb

Problem: A clear fault in your driving test.
Fix: Reverse very slowly and steer more gradually. If you bump the kerb, stop and correct your position safely.

Hitting cones or another car

Problem: Dangerous and may cause you to fail.
Fix: Make sure the space is big enough before starting. Go slow and check your mirrors throughout.

Forgetting observations

Problem: One of the most common reasons for serious faults.
Fix: Check mirrors and blind spots constantly. Always pause if someone approaches.

Quick Recap

Here’s a handy reference for your next practice session:

Check mirrors and blind spots
Stop next to the parked car, 1 metre away
Reverse slowly and turn 1 full turn left
Turn 2 full turns right once clear
Turn 1 full turn left to straighten
Check mirrors and final position

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Parallel parking: the main takeaways

The parallel park manoeuvre is often one of the most feared amongst new drivers. But, you’ll need to know how to do it for your driving test, and you’ll use it often in day-to-day driving.

As long as you remember to keep it slow, check your mirrors, and stick to your reference points, you’ll be able to safely complete this manoeuvre over and over.

At Bill Plant Driving School, we help thousands of people each year to learn to drive.

Our expert instructors can teach you this manoeuvre, as well as everything else you need to know, during your driving lessons. We take the stress out of learning and get you driving confidently in no time.

Want expert help mastering your manoeuvres? Find your nearest driving instructor and book with a qualified Bill Plant Driving Instructor today.