Chapter 3: Parking Rules

Knowing how to park a vehicle legally and safely is a fundamental driving skill that is used every day. Proper parking prevents costly fines, towing, and frustrating delays, while also ensuring the safety of pedestrians and the smooth flow of traffic. Mastering these rules is not only necessary to pass the road skills test but is also a key component of being a responsible and courteous driver.

General Parking Rules

Whenever a driver parks a vehicle, they must ensure it is secured and positioned correctly to prevent it from becoming a hazard. This involves following specific procedures for different parking situations, especially on hills.

Securing the Vehicle

Before leaving a parked vehicle, a driver must follow these steps:

1. Stop the engine.
2. Set the parking brake firmly. This is a critical step that provides a mechanical backup to the transmission.
3. Place the vehicle in “Park” (for automatic transmissions) or in gear (for manual transmissions). When parking a manual vehicle, it is customary to use first gear when facing uphill and reverse gear when facing downhill.
4. Lock the ignition and remove the key.
5. Check for traffic, including bicyclists, before opening the driver’s side door.
6. Lock the vehicle doors to prevent theft.

Parking on a Hill