How to Parallel Park in Reverse

Some drivers can parallel-park like a pro. A flick of the knob here, a little turn there, and presto! Perfect alignment. For the rest of the driving world though, parallel parking can be synonymous with hellish, nightmarish, or whatever-ish connotes eternal suffering. If only things were this easy:

via GIPHY

Parallel parking can be overwhelming, but the key is to plan your maneuver, take it slow, and not panic. Here is a step-by-step guide on the proper way to reverse-park your car.

  • Find a parking spot wide enough to get your car into. If a space is too narrow, avoid it. Even if you park successfully, you may not have enough room to get out of your car.
  • When you find a good spot, slow down and turn your hazard lights on, then come to a full stop beside the car you are parking behind of. Make sure your right side mirror aligns with the left side mirror of the other car. Put your car in neutral.
  • Check the left side of your vehicle for any obstruction.
  • Press on the brakes, then put your car in reverse while continuing to check your mirrors.
  • Slowly turn your steering wheel clockwise while easing your foot off the brake pedal. Make sure you keep your eyes on the right passenger side mirror as you are backing so you can maintain a safe distance between your car and the car in front. Keep backing your car at an angle very slowly, with your foot ready to step on the brakes as needed.
  • Continue backing until you bring your rear tire less than a foot away from the sidewalk. Don't let your car hit the curb. If you do, then you've gone too far, and will need to move your car forward a few feet to try again.
  • When you reach the ideal distance from the curb, step on the brakes, then turn your steering wheel counter-clockwise to finish reversing in.
  • Once you're completely parallel with the vehicles in front and behind you, straighten your steering wheel to the neutral position.
  • Finally, inch your car forward to complete the parallel park.
  • Turn off the hazard lights and engine, and alight from your vehicle.

Hopefully, when you’re done, your parking effort will look like this:

©istockphoto.com

If it doesn't--well, practice makes perfect, as they say; as long as you don't shy away from the challenge, you could soon find yourself able to parallel-park like a boss.

Read All

Featured Articles

Recommended Articles For You

Read All

Featured Cars

  • Upcoming

Car Articles From Zigwheels

  • News
  • Article Feature
  • Advisory Stories
  • Road Test
  • VinFast to boost PH EV adoption with full ecosystem strategy
    VinFast to boost PH EV adoption with full ecosystem strategy
    Cesar Miguel . Today
  • Land Rover Defender Octa Black debuts at 2025 Goodwood FOS
    Land Rover Defender Octa Black debuts at 2025 Goodwood FOS
    Cesar Miguel . Today
  • LMI officially launches Dongfeng E70 Pro EV
    LMI officially launches Dongfeng E70 Pro EV
    Cesar Miguel . Today
  • LTO ‘finally’ resolves license plate backlog distribution
    LTO ‘finally’ resolves license plate backlog distribution
    Paulo Papa . Today
  • Autohub Group keen on expanding Zeekr dealer network for future models
    Autohub Group keen on expanding Zeekr dealer network for future models
    Paulo Papa . Jul 14, 2025
  • Is driving stick still relevant to youngsters?
    Is driving stick still relevant to youngsters?
    Paulo Papa . Today
  • Auto, motorcycle brands with horses in their badges
    Auto, motorcycle brands with horses in their badges
    Paulo Papa . Jul 14, 2025
  • Subaru Crosstrek vs. the competition
    Subaru Crosstrek vs. the competition
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 14, 2025
  • Check out Foton Tunland V9’s hits, misses
    Check out Foton Tunland V9’s hits, misses
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 14, 2025
  • Nissan Livina vs. the competition
    Nissan Livina vs. the competition
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 11, 2025
  • Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
    Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 12, 2025
  • What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    Cesar Miguel . Apr 11, 2025
  • Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Cesar Miguel . Mar 26, 2025
  • Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • Honda BR-V S CVT: all about that ‘base’
    Honda BR-V S CVT: all about that ‘base’
    Paulo Papa . Jul 09, 2025
  • Dongfeng Rich 7 4X4 Upper: ideal entry-level truck
    Dongfeng Rich 7 4X4 Upper: ideal entry-level truck
    Paulo Papa . Jul 07, 2025
  • First drive: MG ZS Hybrid+
    First drive: MG ZS Hybrid+
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 30, 2025
  • BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: MPV for modern families
    BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: MPV for modern families
    Paulo Papa . Jun 18, 2025
  • Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: modest mover
    Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: modest mover
    Paulo Papa . Jun 05, 2025