Which of the following is the proper procedure for parallel parking?
- Drive forward into the space without stopping.
- Stop next to the vehicle behind the open space, and then drive forward into the space.
- Stop next to the vehicle in front of the open space, and then back into the space. ✓
Answer: C. Stop next to the vehicle in front of the open space, and then back into the space.
Stop beside the vehicle in front of the open space, then back into the space.
Why this is the answer
The handbook's parallel parking steps start by finding a space and signaling, then pulling up alongside the vehicle ahead of the space. You leave about two feet between the cars and stop when your rear bumper is aligned with the front of the space. From there you check blind spots and back in at about a 45-degree angle, straightening as you get close to the curb. That sequence matches stopping next to the vehicle in front and reversing into the space.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. Drive forward into the space without stopping. — Driving straight forward into the space skips the handbook's backing-up step and does not describe parallel parking, which is done by reversing into the space.
- B. Stop next to the vehicle behind the open space, and then drive forward into the space. — Stopping next to the vehicle behind the space and then driving forward does not match the handbook, which says to pull up alongside the vehicle in front of the space and back in.
Remember it
Think: line up with the car ahead, signal, check your blind spot, then reverse in.
Official handbook: California Driver Handbook (DL 600), Section 6: Navigating the Roads, p. 26