Parallel parking — reversing into a space between two parked cars along the kerb — is the parking skill most drivers dread. It is not on the RSA driving test as a standalone manoeuvre, but it is a real-world skill every driver needs on Irish roads, particularly in Dublin where kerbside spaces are the norm. This guide breaks it into four clear moves with diagrams for every stage.

Source & Credit: Based on RSA Rules of the Road (Section 10: Parking) and RSA safe parking guidance. Official resources at rsa.ie. BP Driving School is an RSA-approved ADI in Swords, North Dublin.
Parking in Ireland — Article Series
In This Guide
  1. What Is Parallel Parking?
  2. How Big a Space Do You Need?
  3. The Manoeuvre at a Glance
  4. Step 1 — MSMM and Pull Level
  5. Step 2 — Reverse and Steer Right
  6. Step 3 — Steer Left to Align
  7. Step 4 — Straighten and Adjust
  8. Reference Points Explained
  9. Observations Throughout
  10. Exiting the Space Safely
  11. The Dooring Hazard
  12. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
  13. RSA Rules for Kerbside Parking
  14. Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Parallel Parking?

Parallel parking means reversing your vehicle into a kerbside space between two other parked vehicles so that you end up parallel to the kerb, facing the direction of traffic flow. It is the standard way to park on a road where cars park nose-to-tail along the kerb.

The RSA Rules of the Road states: "Park close to, and parallel with, the kerb or edge of the road" — and "park facing in the same direction as the traffic." Both rules are part of the legal requirement for kerbside parking in Ireland.

Not on the RSA test? Parallel parking is not one of the three assessed manoeuvres on the RSA driving test (those are the turnabout, reverse around a corner, and bay parking). However, pulling in to the kerb and moving off — which share the same observation and control skills — is assessed throughout your test, and parallel parking is an essential real-world skill every qualified driver must have.

How Big a Space Do You Need?

Space size is the first judgment call. Getting this right before you commit saves the embarrassment of trying to squeeze into an impossible gap.

❌ Under 1× car length

Too small. Do not attempt. Move on and find another space.

⚠ 1–1.3× car length

Very tight. Experienced drivers only. Requires multiple small corrections.

✓ 1.3–1.5× car length

Workable. The 4-step method works cleanly in this space with good reference points.

✓✓ 1.5×+ car length

Comfortable. Ideal for learners — plenty of margin for small corrections.

When assessing a space, drive slowly past it and compare the gap to your own car length. A useful rule of thumb: if you can see both bumpers of the cars in front and behind, and there is clearly more gap than your car, you can fit.

The Manoeuvre at a Glance

Parallel Parking — Complete Overview (Bird's Eye View)
Parallel parking complete overview — 4 positions from approach to final Car A Car B TARGET SPACE ① Level with Car A ② Rev-right ③ Rev-left ④ Straight — final position 15–30 cm from kerb ← Moving traffic Your car approaching
Four-position overview: ① Pull level alongside the front car. ② Reverse right (rear swings toward kerb). ③ Steer left (front swings in). ④ Straighten up, parallel and close to the kerb.

Step 1 — MSMM and Pull Level

1Check mirrors, signal left, pull level alongside the front car

As you approach the space, check your rear-view mirror and left door mirror. Signal left. Slow down and position your car parallel to — and about 60–80 cm from — the parked car in front of the space (Car A). Pull forward until your car is approximately level with Car A — your rear bumper roughly aligned with the rear bumper of Car A. Stop. This is your starting position for the reverse.

Step 1 — Correct Starting Alignment Before Reversing
Step 1 parallel parking — pull level alongside front parked car Car A (front) SPACE Car B (rear) 60–80 cm (gap) Rear bumpers roughly aligned Parallel to Car A Sides of cars roughly parallel — 60–80 cm apart
Pull level with Car A — your rear bumper roughly aligned with theirs. Keep 60–80 cm gap between the two cars (side to side). This is your pivot point for the reverse arc.

The 60–80 cm gap between your car and Car A is important. Too close and your car cannot swing in cleanly. Too far away and the arc takes you wide and you finish too far from the kerb.

Step 2 — Reverse and Steer Right

2All-around observations — reverse slowly, steering right toward the kerb

Check all around before reversing — rear window, both mirrors, both shoulders. Select reverse gear. Begin reversing very slowly, immediately applying right lock. This swings the rear of your car toward the kerb. Watch your left door mirror — the rear of your car should arc toward the kerb. Continue until your car is at roughly 45 degrees to the kerb — a reference point for most cars is when the rear car (Car B) appears centred in your left door mirror. Stop.

Step 2 — Reverse Right: Rear Swings Toward the Kerb
Step 2 parallel parking — reverse right, rear swings toward kerb, 45 degree reference Car A Car B Start pos ~45° Left door mirror tells you: Car B appears centred in mirror = roughly 45° — time to steer left Stop and switch to Step 3 Steer left to bring front in
Reverse right until your car is at roughly 45° to the kerb. Reference: Car B appears centred in your left door mirror. This is your trigger to stop and switch to left lock for Step 3.

Step 3 — Steer Left to Bring the Front In

3Continue reversing — steer left to swing the front of the car into the space

Still in reverse gear. Now steer hard left. This swings the front of the car into the space toward the kerb while the rear continues to move into the space. Watch your right door mirror — the front of your car must not hit Car A. Also watch your left door mirror — the rear must not hit Car B. Continue until the car is nearly parallel with the kerb. Stop before the rear wheel reaches the kerb.

Step 3 — Steer Left: Front Swings In, Watch BOTH Mirrors
Step 3 parallel parking — steer left, front swings into space, mirror hazard zones Car A Car B Right door mirror Watch front — don't hit Car A If front gets close → stop, fwd 1m Left door mirror Watch rear — don't hit Car B Also watch distance to kerb Stop before rear hits kerb
Step 3 is the most dangerous moment for bumper contact. Watch the right mirror (front vs Car A) and left mirror (rear vs Car B) simultaneously. Stop the moment either gets too close — correct with a small forward move if needed.
The correction move: if you find the front of your car getting too close to Car A during Step 3, stop — select first gear — drive forward about 1 metre while straightening the wheel slightly — then reverse again with left lock. This gives the front more clearance without abandoning the manoeuvre.

Step 4 — Straighten Up and Adjust

4Straighten the wheel — adjust forward or back to centre in the space

Once the car is nearly parallel with the kerb, return the steering wheel to straight and stop. The car should now be within the space, parallel to the kerb, and approximately 15–30 cm from it. If you are too far from the kerb, reverse a little more with slight right lock. If you are unevenly positioned in the space, drive forward or backward to centre between the two cars. Apply the handbrake. Switch off the engine.

Step 4 — Final Position: Correct vs Common Faults
Parallel parking final position — correct, too far from kerb, angled ✓ Correct Your car 15–30 cm from kerb Parallel ✓ ⚠ Too far out Your car ~70 cm — obstructing traffic flow ⚠ ❌ Angled Your car One end on kerb, other end sticking out ❌
Left: correct — parallel, 15–30 cm from kerb. Middle: too far out — obstructs traffic, also risks being clipped. Right: angled — one end on kerb, other blocking lane. Correct by pulling forward and reversing again with adjusted steering.
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Reference Points Explained

Reference points are the visual cues that tell you when to change your steering direction. They vary slightly by car model but the principle is the same for any standard car.

Key Reference Points — What to Look For in Each Mirror
Parallel parking reference points — left mirror Step 2, right mirror Step 3, left mirror kerb check Left mirror — Step 2 Car B Car B centred in left mirror → Switch to left lock (begin Step 3) ~45° achieved Right mirror — Step 3 Car A Car A visible right side Stop if front corner of your car gets close to it → Forward, correct, reverse Watch continuously Left mirror — kerb Kerb visible below tyre Small gap = 15–30 cm from kerb — ideal Kerb disappearing = too close — stop now
Three key reference points: (1) Car B centred in left mirror = switch to left lock. (2) Car A visible in right mirror = watch front clearance. (3) Kerb visible below tyre in left mirror = correct distance from kerb.
Reference points vary by car. The exact position where Car B appears centred in your mirror depends on the mirror height and angle of your specific car. Practice a few times in an empty car park first — use cones or chalk marks to simulate parked cars — and your ADI will help you find your car's specific reference points.

Observations Throughout

Every reverse move in parallel parking requires full all-around observation before starting. The critical moments are:

  • Before any reverse move: check all around — rear window, both mirrors, both shoulders, ahead
  • During the reverse: primarily rear window, but continuously switch between left and right mirrors
  • When front swings toward oncoming traffic (Step 3): check your right shoulder — cyclists and motorcyclists can be very close
  • Before driving forward for any correction: check front, ahead and mirrors again
  • Give way: if any vehicle or pedestrian approaches during the manoeuvre, stop and wait — you do not have right of way

Exiting the Space Safely

Leaving a parallel space is a manoeuvre in itself and must be done with full MSMM. Many drivers underestimate the hazard at this point — traffic may be passing at speed and cyclists are often in the door zone.

→Check all around — signal right — drive forward and out when safe

Before moving: check all around. Check the right door mirror specifically for approaching traffic and cyclists. Signal right. When a clear gap exists in traffic, drive forward while steering right to bring your car out from the kerb and into the lane. Once straightened and moving, use MSMM before joining the flow of traffic.

The Dooring Hazard

One of the most serious risks associated with kerbside parking is dooring — opening the car door into the path of a passing cyclist or motorcyclist. It causes serious injuries every year in Irish cities.

Before opening your door: check your left door mirror. Look over your left shoulder. Make sure no cyclist, motorcyclist or pedestrian is passing. Only then open the door — and keep it open only as long as necessary. Passengers should exit from the kerbside door, not the road-side door.

The Dutch Reach is a technique recommended by road safety organisations to reduce dooring: open the driver's door with your right hand (the hand furthest from the door). This causes your body to rotate naturally to the left, giving you a direct view over your left shoulder toward approaching cyclists before the door opens fully.

RSA requirement: the Rules of the Road states "before opening any doors, check for other road users nearby, in particular motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians. Open your doors only when you need to and keep them open only for as long as necessary."

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

❌ Starting in the wrong position

Too close or too far from Car A, or rear bumpers not aligned. Results in a wide arc that misses the space or an angle that causes the front to hit Car A. Always set up correctly in Step 1.

❌ Hitting the front car (Car A)

The most common serious error in Step 3. Watch the right door mirror continuously. If the front gets close — stop, pull forward 1 metre, resume reversing with corrected steering.

❌ Hitting the rear car (Car B)

Caused by reversing too far without checking the left mirror during Step 2. Watch Car B in the left mirror throughout the initial reverse arc.

⚠ Not signalling before starting

You must signal left before slowing and beginning the manoeuvre. This warns other drivers and cyclists of your intention. No signal = no warning.

⚠ Steering too late in Step 2

Not applying right lock immediately means the rear does not swing toward the kerb early enough, and more moves are needed. Apply lock as soon as you begin reversing.

⚠ Finishing too far from the kerb

If the car ends up more than 30–40 cm from the kerb it obstructs traffic. Correct by reversing further with slight right lock.

⚠ Parking against traffic flow

The Rules of the Road requires you to park facing in the direction of traffic. Parking against the flow is illegal — and dangerous when you open the door.

⚠ Not checking before opening the door

Dooring a cyclist is a serious collision risk. Always check the left mirror and over your left shoulder before opening any door of the vehicle.

RSA Rules for Kerbside Parking

The Rules of the Road sets out specific requirements for kerbside parking beyond just the physical technique:

RSA RuleWhat It Means in Practice
Park parallel to the kerbYour vehicle must be parallel — not at an angle — to the kerb or road edge
Park facing traffic flowFace the same direction as moving traffic — never park against the flow
Park as close to the kerb as possibleAim for 15–30 cm — not so close you scrape alloys, not so far you obstruct traffic
Apply the handbrakeAlways apply the handbrake after stopping — before exiting the vehicle
Check before opening doorsCheck left mirror and over left shoulder for cyclists before any door is opened
Don't double parkNever park alongside another parked car (two vehicles deep from kerb)
Don't park opposite another vehicle on a narrow roadCauses an obstruction — leave the space even if it means driving further
Passengers exit kerbsidePassengers should get out on the pavement side — not the road side

Frequently Asked Questions

A minimum of one and a half car lengths. Anything shorter and you risk hitting the vehicles in front and behind. For learners, look for a space of at least 1.5 times your car length — this gives comfortable margin for the 4-step technique without needing multiple corrections.

Parallel parking is not one of the three assessed manoeuvres on the RSA driving test — those are the turnabout, reverse around a corner, and bay parking. However, pulling in and moving off at the kerb (using many of the same skills) is assessed throughout the test, and parallel parking is a crucial everyday skill.

The RSA requires you to park as close as possible to the kerb, parallel with it. In practice, aim for 15–30 cm. Any closer and you risk wheel damage. Any further and you obstruct traffic and risk being clipped by passing vehicles.

Dooring is when a parked driver opens their car door into the path of a passing cyclist or motorcyclist. Prevent it by checking the left door mirror and looking over your left shoulder before opening the door. The Dutch Reach technique — opening the door with your right hand — naturally turns your body to check behind before the door opens wide.

No. The Rules of the Road requires you to park facing in the same direction as traffic flow. Parking against the flow is illegal in Ireland. It also places the driver's door on the traffic side rather than the pavement side, making exiting the vehicle more dangerous.

Yes. Use MSMM — check your rear-view mirror, check your left door mirror, signal left — before slowing and beginning the manoeuvre. Your signal informs other drivers, cyclists and motorcyclists of your intention to pull in.

Check all around. Check the right door mirror for approaching traffic and cyclists. Signal right. When there is a safe gap in traffic, drive forward while steering right to bring your car out from the kerb. Straighten up and use MSMM before joining the traffic flow.

It is perfectly normal to need a correction move — drive forward about 1 metre to reposition, then reverse again with adjusted steering. Multiple corrections are fine. The key is to make each move slowly with full observation, and to stop if any vehicle or pedestrian appears nearby.
Continue in the Parking in Ireland series
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