DMV Parallel Parking Steps

1. Pick and signal. Choose a space big enough for your car. Check mirrors, signal, and stop about 2 feet from the car in front of the space.
2. Look, then back toward the curb. Look over both shoulders. Back slowly and turn the wheel fully toward the curb. Look through the rear window, not only the mirrors.
3. 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. Clear the car ahead and stop before you touch the car behind.
4. Straighten and center. Bring the wheels straight and pull forward. End no more than 1 foot from the curb.

Full detail with examiner notes: how to parallel park for the NY road test (DMV Chapter 7). Source: Chapter 7: Parallel Parking.

How Close to the Curb

Your final position must be no more than 1 foot (30 cm) from the curb. If you are too far, pull forward and back again, turning toward the curb and then quickly straight. Do not open the roadside door if it will interfere with bikes or traffic.

On the NY Road Test

Parallel parking is part of every New York road test. Examiners mark failing to signal, failing to observe, ending too far from the curb, and too many maneuvers. They do not publish a list of "automatic fails," so treat large errors as score hits that can fail the test, not as invented point values. See how the road test is scored and common road test mistakes.

Mistakes That Cost You

• Looking only in mirrors while backing (look through the rear window).
• Forgetting to signal before you start or before you pull out.
• Ending more than 1 foot from the curb.
• Hitting the curb hard or the cars ahead or behind.
• Skipping the head check when you leave the space.

How to Practice

Use cones or bins on a quiet street or empty lot with permission. Practice is not allowed at DMV test sites. Start with a long space, then shrink it. See parallel parking with cones and places to practice in NYC.

FAQs

Do I signal when parallel parking?

Yes. Signal before you stop beside the space, and signal again before you pull out.

Can I still pass if the park is messy?

Small corrections are normal. Too many maneuvers or ending too far from the curb is scored. Aim for a clean 1-foot finish.

Is the 1-2-1 technique required?

No. The DMV publishes the four steps above. Use whatever cue helps you hit those steps.

Should I use a backup camera?

Cameras help, but you are still responsible for checking. Look through the rear window when you back up.

Ready to Practice

An instructor can spot the one habit that keeps you a foot too far from the curb. Compare driving packages.

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About the author

Jessica 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 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.