Parallel Parking Tips for the Virginia DMV Road Skills Test

For many driving students in Virginia, parallel parking is the most intimidating part of the DMV road skills test. However, with the right technique and a bit of practice, it becomes a simple, repeatable maneuver. Alpha Driving School instructors use these exact tips to help Northern Virginia students ace their road tests.

1. Find Your Starting Position

The key to a perfect parallel park is how you begin. Pull up parallel to the vehicle you intend to park behind. Leave about two to three feet of space between your car and the parked car. Align your vehicle so your rear bumper is even with the parked car's rear bumper.

2. Turn the Wheel and Reverse

Put the car in reverse, check all your mirrors, and look over your right shoulder. Turn your steering wheel completely to the right. Slowly begin backing up. Keep backing up until your vehicle reaches a 45-degree angle relative to the curb.

3. Straighten Out

Once you hit that 45-degree angle (you should be able to see the entire front of the car behind you in your left side mirror), straighten your steering wheel. Continue backing up straight until your front right bumper clears the rear left bumper of the car in front of you.

4. Turn the Wheel Left

Once your front bumper clears the car ahead, immediately turn your steering wheel completely to the left while continuing to reverse slowly. Your car will swing gracefully into the parking space parallel to the curb.

5. Center the Vehicle

Once you are parallel to the curb, stop reversing. Put the car in drive, straighten your steering wheel, and pull forward slightly to center your vehicle evenly between the car in front and the car behind you. You should be within 12 inches of the curb.

Common Road Test Mistakes

During the VA DMV road test, examiners will penalize you for hitting the curb (a light tap is usually a minor deduction, but driving over the curb is an automatic failure) or failing to check your blind spots. Always physically turn your head to look behind you—relying solely on a backup camera will result in point deductions.