October 27, 2025
Author: Canadian Smart Drivers
For a lot of new drivers, parallel parking is among the more stressful elements of learning to drive. It feels more complicated than it is due to confined spaces, moving traffic, and the need for precise control.
However, once you have determined what not to do, parallel parking is a straightforward skill based made up of technique, patience, and practice.
Below are the top five mistakes drivers make when parallel parking and simple ways to avoid them.
Common Parallel Parking Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mistake 1: Failing to Check Your Surroundings Before Parking
Many drivers get too focused on the parking space and forget to look around for pedestrians, cyclists, or passing vehicles — what is often a small error can lead to confusion or even accidents.
Solution – Before parking, check mirrors, scan the area thoroughly, and indicate early to let others know what their options are. As a general rule, always select a spot that is at least a car and a half length long to make it easier to manoeuvre and avoid kerb or vehicle contact.
Mistake 2: Not Assessing the Size of the Parking Spot Correctly
Forcing yourself into a tight parking space often results in scraping other cars or mounting the kerb. A quick pause to ascertain if the space is suitable can make this decision easier. You can never go wrong when you know the size of your vehicle; once you know the dimensions of your vehicle, you can quickly master parallel parking as a beginner.
Solution – If you want to improve spatial awareness (which is essential for parking safely and successfully) you could use cones or markers (even any other items could do) in an empty car park and see the dimensions of your vehicle.
Mistake 3: Missed timing of steering
How you initiate the turn is essential. Many beginners steer too soon or too late, ending up misaligned or sticking out into traffic. The trick is to start turning when your rear bumper aligns with the back of the car ahead of the space.
Solution – Try the “S-turn” technique — turn towards the kerb while reversing, then straighten once your front bumper clears the other car. It’s one of the best ways to parallel park smoothly in tight areas.
Mistake 4 – Ignoring Mirror and Reverse Camera Guidance
Modern cars come with sensors and cameras to simplify parking, yet many drivers rely solely on instinct. Ignoring these aids can lead to poor alignment or minor collisions.
Solution – Before parking, adjust mirrors so you can see both the kerb and nearby vehicles. Use the reverse camera for depth but rely on your eyes for full awareness.
Bonus Tip: Combine mirrors and shoulder checks — cameras assist but never replace your judgment.
Mistake 5 – Rushing the Parking Process
Impatience is a common cause of poor parking. When traffic queues up behind you, your demeanor is likely to change and you may rush to complete your parking maneuver. This rush can lead to poor parking techniques, such as parking crooked, or angled.
Solution – The best way to practice parallel parking is to take your time and make adjustments as necessary. If you are not confident in your location, simply stop where you are, re-position, and try again. When in doubt, slow and steady is always better.
Confidence Booster: You might practice parallel parking in an empty parking lot until you become familiar with how your car drives and its turning radius. As you practice, parallel parking may feel more natural without the stress of it being new to you.
Conclusion
Taking the time to eliminate the five mistakes toward parallel parking should make the process less intimidating. With a good dose of awareness, and taking your time to ensure your steering is under control, you can fit your vehicle into even the most tight space.
Like most driving skills, the key to mastering parallel parking is practice, time and repeated experience.
Learning to parallel park well not only aids you in parking but improves your confidence in driving, as well.
Once you get the hang of it, parking may be more automatic than a stress-inducing task.
If you are finding this difficult to do and would like professional instruction, consider reputable driving schools in London Ontario to help you.
About Canadian Smart Drivers
Canadian Smart Drivers is one of the leading Driving schools in London ,Ontario that is certified by the MTO. Their goal is to train students to be expert drivers and safe on the road, whether you are a new or experienced driver.
Their instructors are certified and provide you with effective lessons that build confidence, foster safety, and establish control while driving. You will receive practical instruction, including recommendations on how to parallel park effectively and other appropriate maneuvers.
All learning takes place in a classroom setting and a real-world driving experience, which prepares students to handle the real-world driving situation.
The school involves working around your schedule, affordable prices, along with a very acceptable pass rate enables students to feel personal service and ongoing growth and development in driving. Whether you are getting ready for your driving test, brushing up or learning fresh skills, or simply to learn the best way to parallel park, the professional instruction at Canadian Smart Drivers gives you confidence to drive on any roadway.
FAQ Section
1. What is the easiest way to learn parallel parking?
Practise in an open space using cones to represent cars. Repeat the steps slowly until your movements feel natural.
2. How much space do you need for parallel parking?
Look for a space that is about one and a half times the length of your vehicle so that you have plenty of room to adjust and straighten.
3. What should you do if you can’t fit into a parking spot?
Do not force it! Move on and find of a larger space—your safety should be top priority.
4. Do parking sensors really help while parallel parking?
Yes, parking sensors will detect other objects near your vehicle; however, the sensors are meant to assist not replace checking your mirrors and visually looking around.