How to Parallel Park a School Mini Van
- 1). Set up traffic cones or garbage cans in an empty lot. Standard vehicles are given 20 to 25 feet of space to parallel park, so figure on needing about 30 to 35 feet of space. Set one cone to represent the front of the vehicle you are parking behind and another to represent the back of the vehicle you are parking in front of. If using a real curb to practice, this cone setup will suffice. If you are not using a real curb, set up cones to represent the curb too.
- 2). Prepare to parallel park by lining up your minivan with the front cone representing the car in front of your parking space. Leave about two or three feet of space between the passenger side of your vehicle and the edge of the other vehicle represented by the cone.
- 3). Put the van into reverse and turn the steering wheel into a hard right. Slowly back up until most of your vehicle is in the space, making sure not to hit the front "bumper" of the car behind you represented by the cone.
- 4). Turn the wheels to the left when you are halfway into the parking space and the passenger side wheels are about 8 inches from the curb. This will allow your vehicle to straighten and fit into the space. Check the rear of the "car" in front of you and the front of the "car" behind you so you don't hit or scrape them.
- 5). Put your vehicle in drive and pull forward slightly to straighten out the rest of the way. Repeat as needed until you feel comfortable with the process.
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