How to Parallel Park

Pull into a tight spot on the street without bumping anyone's bumper.

1. Pull up next to the car in front of the open spot

   Align your side mirror with theirs, leaving about 2 feet of space between your cars.

2. Turn your wheel all the way toward the curb and slowly reverse

   Start backing up once your rear bumper is even with the other car's rear bumper.

3. When your car is at a 45-degree angle, straighten the wheel and keep reversing

   A good checkpoint: your front bumper should be roughly even with the other car's rear bumper.

4. Turn the wheel fully away from the curb and reverse until you're parallel

   Watch your front corner — it swings out. Make sure it clears the car in front of you.

5. Straighten up and center yourself in the spot

   Aim for 6-12 inches from the curb and roughly equal space between the cars in front and behind you.