Introduction
Sometimes you’ll find a parking spot behind a single car instead of between two cars. The steps are similar to full parallel parking, but you’ll use the car in front of the space as your main guide. This lesson will walk you through the process.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Choose a Legal Spot
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Make sure the space is long enough for your car.
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Check for fire hydrants, driveways, or “No Parking” signs.
Step 2: Position Your Car
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Signal right to show your intent to park.
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Pull up parallel to the car in front of the space, leaving 2–3 feet between your vehicle and theirs.
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Align your rear bumper with the rear bumper of the parked car.
Step 3: Begin Reversing at an Angle
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Shift into reverse.
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Turn your steering wheel toward the curb and back up slowly.
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Continue until your car is at about a 45-degree angle into the space.
Step 4: Straighten the Wheels
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Straighten your steering wheel once your front bumper clears the back bumper of the car in front.
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Keep reversing slowly into the space.
Step 5: Turn Away and Center
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As the front of your car clears the back of the parked car, turn the steering wheel away from the curb to bring the nose of your vehicle in.
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Keep backing until your car is parallel with the curb.
Step 6: Adjust
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Pull forward if needed to center your car neatly in the space.
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Ensure you are within 12 inches of the curb and not too close to the car in front.
Safety Reminders
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Always check mirrors and blind spots before reversing.
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Move slowly — you’re aiming for precision, not speed.
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If the space is too tight, don’t force it. Look for a safer spot.
Conclusion
Parallel parking behind a single car uses the same principles as parking between two cars, except you only need to use the front car as your guide. With practice, this becomes a simple and safe maneuver.