Finding the Right Spot
You need a space about 1.5 times the length of your car. With practice, you can fit into tighter spots, but start with generous spaces while building confidence.
The Steps
1. Pull alongside the car in front, matching your mirror to theirs. Leave about 1 metre between vehicles. 2. Check mirrors and blind spot. 3. Turn the wheel fully toward the kerb and reverse slowly until your car is at 45 degrees. 4. Straighten the wheel and continue reversing until your front bumper clears the rear of the car in front. 5. Turn the wheel fully away from the kerb and reverse into the space. 6. Straighten up and centre yourself in the spot.
Modern Assistance
Many vehicles now offer parking sensors and reversing cameras. Some (like the Hyundai Tucson and BMW 3 Series) have fully automatic parallel parking — the car steers itself while you control the brake.
Perth Parking Rules
Maximum 50cm from the kerb. Never park within 3 metres of a fire hydrant, 10 metres of an intersection (without traffic lights), or 20 metres from a bus stop.