The parallel parking road test
Quick answer: many tests mark a space with cones or poles rather than real cars — often around 24 ft long and 8 ft wide (about 7.3 × 2.4 m). You usually need to get in without touching a marker or the curb, finish close to the curb (commonly within 12–18 inches), and not use too many corrections. Rules vary, so check your local handbook.
Practicing with cones at home
- You need four cones (the taller the better — small ones vanish below the window line), a tape measure and a curb or a chalk line.
- Place two cones for the front of the space: one at the curb, one 8 ft out. These stand in for the back of the car in front.
- Measure 24 ft back along the curb and place the rear pair the same way.
- Once you can do it cleanly, move the rear pair forward until the gap is your car’s length plus 3–5 ft.
With cones there is no car to line up with. Use the front outer cone as “car A’s rear bumper” and start about 3 ft out from it.
What examiners usually look at
- Observation — mirrors and over-the-shoulder checks before and during the move. A simulator cannot score this; do it every time anyway.
- Control — slow and smooth, no touching cones, poles or the curb.
- Position — inside the space, parallel, and within the allowed distance of the curb.
- Corrections — often limited. Small adjustments are better than a crooked finish.
- Signalling — before you pull in, and when you pull out.
On the day
Take your time: there is rarely a strict time limit, and slow is never marked down. If something goes wrong halfway, stop, fix it with a correction, and keep going — don't drive off and try from the start unless asked.
A 24 × 8 ft cone box like many test lots. Knock a cone and it counts.
Practice with conesThis 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.