Pulling into a parking space should be simple, but for new drivers, it often feels like navigating a maze.

Cars on either side, tight spaces, and limited visibility can make even an empty lot intimidating. Many beginners end up frustrated, taking multiple attempts or leaving their vehicles improperly positioned.

The key to smooth parking lies in understanding common mistakes and practicing corrective habits.

Ignoring proper spacing

New drivers often misjudge the distance between cars, either parking too close or leaving excessive gaps. Too close, and you risk door dings; too far, and you occupy extra space unnecessarily.

Practical tip: Before you park, align your car centrally within the lines. Use reference points like the side mirrors to ensure equal spacing on both sides. For example, in a standard lot, stop when your mirrors are roughly one car-width from the adjacent vehicles. Practicing this a few times in an empty lot helps build instinctive judgment.

Rushing the maneuver

Hurrying into a space can cause sudden braking, uneven angles, or misalignment. Stress or impatience often makes new drivers overcorrect, leading to awkward positioning.

Practical tip: Slow down to a controlled speed before turning into a spot. Pause briefly, check mirrors, and use gentle steering adjustments. For instance, when parallel parking, take your time to align the rear bumper with the vehicle behind, using small incremental turns rather than one wide swing.

Poor mirror and shoulder checks

Many beginners focus on the front of the car and forget to check the blind spots or mirrors fully. This can lead to scraping curbs or bumping neighboring vehicles.

Practical tip: Incorporate a mirror-shoulder sequence before every move. Look in your side mirrors, then glance over your shoulder to cover blind spots. When backing into a space, check both mirrors and physically turn to spot obstacles. Practicing this in low-traffic areas reinforces the habit.

Incorrect use of the steering wheel

New drivers often oversteer or understeer during parking. Oversteering can swing the car too far, while understeering may leave you misaligned and needing multiple adjustments.

Practical tip: Practice smooth, minimal steering movements. For angle parking, start turning only when your front bumper aligns with the first line of the space, then straighten gradually as the car moves in. Doing this repeatedly helps develop muscle memory, reducing unnecessary corrections.

Forgetting to adjust for vehicle size

Beginners frequently park as if all cars have the same dimensions. Compact cars fit snugly where SUVs need extra space. Failing to account for size can result in difficult exits or tight positioning.

Practical tip: Always assess the space relative to your car's length and width. For example, if driving a larger vehicle, aim to enter slightly earlier than you would with a smaller car to prevent cutting corners or hitting obstacles. Practicing with your own vehicle's measurements builds spatial awareness.

Neglecting to use the parking brake

Relying solely on gear placement or incline can be risky. New drivers may forget to engage the parking brake, which can lead to vehicle movement on slopes.

Practical tip: Make a habit of always setting the parking brake, especially on an incline. For instance, after backing into a hillside space, engage the brake first, then shift into park. This ensures stability and adds an extra safety layer.

Overlooking surroundings

Many beginners concentrate so hard on the space itself that they miss hazards like pedestrians, cyclists, or other moving vehicles.

Practical tip: Scan the area before and during parking. Look for approaching pedestrians, children playing, or carts in lots. For example, even when a spot looks empty, a cart rolling from a nearby aisle could collide with your car if you're not attentive.

Failing to practice regularly

Parking skills don't improve overnight. Infrequent practice leads to hesitation and repeated mistakes.

Practical tip: Schedule short practice sessions in empty lots or low-traffic streets. Focus on parallel parking, angle parking, and backing into spaces. Repetition builds confidence and instinctive positioning, making real-world parking less stressful.

Parking may seem daunting at first, but understanding common mistakes and developing mindful habits transforms it into a manageable skill. Slow, deliberate movements, proper spacing, and continuous awareness build confidence. With regular practice, what once felt like a tricky chore becomes a smooth, almost automatic part of driving, letting new drivers focus on enjoying the ride rather than worrying about the spot.