Introduction
Parallel parking is not always easy, especially when you are driving a large vehicle. Attempting to squeeze a van into a small little space that has other cars parked on each end can be a real hassle. While you may have learned how to parallel park in your driver's education class, many of us can use a little brushing up on the skill. Parallel parking a van is probably not something that you do very often, so there is no shame in needing a little help in learning how to park it correctly, without hitting anything in the process.
Step 1
Find a space that you would like to parallel park a van in. When you come to the parking spot, pull the van up so that you are next to the vehicle that you will be parking behind. You don't want to be too close to the other vehicle, about two to three feet away is a good amount. Stop your vehicle here and do a quick check behind you to make sure that no one else is coming and that you are free of all obstructions. Begin to turn your steering wheel all the way to the right.
Step 2
Now, with you steering wheel still turned all the way to the right, put a van that you are driving into reverse. Ease on the gas pedal very slowly so that you are gliding at a slow rate back into the parking spot. Place your right hand on the back of the headrest next to you and turn to look back quickly while you are in reverse. When you notice your front passenger side window even with the bumper of the car in front of you, stop the van.
Step 3
Straighten the steering wheel of a van and keep it in reverse so that you are still backing into the spot. You may be able to get into the spot just like this. If not, turn your wheel a little more to the right and continue to back up until the van is right next to the curb.
Step 4
Once you are in the spot, pull a van that you are driving up or in reverse, depending on the size of the spot. You will want to give yourself and the people parked behind and infront of you enough room to pull out of their parking spots. If you do not feel that you are close enough to the curb, pull up and try backing in again. Parallel parking a van can take some time to get used to and to perfect the skill.
Step 5
After following the previous steps, if you are still unable to parallel park a van, the spot may just not be big enough for this large vehicle. Some parallel parking spots are not made big enough when there are other cars parked on each end. Simply look for another parking spot and try your luck there.
Tips
Do not give up on parallel parking a van. Try learning how to do it correctly between cones in an empty parking lot. This is a great way to master the skill before parking between cars.
