Parallel parking doesn’t have to be stressful. With a few simple steps and some practice, you can pull into any spot smoothly and confidently.
Setting Up for Success
Before you even turn the wheel, your setup determines how easy the park will be. As you approach the space, turn on your right signal to let everyone know you’re exiting traffic. Pull up about three feet away from the car you’ll park behind.
Line up your passenger-side mirror with the other car’s passenger-side mirror — this is your perfect starting position.
Start with One Full Turn
Shift into reverse and give the wheel one complete turn to the right. Leave it in that position as you roll back slowly, always checking your surroundings.
At Stevens Driving School, our instructors remind students to look around, stay calm, and move at a slow, steady pace — rushing is what causes most mistakes.
Using Landmarks to Guide You
When you can see the tail light of the car behind centered in your back window, that’s your cue to stop. From here, make one and a half turns to the left, so your steering wheel is upside down.
Now, roll back slowly again — count out loud if it helps:
“One Mississippi… two Mississippi…”
Then, turn your wheel all the way to the left to swing your car into the space.
Straighten and Finish
Once you’re mostly in, straighten out your wheels and pull forward slightly to center your car.
That’s it — you just parallel parked like a pro.
Local Practice Tips for WNY Drivers
If you’re nervous about doing this in traffic, start by practicing in a quiet parking lot in Amherst or Cheektowaga.
Add light snow or rain conditions once you’re comfortable — Buffalo weather can be unpredictable, and practicing in real conditions builds confidence for your road test.
FAQs
Q: How far should I be from the parked car before starting?
A: About three feet away — close enough to control, far enough to turn smoothly.
Q: What if I touch the curb during my test?
A: A light touch usually isn’t a failure, but bumping or climbing the curb is.
Q: Where’s the best place to practice in Buffalo?
A: Empty lots or wide residential streets are ideal. Try it at different times of day for real traffic experience.
Next Step
Book a one-on-one lesson with Stevens Driving School to master your parallel parking and build confidence for your road test. Our instructors make it simple, patient, and stress-free — even in downtown Buffalo traffic.
Call today to schedule your practice session:
Erie County: (716) 674-2340
Buffalo: (716) 884-3103
Niagara County: (716) 285-7678
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