Parallel parking on the left side
Quick answer: it is the same four moves, mirrored. Pull up beside the car in front of the space, reverse with full lock left to about 45°, straighten, then full lock right until straight. Use your left mirror and look over your left shoulder.
When you park on the left
- One-way streets often allow parking on both sides. In a left-hand-drive car the left curb is on the driver’s side.
- Driving on the left (UK, Ireland, Australia, Japan and others) — the curb is always on your left and the steering wheel is on the right.
What changes
| Curb on the right | Curb on the left | |
|---|---|---|
| Signal | Right | Left |
| First full lock (reversing) | Right | Left |
| Second full lock | Left | Right |
| Mirror to watch the curb | Right | Left |
Tips for the far curb of a one-way street
- In a left-hand-drive car the left curb is on your side, so you can judge the curb directly by looking down past your door. Many drivers find it easier.
- Your instincts will still say “right” for the first lock. Say the direction out loud the first few times.
- Check both mirrors before the last swing: the front of your car moves out toward the right-hand lane.
The one-way-street level puts the space on the far curb.
Practice level 5This 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.