How to Reverse Into a Parking Space Like a Pro

Find a good parking spot.

In a crowded parking garage, this might not be an option—but it's always going to be a lot less stressful if you only have to worry about one car rather than 2. If you're going to be parked overnight, make sure there's plenty of overhead light so there's less of a chance that your car could get broken into.^{[2] X Research source}
If you're in a larger lot with no stops between the rows of spaces, look for a spot where you can pull through to the next row. That way, you'll be nose-out in a spot without having to back at all.

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2

Flip on your turn signal.

Flip your turn signal in the direction of the parking space you're going to back into. This, combined with the reverse lights, will tell anyone behind you that you're about to back into that empty spot you just passed.^{[3] X Research source}
If there's another car behind you and they didn't get the message that you're parking, try flipping on your hazards—they'll likely at least understand that you want them to go around.^{[4] X Research source}

3

Drive 2 spots past the spot where you want to park.

You can also think of this as the third line. Just start your count with the line between the spot where you want to park and the one next to it. That third line gives you a visual reference so you always know how far to pull forward to turn in perfectly. Pull up with the side of your car no more than 1 foot (0.30 m) away from the openings of the spots or the bumpers of the other parked cars.^{[5] X Research source}

This visual reference works for most 4-door sedans. For a smaller car, line up your front bumper with the third line. Have an SUV or truck? Try lining your front bumper up to the fourth line.

Practice this a few times and it'll become automatic. Then, you'll be able to back in perfectly and it'll only take a few seconds longer than if you'd pulled in.

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4

Turn your wheel in the direction of the spot until it locks.

If the parking spot is on your right, you'll turn the wheel to the right. If it's on the left, you'll turn the wheel to the left. This works whether you're driving a left-hand or right-hand drive car.^{[6] X Research source}
This is the quickest and easiest method because it takes out the guesswork. You always know the exact distance you should be turning from and how sharply you should be turning.

5

Turn your head to see where you're going as you reverse.

Always look in the direction your car is going—even if you have a backup camera. If you get too close to neighboring cars for comfort, stop. Pull forward a bit and turn your wheel just a little in the opposite direction (away from the spot) to give yourself a little room, then keep backing.^{[7] X Trustworthy Source State of Michigan Official website for the State of Michigan Go to source}
Be careful about relying too heavily on your backup camera. If you're taking your driving test, you probably won't be allowed to use it. Besides, you'll actually be able to see where you're going much better if you turn around.

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6

Straighten your wheel to finish backing into the spot.

Move slowly so you can tell when your rear tires are parallel in the spot—that's when you need to straighten it out. This can take some practice because it depends on the turning radius of your car.^{[8] X Research source}
If you have a backup camera, it's helpful here because you can see on the screen when your wheels are parallel. Just remember to alternate between looking at the screen and looking over your shoulder.

7

Move straight back to the end of the spot.

Now that you're in the spot, glance forward to the ends of the lines that mark the parking spaces. When your front bumper is even with the ends of those lines, you're good to go.^{[9] X Research source}
If you have a backup camera, you can also glance at the screen occasionally so you know when to stop.

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8

Check your space and adjust as necessary.

If you're too close to one side—like right up next to the line—you might not be able to get in your car when you come back out. You might also be slightly crooked or over the line—no big deal! Just pull forward and correct the angle so that you can back in straight.^{[10] X Research source}
If you're having a hard time, it might be better to pull all the way out and start over from the beginning. Just take a deep breath and start fresh—you've got this.

9

Put your car in park and turn it off.

That's it—you're done! Take your keys out of the ignition and open your door slowly to get out. Just be careful not to open it too quickly and slam it into the car next to you. Even though you parked perfectly square in the space, that's still a possibility.^{[11] X Research source}
Check your mirrors quickly before you get out of your car, just to make sure there's no one walking beside your car that you might wack with your door.^{[12] X Research source}

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