How to Parallel Park for the G2 Test (Step-by-Step Guide)
Parallel parking is one of the most feared parts of the G2 test — but it doesn't have to be. With the right technique and a bit of practice, you can nail it every time. This guide covers the exact method, hill parking rules, what to do if your first attempt isn't perfect, and how to prepare effectively.
Last updated: August 2026 — reflects current Ontario DriveTest standards.
The key rule: You must park within 30 cm (about 12 inches) of the curb. That's roughly the width of a standard ruler. Practice until you can hit this consistently.
Step-by-Step Parallel Parking Method
This method works for any car and any parking space. Follow it exactly and you'll park within 30 cm every time.
- 1Position your car: Pull up alongside the car in front of the empty space, about 1 metre away from it. Align your rear bumper with their rear bumper.
- 2Check and shift to reverse: Check your mirrors and blind spots. Signal right. Shift to reverse.
- 3Turn wheel fully toward the curb: Turn the steering wheel fully to the right (if parking on the right side). Begin reversing slowly.
- 4Watch your reference point: When your front door aligns with the rear bumper of the car in front, straighten the steering wheel.
- 5Second reference point: Continue reversing. When you can see the full licence plate of the car in front in your rear-view mirror, turn the wheel fully away from the curb (to the left).
- 6Complete the reverse: Continue reversing slowly until your car is parallel to the curb.
- 7Pull forward to centre: Shift to drive and pull forward to centre yourself in the space. Check your distance from the curb — it must be within 30 cm.
What the Examiner Is Checking
- You check mirrors and blind spots before every movement.
- You signal before starting the manoeuvre.
- You park within 30 cm of the curb.
- You don't mount the curb (go over it).
- You check for traffic before pulling back into the lane.
Hill Parking Rules
Hill parking is tested on the G2 test. Ontario's Highway Traffic Act requires you to turn your wheels in a specific direction depending on whether you're facing uphill or downhill — and to always apply the parking brake. Here's what you need to know:
Facing downhill — turn wheels toward the curb
When parked facing downhill, turn your front wheels toward the curb (to the right on a right-side parking spot). If the parking brake fails, the curb will stop the car from rolling into traffic.
Facing uphill — turn wheels away from the curb
When parked facing uphill, turn your front wheels away from the curb (to the left on a right-side parking spot). If the car rolls backward, the wheels will catch on the curb and stop it.
Always apply the parking brake
Regardless of direction, always apply the parking brake when parked on a hill. This is a standard part of the G2 examiner's checklist. Forgetting the parking brake is a fault.
Memory tip: "Downhill toward, uphill away." When going down, aim at the curb. When going up, aim away from it.
What If You Can't Park Within 30 cm?
If your first attempt leaves you more than 30 cm from the curb, don't panic. Here's what to do:
Pull forward and try again
You can pull forward and re-attempt the manoeuvre. There is no penalty for multiple attempts. The examiner is watching your technique, observation checks, and safety — not how many moves it takes.
Stay calm and use your reference points
Rushing is the most common reason for a poor park. Take a breath, reset your position, and go through the reference points methodically. Slow and controlled beats fast and sloppy every time.
The examiner is watching your process
A candidate who pulls forward, checks mirrors, and re-attempts carefully demonstrates good driving judgment. That's what the examiner wants to see — not perfection on the first try.
Check your distance before signalling to leave
After parking, visually estimate your distance from the curb. If you're unsure, adjust before signalling to re-enter traffic. A 30 cm gap is roughly the width of a standard ruler or a large hand span.
Common Parallel Parking Mistakes
Always check mirrors and blind spots before every movement — forward or reverse.
Use the reference points in the steps above. Practice until they feel natural.
After parking, visually check your distance. If too far, pull forward and adjust.
Slow down. There's no time limit. A slow, controlled park is better than a fast, sloppy one.
Make applying the parking brake a habit every time you park — especially on any incline.
Practice Tips
- 1Practice on a quiet street with actual parked cars — not just cones. Real cars give you accurate reference points and simulate the real test environment.
- 2Practice in the exact car you'll use for your test. Reference points vary between vehicles — a sedan and an SUV have different sight lines.
- 3Practice at the same time of day as your test appointment. Light conditions and traffic patterns differ between morning and afternoon.
- 4Practice at least 20 times before your test. Repetition builds muscle memory and reduces anxiety on test day.
- 5Have a passenger watch your distance from the curb and give feedback after each attempt.
- 6Practice on hills too — you'll need to know the correct wheel position for both uphill and downhill parking.
Final Thoughts: Parallel Parking Is a Learnable Skill
Parallel parking feels intimidating at first — but it's one of the most predictable parts of the G2 test. The examiner is following a checklist, not trying to catch you out. If you check your mirrors, signal, use your reference points, and park within 30 cm, you'll pass this section.
Remember: multiple attempts are allowed, hill parking rules are simple once you know them, and staying calm is half the battle. Practice in the actual car you'll use for the test, on real streets with real parked cars, at the same time of day as your appointment.
For a complete overview of everything tested on the G2, read our full G2 guide. For tips on passing the entire test on your first attempt, see our guide to passing the G2 first try.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close to the curb do I need to park on the G2 test?
Within 30 cm (about 12 inches). Parking farther than 30 cm from the curb is a fault.
What if I hit the curb during parallel parking?
Lightly touching the curb is usually a minor fault. Mounting the curb (going over it) is a major fault and may fail you.
Can I take more than 3 moves to parallel park?
Yes. There's no limit on the number of moves. Take as many as you need to park safely and within 30 cm of the curb.
Do I need to check mirrors before reversing during parallel parking?
Yes. Before every movement — forward or reverse — you must check your mirrors and blind spots.
Is parallel parking on every G2 test?
Yes. Parallel parking is a standard part of the G2 road test at all DriveTest centres in Ontario.
What happens if I can't park within 30 cm on my first attempt?
You can pull forward and try again. There is no penalty for multiple attempts. The examiner is watching your technique and safety checks, not how many moves it takes.
Do I need to apply the parking brake after parallel parking?
Yes. Always apply the parking brake after parking. This is part of the examiner's checklist and is especially important on hills.