Parallel Parking Guide Ontario 2026 — G2 Road Test Tips
Parallel parking is one of the most feared parts of the G2 road test — but it's completely learnable with the right technique. This guide gives you a clear, step-by-step method that works every time.
Based on the official Ontario Driver's Handbook and real DriveTest scenarios. Updated October 2026.
Step-by-Step Parallel Parking
- 1Signal and position: Signal right. Pull up beside the car in front of the space, about 1 metre away. Align your rear bumpers.
- 2Check mirrors and blind spots: Check all mirrors and look over your right shoulder before reversing.
- 3Reverse and turn right: Slowly reverse. Turn your wheel sharply to the right. Watch your rear-right corner.
- 4Straighten and turn left: When your car is at about 45°, straighten the wheel briefly, then turn sharply left.
- 5Straighten up: As you approach the curb, straighten your wheels. You should be within 30 cm of the curb.
- 6Adjust if needed: Pull forward slightly to centre yourself in the space. Apply the parking brake.
Common Parallel Parking Mistakes
- ✗ Starting too far from the front car — leaves too much space to work with.
- ✗ Turning the wheel too late — ends up at a shallow angle.
- ✗ Not checking blind spots before reversing.
- ✗ Ending up too far from the curb (more than 30 cm).
- ✗ Forgetting to apply the parking brake after parking.
- ✗ Not signalling before starting the manoeuvre.
Quick Summary
- ✅ Position 1 metre beside front car, bumpers aligned
- ✅ Signal + check mirrors + blind spot before reversing
- ✅ Turn right → straighten → turn left → straighten
- ✅ End within 30 cm of curb
- ✅ Apply parking brake after parking
- ✅ Practise until it feels natural
Practice Quiz
5 QuestionsWhen parallel parking, you should start by positioning your car:
Frequently Asked Questions
What size space do I need for parallel parking?
You need a space that is at least 1.5 times the length of your vehicle. For a typical car, that is about 7–8 metres. On the G2 test, the space will be large enough to park in.
What if I hit the curb during the G2 test?
Lightly touching the curb is usually a minor error. Mounting the curb (going over it) is a more serious error. The examiner will note it but it may not be an automatic fail unless it is severe.
Do I need to parallel park on both sides of the road?
On the G2 test, you will typically be asked to parallel park on the right side of the road. Practise on both sides to be prepared.
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