Pull up parallel next to the car in front of the open space. Pull up next to the car as if they were in the next lane, leaving about a three foot space between you and the car (see tutorial listed in Resources). Your car and the wheels should be straight. The car you pull up next to should also be straight. If it's not, find another spot. Also, the front of your car should face the same direction as the car you pull up alongside of.
Turn the steering wheel all the way to the right to move the car back to the curb. Turning the wheel the other way will put you out farther out into the street, and possibly the other lane. Shift the car into reverse. Slowly ease off of the brake and back into the space. Hold the brake once the rear end of the car is in the space. Keep a close eye on the curb and the car behind you by using your mirrors.
Cut, or turn quickly, the steering wheel left and slowly let off the brake to move the front end of the car into the space. Keep the car in reverse. Back the car the rest of the way into the space. Must states mandate you leave only 12 inches or less of space between the car and the curb. Straighten the wheel. Put the car into the park and turn off the engine.
Practice parallel parking several times before the test. Go out driving, with a licensed driver and your learner's permit. Look for parallel parking opportunities. A common places to find parallel parking openings is residential side streets. Look for a street with low traffic. You can also create your own parallel parking "course" by parking two cars on the same side of a street and leaving a parking space in between. Try to practice parallel parking in various weather conditions and times of day.
Find a location to parallel park during the test. Your instructor will tell you where to go on the test (example: Turn right down Main Street and parallel park). The instructor knows the area and where spots are located, but you need to keep your eye out for a good spot. If you see one, point it out to the instructor by politely asking if they would like you to demonstrate parallel parking using that spot.
Complete the steps listed in Section 1 to parallel park.
