Safety Center

How To Parallel Park With Safety Cones

Parallel parking is part of driver's license tests in most states. These easy steps and enough practice will give you the confidence to parallel park. Find a suitable place to practice, such as an empty parking lot.

  • Place two orange safety cones 15 feet apart – attach a yardstick or broomstick to the cones to make them more visible from the driver's seat; you can use large trash containers or cardboard boxes if you don't have cones

  • Check your mirrors – adjust the side and rearview mirrors for maximum road visibility (only a small portion of the car should show)

  • Pull up your vehicle – stop when the back of your auto is even with the front cone (representing the back of the car in front of the open parking space)

  • Use the turn signal – signal to other vehicles your intention to park

  • Begin backing up – apply the brake, shift the car into reverse, and slowly remove your foot from the brake as you turn the steering wheel toward the curb at a 45-degree angle

  • Reverse and stop – continue moving the car slowly in reverse and stop once it is close to the back cone

  • Straighten and line up – apply the brake, shift into drive, and slowly remove your foot from the brake as you move the car forward, turning the steering wheel in the opposite direction

  • Check your position and adjust – repeat the previous 2 steps until your vehicle is straight and centered

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References:

  1. “How to Parallel Park: 10 Ridiculously Easy Parallel Parking Steps,” https://driving-tests.org/beginner-drivers/how-to-parallel-park.

  2. Leigh Egan, “How to Parallel Park With Cones,” https://itstillruns.com/parallel-park-cones-6216455.html.

Our Safety Center pages are filled with tips related to the safety and maintenance of your home and autos. The information contained in these articles should not be construed as professional advice, and is not intended to replace official sources. Other resources linked from these pages are maintained by independent providers; therefore, NJM cannot guarantee their accuracy.