Which of the following is NOT a proper step for parallel parking?

• A. Put on your turn signal to warn other drivers that you intend to park.
• B. Back up quickly, turning your steering wheel to the left to aim the back of your vehicle toward the front of the vehicle behind you.
• C. Straighten your wheels and pull forward to center the vehicle in the parking space.
• D. As the front of your vehicle clears the back of the vehicle in front of you, turn your wheels sharply to the left and continue backing slowly until the back of your vehicle almost touches the vehicle behind you.

Answer: (B)

Parallel parking relies on slow, controlled movements and precise steering to angle your car into the space, then straighten and center it. Signaling, aligning alongside the space, backing up with careful, gradual steering toward the curb to start the angle, and then straightening as you finish are the proper steps.

The step described as backing up quickly and turning toward the left to aim the back of your vehicle toward the car behind you is not correct. Backing up quickly reduces control and makes it easy to misjudge distance or strike nearby cars. Turning in that direction would position the back end toward the vehicle behind you, increasing the risk of contact. Instead, you should back up slowly with smooth steering to angle into the space and then adjust as you continue.