Parallel parking on a hill
Quick answer: uphill with a curb — turn the wheels away from the curb. Downhill — turn them toward the curb. Uphill with no curb — turn them toward the edge of the road. Then set the parking brake and shift into park.
Why the wheel direction matters
If your brakes or transmission ever let go, the car rolls downhill. You want it to roll into the curb (or off the road), not out into traffic. Turning the wheels sets which way it goes.
| Situation | Turn the front wheels | What happens if it rolls |
|---|---|---|
| Uphill, curb | Away from the curb | Rolls back until the rear of the front tire rests against the curb |
| Downhill, curb | Toward the curb | Front tire rolls into the curb |
| Uphill or downhill, no curb | Toward the edge of the road | Car rolls off the road, away from traffic |
How to park on a hill, step by step
- Parallel park as normal. On a hill the car moves more on its own, so use the brake more than the gas — especially downhill, where reversing means rolling.
- Get close to the curb: you want it within reach of your tire.
- Uphill: turn the wheel away from the curb, then let the car roll back very slowly until the front tire touches the curb.
- Downhill: turn the wheel toward the curb and let the car creep forward until the tire touches it.
- Set the parking brake, then shift into park. Leave it in gear if you drive a manual (first gear uphill, reverse downhill).
Leaving a hill spot
Straighten the wheels first. Uphill, you may need a little gas before you release the parking brake so you do not roll back into the car behind.
Park on an 8% hill where the car rolls on its own, then turn the wheels the right way.
Practice on a hillThis guide explains technique. Rules such as how close to the curb you must be, or how a road test is scored, differ by state and country — your official driver handbook has the final word.