VIDEO: How to parallel park in Prague in three steps

Parallel parking – undoubtedly one of the biggest stressing-inducing maneuvers you’ll likely perform behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. But there is a way to avoid making your blood pressure spike: practise, practise, practise.

This video by the driving experts at Autoškola King shows us how to navigate this parking challenge in three basic steps. (The video is in Czech with English subtitles.)

Pavel Greiner, owner of Autoškola King, tells us it’s ideal to find a place that is one and a half times the length of your car. Once you’ve spotted your target, position your car so that its back bumper is aligned with the back bumper of the car you plan to park next to.

Once you’ve lined yourself up, here’s where Greiner’s basic three steps come into play: 

Step 1: Turn your wheel sharply to the right. Take your foot off the break and reserve slowly, backing up at a 45-degree angle. Check your mirror for any approaching cars. 

Step 2: Straighten your wheel and reserve slowly, using only the clutch, to the curb. Check how far you are from the curb in the right side mirror. 

Step 3: When you are about 20 or 30 inches from the curb, turn your wheel left. Work slowly with the clutch only. Your car should be nicely aligned with the curb. Shift into first gear and pull forward a bit.

Greiner reminds us the first rule of parallel parking is to remain calm and take your time. Don’t get flustered by any impatient “moron” honking behind you – it’s their problem, not yours.