How to Get Out of a Parallel Parking Spot

These 8 steps follow the method in the New York DMV Driver's Manual:

1. Straighten your wheels. Start with the front wheels pointing straight.
2. Back up. Reverse slowly toward the car behind you to make room in front, without touching it.
3. Turn your wheels away from the curb. This points the car toward the lane you will enter.
4. Look over your right shoulder. Check through the rear window for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles.
5. Check your inside mirror. Keep watching for hazards behind you.
6. Signal. Let other drivers know you are pulling out.
7. Check your side mirrors and look over your left shoulder. Begin to move forward slowly, making sure you clear the car parked ahead.
8. Pull into the lane when it is safe. Look over your left shoulder again, drive into the lane and straighten your wheels.

Getting Out of a Tight Parallel Parking Space

If there is little room, move forward and back a few times, turning the wheel a little each time, until you have enough space to clear the car ahead. Go slowly and stop if you get close to either car.

Pulling Out of Parallel Parking on the Road Test

The DMV says parallel parking is part of every road test. When you pull out, the examiner watches whether you signal and check for traffic before you move. Read how the road test score sheet works and how to parallel park for the road test.

Driving a car with a camera? See using a backup camera on the road test.

Common Mistakes When Leaving a Parking Spot

• forgetting to signal
• skipping the look over the left shoulder
• turning the wheel before there is enough room to clear the car ahead
• pulling out too fast

Parallel Parking Practice With an Instructor

Practice parking in and pulling out together. Our guides to parallel parking with cones and parallel parking space dimensions help you set up drills, and our tips on how to get better at parking cover other parking moves. For hands-on practice, see our driving lesson packages.

Getting Out of Parallel Parking FAQ

How do you get out of a tight parallel parking spot?

Back up toward the car behind you, then move forward and back in small steps until you have room to clear the car ahead.

Which way do you turn the wheel to pull out?

Away from the curb, after you have backed up toward the car behind you.

Do you signal when pulling out of a parking spot?

Yes. The DMV lists signaling as one of the six steps to enter traffic safely.

Is pulling out of parallel parking on the NY road test?

The DMV says parallel parking is part of every road test, and you must enter traffic safely afterward.

Can I use my backup camera?

Cameras can help, but you must still check behind you yourself. See backup cameras on the road test.

Now you know how to get out of a parallel parking spot the way the DMV teaches it. Practice the checks until they are automatic.

Enroll Today!

Want to improve your driving skills and learn how to parallel park like a pro? Join our 5-hour online class today by visiting Drive Rite Academy or calling us at 718-928-7048. With the right training, you’ll be ready to handle any parking challenge with ease!

Reviewed by

Michael, Professional Driving Instructor at Drive Rite Academy.

How we made this guide

We checked the DMV rules in this guide on the official New York pages listed below in October 2026. Rules can change, so check the linked pages before you go. If you spot something out of date, let us know and we will fix it.

Sources: NY DMV Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Parallel Parking.