When you are pulled up next to a vehicle that you are going to parallel park behind, how much space should you leave between the two cars?

• A. 2 feet
• B. 1 foot
• C. 4 feet
• D. 6 inches

Answer: (A)

When you’re up next to the car you’ll park behind, you need enough room to swing your vehicle into the space as you begin the backing-in motion. About two feet of space is the right amount. It provides enough clearance for your front end to pivot into the gap without hitting the car in front, and it gives you room to maneuver and align your bumper into the space. Too little space, like six inches or one foot, makes it very hard to turn without contacting either car. Too much space, like four feet, isn’t necessary and can make it harder to position correctly.