Why Parking Rules Matter for the DMV Test
Parking distance questions are some of the most frequently tested topics on the DMV written test. Knowing the exact distances is important because the answer choices are often very close together.
Key Parking Distances
Fire hydrant: Park at least 15 feet away in most states. Some states require 10 feet.
Crosswalk: Park at least 20 feet from a crosswalk at an intersection.
Stop sign: Park at least 30 feet from a stop sign.
Railroad crossing: Park at least 50 feet from a railroad crossing.
Fire station driveway: Park at least 20 feet from a fire station driveway on the same side of the street, and 75 feet on the opposite side.
Intersection: Do not park within 20 feet of an intersection if there are no stop signs or signals.
Uphill and Downhill Parking
When parking uphill with a curb, turn your front wheels away from the curb. If your brakes fail, the car will roll into the curb rather than into traffic. When parking downhill, turn your front wheels toward the curb. When parking uphill without a curb, turn your wheels to the right so the car rolls off the road.
No Parking Zones
Never park in front of a driveway, on a sidewalk, in a handicapped space without a permit, in a fire lane, on a bridge or overpass, in a tunnel, or within a marked no-parking zone.
Tips for the DMV Test
Memorize the key distances: 15 feet from a fire hydrant, 20 feet from a crosswalk, 30 feet from a stop sign, and 50 feet from a railroad crossing. Also remember the uphill and downhill wheel-turning rules. These topics appear on nearly every state's DMV test.