Parallel Parking Guide

Step 1:
Make sure your cell phone is off and there are no other distractions (i.e. talkative passengers, loud music, or loose pets).

Step 2:
Pull up next to an open space to see if it's long enough for your car. (The more room you can give yourself, the better.) If it's not large enough, find another space and repeat.

Step 3:
Drive your car forward so it is parallel to the car in front of the empty space. The right side of your car should be as close as possible to this car (but without hitting it!).

Step 4:
Line up your back tire with the back tire of the other car, and put your turn signal on.

Step 5:
Put your car in reverse, turn your wheel all the way towards the curb, and start slowly backing into the empty space.

Step 6:
As soon as your rear passenger door lines up with the rear bumper of the car that you're parking behind, it's time to start turning your wheel in the opposite direction. Slowly reverse your car behind the rear bumper of the other car.

Step 7:
Depending on the size of your car and the parallel parking space, you'll need to rock back and forth slightly to straighten your wheels and align yourself in the space. You'll want to center yourself in the space to leave enough room for you (and the car behind you) to exit easily when it's time to leave.

Step 8:
Congratulations -- you're now a parallel parker! Take a deep breath and prepare to brag about your accomplishment to all your friends.