How to Parallel Park for the NY Road Test (DMV Steps)
To parallel park on the New York road test, signal, stop about 2 feet from the car ahead, look over both shoulders, then back slowly while turning the wheel fully toward the curb. When your front wheels line up with the back bumper of the car ahead, turn the wheel the other way, then straighten and pull forward. You must end no more than 1 foot from the curb.
Reviewed by Michael, Professional Driving Instructor
Last updated: October 15, 2026
This guide follows the DMV Chapter 7 steps, what examiners mark, how to pull out, and how to practice without going to a test site.
How to Parallel Park: DMV Steps
- Pick and signal. Choose a space big enough for your car on your side of the road. Check your mirrors, signal, and stop next to the car in front of the space, about 2 feet away.
- Look, then back up turning toward the curb. Look behind you over both shoulders for pedestrians and traffic. Back up slowly and turn the steering wheel all the way toward the curb. Look through the rear window, not the mirrors, and glance forward so you do not touch the car ahead.
- Turn the other way. When your front wheels are opposite the back bumper of the car ahead, turn the wheel the other way while you keep backing. Make sure you clear the car ahead, and stop before you touch the car behind.
- Straighten and center. Bring the wheels straight and pull forward, leaving room ahead and behind. Your final position must be no more than 1 foot from the curb. To get closer, pull forward and back again, turning toward the curb and then quickly straight.
From the NY Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Parallel Parking.
What the Examiner Marks
The DMV scoring summary lists the parking errors examiners mark: failing to signal, failing to observe and use caution, being unable to park properly, ending too far from the curb or using too much space, and too many maneuvers. Leaving the curb is scored too, so signal, check mirrors and turn your head before you pull out. See how the road test is scored and common road test mistakes.
Pulling Out of the Space
Straighten the wheels, back up toward the car behind, and turn the wheels away from the curb. Look over your right shoulder through the rear window, check the inside mirror, signal, check the side mirrors, then look over your left shoulder and move into traffic only when it is safe.
No Parking, No Standing, No Stopping
| Sign |
What you may do |
| No Parking |
Temporary stop to load or unload merchandise or passengers |
| No Standing |
Temporary stop to load or unload passengers only; the driver may not leave the vehicle |
| No Stopping |
Stop only to obey a sign, signal or officer, or to avoid a conflict with other vehicles |
For street cleaning and NYC tickets, see how to avoid parking tickets in NYC.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Hitting or climbing the curb: slow down and turn the wheel the other way a little earlier.
- Forgetting to signal: "fails to signal" is a scored error.
- Mirror-only backing: the DMV says look through the rear window when you back up.
- Ending too far from the curb: more than 1 foot is too far.
- Too many corrections: "excessive maneuvers" is a scored error. One or two small adjustments are normal.
Parallel Parking FAQs
How close to the curb must I be?
No more than 1 foot (30 cm).
Can I make corrections?
Yes, small ones. Too many maneuvers is a scored error.
Should I use mirrors or look back?
Look over both shoulders before you start, and look through the rear window while you back up. Glance at the front and side. Backup cameras help, but you are responsible for checking.
Is parallel parking on every NY road test?
The DMV manual says parallel parking "is part of every road test".
How long does it take to learn?
It varies. Short, repeated practice in a quiet place is the fastest way. An instructor can spot the one habit that keeps putting you too far from the curb.
Ready to Practice
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About the author
Amir writes for Drive Rite Academy, a driving school serving Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and Staten Island.
Reviewed by
Michael, Professional Driving Instructor at Drive Rite Academy.
How we made this guide
We checked every rule in this guide on the official New York DMV and New York City pages listed below on October 15, 2026. Prices come from Drive Rite's current price list. 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, Chapter 7 Parallel Parking; NY DMV, Class D scoring summary; NY DMV, Schedule and Take a Road Test.
Two questions we hear a lot after this one: can you use a backup camera on the road test, and how to get out of a parallel parking spot once you are parked.