Driving Lessons Video Series: How To Properly Perform Curbside Parking

If you are preparing for your road test at the DMV office, you want to make sure you know how to do all the driving maneuvers the examiner will test you on. One of those maneuvers will be curbside parking, as they want to make sure you can approach the curb without hitting it and park at a good distance from it. Our Driving Lessons video series continues today, as one of our driving instructors will show you how to properly curbside park.

What Is Curbside Parking?

Many drivers are curbside parking every day. Besides it being something you will most likely do every day, it is also a driving skill new drivers will be tested on during their driving test at the DMV. When it comes to curbside parking, the speed you are driving at is crucial, as well as checking your surroundings and how close to the curb your vehicle is. It seems like it would be an easy process, but you don't want to get too close to the curb and hit it with your tire.

The Steps

If you are trying to park and find a spot along the curb, there are proper steps you need to take to complete the task safely and properly. Here are the steps to perform curbside parking:

• When curbside parking, watch for space three to six car lengths ahead.
• When you have found a space, turn on the right turn signal.
• For lane changes and curbside parking, signal, check center mirror, check side mirror and check over the shoulder before making the lane change towards the curb.
• Drive no more than 5-10 mph as you turn toward the curb.
• As you approach the curb and you think you are close, turn parallel to the curb then check your side mirror. If you can see space between the curb and the side of the car, you still have room to get a little closer. The distance from the curb should be 1 to 18 inches.

You can watch everything in action by checking out our driving instructor approaching a limit line right here:

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our friendly support staff. If you want to start your driver's training journey with Coastline Academy, make sure to sign up for Drivers Ed and book your driving lesson today.