California Car / Permit practice question · Parking & Stopping
When you parallel park, your tires should be within how far of the curb?
Answer choices
- 6 inches
- 18 inches— Correct answer
- 3 feet
- There is no limit
Why this is the answer
When you parallel park, your vehicle should end up parallel to the curb and within 18 inches of it. You begin turning the wheel away from the curb once your rear wheel is within 18 inches. Three feet is the length you need to spare in the space, not the gap you leave from the curb.
Source: California Driver Handbook — Parking
Content reviewed against official driver handbooks · August 12, 2026
More Parking & Stopping questions
- When you park facing uphill next to a curb, you should turn your front wheels:
- You may not park within how many feet of a fire hydrant?
- Under California's "daylighting" law, you generally may not stop or park within 20 feet of:
- You may not park within how many feet of a sidewalk wheelchair ramp for disabled persons?
- When you park facing downhill next to a curb, you should turn your front wheels: