How to Back Into a Parking Space
To back into a parking space, drive past the stall, check your mirrors and blind spots, signal, then reverse slowly at a 45-degree angle until you are aligned with the stall, then straighten the wheel as you complete the reverse. Proper use of mirrors and going slowly are the keys to getting it right consistently.
Key Facts
- Drive slowly past the target stall, checking there are no obstacles in or around it
- Signal your intention to reverse into the stall
- Pull forward until your vehicle is roughly 1-1.5 car lengths past the stall
- Check all mirrors and do blind spot checks
- Shift into reverse and begin moving slowly
In this article
Why Reverse Stall Parking Is Tested
The G2 road test in Ontario includes a reverse stall parking manoeuvre. Examiners look for proper signalling, observation habits, accurate placement within the stall, and smooth control. Learning to do it well requires understanding the angles involved before you add speed.
Step-by-Step: How to Back Into a Stall
Follow this sequence every time for consistent results.
- Drive slowly past the target stall, checking there are no obstacles in or around it
- Signal your intention to reverse into the stall
- Pull forward until your vehicle is roughly 1-1.5 car lengths past the stall
- Check all mirrors and do blind spot checks
- Shift into reverse and begin moving slowly
- Turn the wheel toward the stall at approximately a 45-degree angle
- Monitor both side mirrors to track your distance from the stall lines
- As your vehicle aligns with the stall, straighten the wheel
- Continue reversing slowly until your front bumper clears the front of the stall
- Check all mirrors and check through the rear window before coming to a complete stop
Using Your Mirrors Correctly
Your side mirrors are your primary reference points for reverse stall parking. Watch the stall lines in both mirrors. If the right line is getting closer in your right mirror, turn the wheel slightly left to correct. You are aiming to be centred, with equal space on both sides. Going slowly gives you more time to make small corrections before you run out of room.
Common Errors and How to Fix Them
Most students who struggle with reverse stall parking make the same few mistakes.
- Starting too close to the stall: pull further forward before reversing to create a better angle
- Turning too sharply: a gradual angle is easier to control than a hard turn
- Going too fast: speed is the enemy of precise parking
- Forgetting to check blind spots: always check before and during the manoeuvre
- Not straightening early enough: begin straightening before you think you need to
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