How Do You Pull Out of a Parallel Parking Space Safely?

Leaving a parallel parking space puts your vehicle back into moving traffic. Before pulling away from the curb, check for approaching vehicles, cyclists, motorcycles and pedestrians, then wait for a safe opening.

Quick answer: To leave a parallel parking space safely, look around the vehicle, signal toward the travel lane, check mirrors and blind spots, yield to traffic already on the road, and pull out slowly only when you have enough room. A turn signal communicates your plan but never gives you the right-of-way.

How do you pull away from a parallel parking space step by step?

  1. Check the area around the car. Look for pedestrians, children, cyclists, approaching traffic and obstacles near your tires and bumpers.
  2. Prepare to move. Start the vehicle, fasten your seat belt and check that your path is clear. Keep the brake applied until you are ready.
  3. Make enough room. If you are boxed in, use slow, careful forward or reverse adjustments. Check all directions before each movement.
  4. Signal toward the traffic lane. Use the appropriate turn signal before entering the lane, but do not assume traffic will yield.
  5. Check your mirrors and blind spot. Turn your head to check for bicyclists, motorcycles and cars beside or behind the vehicle.
  6. Yield and wait for a safe gap. Avoid pulling out if an approaching driver would need to brake or change course suddenly.
  7. Pull away slowly. Steer into the lane while checking the front swing of the car and clearance from the vehicle ahead.
  8. Join traffic smoothly. Straighten the wheels, adjust speed appropriately and cancel the signal when the maneuver is complete.

Who has the right-of-way when leaving a curbside parking spot?

Traffic already traveling on the road has priority over a vehicle pulling out from a parked position. Watch for pedestrians crossing near the vehicle and for cyclists traveling alongside parked cars. Yield rather than attempting to squeeze into a small gap.

Safety checklist before pulling out

  • Check in front of and behind the vehicle.
  • Look through mirrors and directly over your shoulder for blind-spot traffic.
  • Signal, then wait for a safe opening.
  • Watch for bicycles and motorcycles between parked cars and moving traffic.
  • Stop and reassess if a pedestrian or other road user enters your path.

How do you leave a tight parallel parking space?

Use gentle, low-speed adjustments to create enough room, checking both bumpers and the curb after each movement. If you cannot exit without touching another vehicle or obstructing traffic, wait for a safer opportunity rather than forcing the maneuver.

What mistakes should drivers avoid?

Common mistakes include relying on mirrors without a blind-spot check, signaling and immediately moving without yielding, turning sharply before clearing the vehicle ahead, and rushing because other drivers are waiting. Never open a door into the path of a bicyclist or moving vehicle.

How can a new driver practice pulling away from a curb?

Start on a quiet, legal street with a qualified supervising adult or instructor. Practice scanning, signaling, finding a safe gap and smoothly entering a lane. First review how to parallel park safely; also practice straight-line backing to improve low-speed control. The NDT Behind-the-Wheel Training guide provides more structured driving practice.

Practice Safe Parking and Traffic Entry

Build observation, positioning and low-speed vehicle-control skills with structured driver education.

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Frequently asked questions about leaving a parallel parking space

How do you pull out of a parallel parking space safely?

Check your surroundings, leave enough space to steer, signal before entering traffic, scan mirrors and blind spots, and yield to vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians. Pull out only when a safe gap is available.

Who has the right-of-way when leaving a parallel parking space?

A driver entering the travel lane from a parked position must yield to traffic already using the roadway and to pedestrians and bicyclists whose paths may be affected.

Should you signal when pulling away from the curb?

Yes. Signal your intention to enter traffic, but remember a signal does not give you the right-of-way. Check carefully before moving.

How do you get out of a tight parallel parking space?

Move slowly and use small forward-and-reverse adjustments while checking for people and objects around the vehicle. Do not climb the curb or contact neighboring vehicles.

Should you check your blind spot before pulling away from a curb?

Yes. Use mirrors and a direct shoulder check, especially for bicycles, motorcycles and other road users who may be beside the vehicle.

What should you do if there is no safe opening in traffic?

Remain parked with the vehicle secured, continue scanning, and wait for a sufficiently large gap. Never force another road user to brake or swerve.

Related driving knowledge guides

Official sources and further reading

Reviewed October 30, 2026. Follow posted restrictions and local traffic laws; practice with a qualified supervising adult or instructor.