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How to Reverse Parallel Park
March 21, 2023 at 8:05 AM
When approaching a suitable place to do a reverse parallel park, the first thing we should do is check our rear vision mirror, so we are aware of what’s behind us. We will do this well before we come to our stop. We also indicate to the left well before we come to our stop. We keep approximately half a metre distance from the other vehicle. Once stopped, we select reverse, we keep the indicator on the left and we slowly move backwards while checking all around us. Once the rear end of our vehicle is just past the rear end of the other vehicle, we turn the wheel fully anticlockwise and keep moving backwards, checking all around us. Once we reach 45 degrees or between 1 o’clock and 2 o’clock, we straighten the wheel up and keep moving backwards, checking all around us. Using the left side mirror, we judge the distance between the curb and the left rear wheel. Once we reach approximately half a metre distance from the curb, we turn the wheel fully clockwise. We keep moving until the car is fully straight, parallel with the curb. We stop and select drive. We straighten the wheel, and slowly move forward to close the gap in front of us. Once close enough, we stop and put the car in park and the put the handbrake on.
FAQs
1) What is the two-second rule — and when should I use it?
Use the two-second rule in good weather on dry roads. Pick a fixed landmark the vehicle ahead passes, then count “one-thousand-and-one, one-thousand-and-two”. If you reach the landmark before two seconds, you’re too close. It’s a minimum gap; more space is better, especially behind large vehicles.
2) When should I switch to the four-second rule?
Use four seconds in poor conditions — rain, fog, spray, gravel, or when visibility or grip is reduced. Count to four using the same landmark method. This extra buffer compensates for longer stopping distances and slower reaction times in tougher conditions.
3) Do I need a bigger gap at night, when towing, or in a heavy vehicle?
Yes. Increase your gap beyond the minimum when driving at night, towing, carrying a heavy load, or in a truck/van. Heavier vehicles and trailers take longer to stop and can sway; a longer following distance gives you room to brake and stabilise smoothly.
4) How do I measure following distance in slow or stop-start traffic?
Time-based gaps still work at any speed. Even below 50 km/h, keep at least two seconds in the dry (more if wet) so you’re not brake-checking or nose-to-tail. If traffic compresses, rebuild the gap gently without abrupt acceleration.
5) What should I do if someone is tailgating me?
Increase your gap to the vehicle ahead to create a safety cushion, maintain smooth speed, and avoid sudden braking. If safe, change lanes or let them pass at the next opportunity. Don’t speed up to “get away” — manage space, not egos.
6) Does a bigger gap really improve safety and visibility?
Absolutely. A longer gap improves your view past buses, trucks and SUVs, gives side-road traffic more time to see you, and reduces multi-car pile-up risk if the lead vehicle brakes suddenly.
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