Yes, you can fail your driving test for parking errors
Parking is a scored maneuver on most state driving tests, and serious mistakes — hitting the curb, failing to center the vehicle, or leaving it in an unsafe position — will result in an automatic or critical failure. The examiner is watching for control, awareness of the vehicle's position, and whether you can execute the maneuver without creating a hazard. A single bad parking attempt does not always end the test, but repeated errors or a final position that violates safety rules will.
The exact scoring depends on your state and the specific test route, but the principle is consistent: parking is not a separate task you can skip. It is part of the driving test, and the examiner grades it the same way they grade turns, stops, and lane changes.
Key Takeaways
- Parking errors that involve hitting the curb, striking another vehicle, or leaving the car in an unsafe or illegal position will cause you to fail the test.
- Most states allow one or two minor parking attempts (pulling out and repositioning), but excessive attempts or failure to straighten the vehicle will count against you.
- The examiner is grading your control of the steering wheel, your awareness of the vehicle's boundaries, and your ability to stop in a safe position — not your speed or style.
- Parallel parking is the most common parking failure point, but angle parking and perpendicular parking can also result in failure if you cannot complete them safely.
What counts as a parking failure
A critical or automatic failure in parking usually means one of these: hitting the curb hard enough that the examiner notes it, striking another vehicle or object, leaving the car more than 12 inches from the curb (varies by state), or parking in a way that blocks traffic or creates a safety hazard. Some states also fail you if you cannot complete the maneuver within a set number of attempts — typically two or three — or if you run over the curb at any point.
A minor deduction is a small error that does not create danger: touching the curb lightly, needing one extra pull-forward to straighten, or being slightly off-center but still safely parked. These reduce your score but do not automatically fail you. The difference between a minor deduction and a failure depends on how severe the error is and how your state's test scoring system is written.
If you are unsure what your state considers a failure versus a deduction, ask the examiner or your test administrator before you begin. Some DMVs provide a scoring sheet that lists exactly what errors result in failure.
Parallel parking mistakes that cause failure
Parallel parking is where most test-takers lose points or fail. The most common failures are: hitting the front or rear bumper on another vehicle, leaving the car more than 12 inches from the curb, failing to straighten the wheels after parking, or needing more than two or three attempts to complete the maneuver.
If you pull out and reposition, that counts as an attempt. Most examiners allow you to pull out and try again once or twice, but if you keep hitting the curb or cannot get the car parallel to the street after three attempts, the test ends. Some states have a specific distance limit — for example, you must complete parallel parking within 18 inches of the curb — and if you exceed that, you fail when ready.
The examiner is also watching whether you use your mirrors and check your blind spots before backing up. Failing to look is a separate safety violation that can fail you even if your final position is acceptable.
Angle and perpendicular parking errors
Angle parking (parking at a 45-degree angle into a space) and perpendicular parking (straight into a space) are less common on driving tests than parallel parking, but they are scored the same way. You fail if you hit the curb, strike another vehicle, leave the car at an unsafe angle, or cannot complete the maneuver within the allowed attempts.
For perpendicular parking, the car must be centered in the space and parallel to the lines. If you are crooked, too far forward, or too far back, the examiner will note it. A minor misalignment is usually a small deduction, but if the car is so far off that it blocks an adjacent space or creates a hazard, it is a failure.
Angle parking requires you to approach at the correct angle and brake smoothly. If you overshoot the space, hit the curb, or leave the car sticking out into the driving lane, you will fail.
How to avoid parking failures on test day
Before the test, practice the exact type of parking your state uses. Ask your test administrator or check your state's DMV website to find out whether the test includes parallel, angle, or perpendicular parking — or all three. Then practice that maneuver repeatedly until you can do it without hitting the curb and without needing more than one or two attempts.
On test day, take your time. The examiner is not timing you; they are watching whether you can do it safely. Pull up slowly, check your mirrors and blind spots, and use smooth steering inputs. If you feel like you are going to hit the curb, stop, pull out, and try again. One extra attempt is better than a hard bump that fails you.
Center yourself in the space before you stop. If you are unsure whether you are straight, ask the examiner if you can pull out and reposition. Most will allow one or two repositioning attempts as long as you do not hit anything. Do not guess — if you think you are crooked, fix it.
What happens if you fail the parking portion
If you fail the parking portion of the test, the entire test is usually over. You will not continue to other maneuvers. The examiner will tell you that you have failed and will explain the reason — for example, "You hit the curb" or "You could not complete the maneuver within the allowed attempts."
You can retake the test after a waiting period, which varies by state. Most states allow you to retake the test within a few days or weeks. Before you retake it, practice the parking maneuver that caused you to fail. Many test-takers pass on the second or third attempt because they know exactly what went wrong and have had time to practice.
Some states offer a behind-the-wheel test prep course or a supervised practice session at the DMV. If your state offers this, consider using it before your next test attempt.
State-by-state parking test rules
Parking test rules vary by state. Some states require parallel parking; others use angle or perpendicular parking. Some states allow three attempts; others allow only two. Some states measure the distance from the curb in inches; others use a visual standard.
Before you test, contact your state's DMV or visit their website to find out the exact parking requirements for your test. Ask: What type of parking is on the test? How many attempts are allowed? What is the maximum distance from the curb? What counts as a failure? The DMV can usually answer these questions in one phone call or email.
If your state's website does not provide this detail, call the testing location where you will take your test. They can tell you exactly what to expect and what mistakes will fail you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fail the driving test for just one parking mistake?
Yes, if the mistake is serious — hitting the curb hard, striking another vehicle, or leaving the car in an unsafe position. Minor errors like touching the curb lightly or needing one extra attempt usually result in a small deduction, not a failure. The severity of the mistake determines whether you fail or lose points.
How many times can I try to park before I fail?
Most states allow two or three attempts at a parking maneuver. If you pull out and reposition, that counts as an attempt. After the allowed number of attempts, if you have not completed the maneuver safely, the test ends and you fail. Check your state's specific rules before you test.
What if I touch the curb but the car is still in a safe position?
A light touch to the curb is usually a minor deduction, not a failure. A hard hit or repeated contact with the curb is more serious. The examiner will note whether the contact created a safety issue or was just a minor mistake. Ask your examiner or DMV what their standard is before you test.
Do I have to parallel park on the driving test in my state?
Not all states require parallel parking. Some use angle parking or perpendicular parking instead. Check your state's DMV website or call your testing location to find out which parking maneuvers are on your test. This is important information to know before you practice.
Can I ask the examiner if I am parked correctly before I stop?
Yes. If you are unsure whether you are centered or straight, you can ask the examiner if you can pull out and reposition. Most examiners will allow this as long as you do not hit anything. It is better to ask and fix it than to guess and fail.