How to Parallel Park for the NJ Road Test (Step-by-Step)

May 16

Parallel parking is one of the most common ways students lose points on the New Jersey MVC road test (including Delanco and Bakers Basin). The good news: with a simple routine and a little practice, you can make it automatic.

What examiners look for 👀

Full control at slow speed (no rushing)
Proper signals and mirror/blind-spot checks
Clean wheel control: turn in, straighten, turn out
Ending inside the space without hitting cones and reasonably parallel

Step 1 — Line up

Pull up parallel to the front cone/vehicle about 2–3 feet away.
Your rear bumper roughly even with the back of the front cone.
Signal right, check mirrors and right blind spot. Shift to reverse.

Step 2 — Turn in to ~45°

Begin backing slowly and turn the wheel all the way right.
Keep rolling until your car sits at roughly a 45° angle into the space.
Watch the right rear corner and the cones; keep it smooth.

Step 3 — Straighten and slide back

Straighten your wheels (center the wheel) and continue backing straight.
Go back until your front bumper clears the front cone.

Step 4 — Tuck in and finish parallel

Turn the wheel left to bring the nose in.
Stop when you’re parallel and centered in the box.
Put it in park, set the brake if asked, and secure the vehicle.

Practice setup (home version)

If you’re practicing at home, simulate the space with cones or small objects. As a guideline, set up a rectangle around the size of a typical parking space. Aim to end centered and straight without touching your markers. (Exact MVC cone spacing can vary—focus on the routine and staying smooth.)

Common mistakes (and quick fixes)

Rushing: If you go too fast, you’ll chase the wheel. Creep the car.
Late turns: Start your first full right turn as you begin rolling back.
Not straightening: If you forget Step 3, you’ll over-angle. Make a quick center-the-wheel pause.
Over-steering at the end: Small, smooth left input to finish—no jerky spins.
Skipping checks: Signal, mirrors, right shoulder—make it obvious.

Quick test-day checklist

✅ Signal before you start
✅ Mirrors + right shoulder check
✅ Go slow; let the car roll, then steer
✅ Stop cleanly; end centered and parallel
✅ Put it in park and wait for instructions

Mohamed Mehdi Chorfi