What the DMV parallel parking test measures
The parallel parking test is a maneuver you perform during your road test to show you can position a vehicle between two parked cars in a tight space. The examiner watches whether you can do this without hitting the other vehicles, the curb, or going outside the marked space. It is one of several driving tasks the DMV tests, along with lane changes, three-point turns, and highway driving.
Not every state requires parallel parking on the road test. Some states test it, some make it optional for certain age groups, and some have removed it entirely. The rules depend on where you are taking the test and what type of license you are seeking.
The test itself is the same concept everywhere: you pull up alongside two parked cars (or cones marking their positions), and you back into the space between them. The examiner scores you on how many times you shift between forward and reverse, how close you come to the other vehicles, and whether you stay within the lines.
Key Takeaways
- Parallel parking is required on the road test in most states, but California, Florida, and a few others do not test it.
- The space is usually marked with cones or actual parked vehicles and must be at least 1.5 times the length of your car.
- You are typically allowed two to three attempts to complete the maneuver without hitting the boundary lines or other vehicles.
- If you fail the parallel parking portion, you fail the entire road test and must retake it; you cannot skip just that section.
- Practice with a licensed driver before your test, because the examiner will not teach you how to do it during the test itself.
Which states require parallel parking on the road test
Most states include parallel parking as a mandatory part of the road test. States that test it include New York, Texas, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, North Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia. In these states, you cannot pass your road test without successfully completing the parallel parking maneuver.
A smaller group of states does not require it. California removed parallel parking from its road test in 2021. Florida does not test it. Nevada, Utah, and Montana also do not include it as a standard requirement. If you are moving to one of these states or taking your test there, you will not face this maneuver on the road test itself, though you may still be asked to demonstrate other parking skills like angle parking or backing into a space.
Some states have different rules for different age groups. For example, a few states do not require parallel parking for drivers over 65 or for those taking the test in rural areas where parallel parking is less common. Check your state's DMV website for the specific rules in your region.
How the parallel parking space is set up
The space you must park in is marked in one of two ways: with traffic cones or with actual parked vehicles. Most DMV test sites use cones because they are safer and more consistent. The cones mark the front and rear boundaries of the space, and sometimes the sides as well.
The space must be at least 1.5 times the length of the vehicle you are driving. If you are taking the test in a compact car, the space will be smaller than if you are in a full-size sedan or SUV. The examiner will tell you which space to use and where to position your car before you begin.
You will be instructed to pull up alongside the space, usually about two feet away from the front car. From there, you back into the space, shifting between reverse and drive as needed. The examiner watches how smoothly you do this and whether you stay within the marked boundaries.
Scoring and what counts as a failure
You are typically allowed two to three attempts to complete the parallel parking maneuver without failing. The number of attempts varies by state. In most states, you can shift between forward and reverse as many times as you need within those attempts, as long as you do not hit anything or go outside the lines.
You fail the parallel parking portion if you hit either of the boundary vehicles or cones, if you mount the curb, or if you go outside the marked space. Touching the line is usually acceptable, but crossing it is not. Some states also fail you if you take more than the allowed number of attempts.
If you fail parallel parking, you fail the entire road test. You cannot pass the test and retake only the parking portion later. You must schedule a new road test appointment and attempt all sections again.
How to prepare for the parallel parking test
The best preparation is to practice with a licensed driver in a real vehicle before your test. Ask them to set up cones or use parked cars to simulate the test conditions. Practice in different vehicles if possible, because the size and handling of the car affect how you approach the maneuver.
Learn the reference points your vehicle uses. Most drivers develop a system: watch where the rear car appears in your side mirror, turn the wheel fully, shift to drive, straighten out, and adjust forward or backward as needed. These reference points are specific to each vehicle, so practicing in the car you will use for the test is important.
Watch instructional videos from your state's DMV if they are available. Some state DMV websites post videos showing exactly how the test is conducted and what the examiner is looking for. This helps you understand the space size and the expected technique.
On test day, listen carefully to the examiner's instructions. They will tell you exactly where to position your car and when to begin. Take your time and do not rush. The examiner is not timing you; they are watching whether you can do the maneuver safely and within the boundaries.
Alternatives if your state does not test parallel parking
If you are taking your test in a state that does not require parallel parking, you may still be tested on other parking skills. These can include angle parking (parking in a diagonal space), backing into a perpendicular space, or straightforward backing in a straight line. The specific maneuvers vary by state.
Some states test parking skills off the road, in a closed course at the DMV facility. Others test them on public roads as part of the overall driving evaluation. Ask your DMV what parking skills you should practice before your test.
Even if parallel parking is not tested in your state, it is still a useful skill to have. You will encounter parallel parking situations in real driving, especially in urban areas. Learning how to do it safely before you get your license makes you a better driver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fail just the parallel parking part and retake only that?
No. Parallel parking is one section of the road test, and if you fail it, you fail the entire test. You must schedule a new appointment and retake all sections of the road test, including parallel parking, lane changes, and highway driving.
What if I hit the cone but do not knock it over?
Touching the cone is usually acceptable, but the rules vary by state. If you push the cone out of position or knock it over, that is typically a failure. If you straightforward tap it and it stays in place, you may still pass. Ask the examiner to clarify before you begin.
How many times can I shift between forward and reverse?
Most states allow you to shift as many times as you need within two to three total attempts at the maneuver. There is no limit on how many times you go forward and backward, as long as you stay within the boundaries and do not exceed the number of allowed attempts.
Do I have to parallel park if I am over 65?
It depends on your state. Some states waive parallel parking for older drivers, while others require it regardless of age. Check your state's DMV website or call your local DMV office to find out the rules where you are taking the test.
What if the space is smaller than I expected?
The DMV is required to provide a space that is at least 1.5 times the length of your vehicle. If you believe the space is too small, tell the examiner before you begin. They can measure it or provide a different space. Do not attempt the maneuver if you think it is unsafe.