Road Test Parallel Parking Dimensions Nj


The standard parallel parking dimensions utilized in the driver’s license test are 22 feet in length by 10 feet in depth; Straight Line Backing: Back your car for a distance of approximately 50 feet at a slow rate of speed (not more than 10 miles per hour) as straight and as smoothly as possible. Topics:How to ParkHow to Park on a HillHow to Pull Out From Parallel ParkingParking RegulationsReserved Parking for People with DisabilitiesChapter 7 QuizNote: Practice quizzes are available only for those sections of the manual covering rules of the road (Chapters 4 through 11 and Road Signs).Parallel parking takes skill and is part of every road test.

Nj parallel parking test

We have updated this page - visit the latest version here.

We know that taking your New Jersey road test can be nerve-wracking. With a little preparation and insight into the test itself, there’s nothing to be worried about. This guide will make sure you know the specific requirements in New Jersey, what you can expect on the road test itself and give our best practice tips. Here’s exactly what you need to know to pass your New Jersey road test.

What to know before your New Jersey road test

First, you need to have a road test scheduled. There are no walk-ins. You can book your New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) road test online. Next, make sure you have valid registration and insurance for the vehicle you’ll be taking your test in. You’ll need these documents at the MVC the day of your test. Also, make sure your testingvehicle meets New Jersey requirements and that you have a licensed driver to accompany you to your road test. We’ve listed the car requirements out for you in the next section, to make it easier to go through and check off each one.

Once you verified your road test, paperwork, and car requirements, it’s time for more practice. In New Jersey, you're not allowed to practice in the neighborhood around the DMV where your road test is scheduled, but feel free to practice in other parking lots and neighborhoods.

What are the vehicle requirements for your New Jersey Road Test?

Many people are denied testing because their car doesn’t meet the necessary requirements. Check these and check them again. Here’s what your testing vehicle needs to have:

  • An emergency brake in the center console
  • Current registration, insurance, and inspection sticker
  • A windshield with no cracks or debris that would obstruct the view
  • Operable doors: the driver and passenger doors must open from inside and outside
  • Working lights: brake lights, front and back turn signal lights, headlights and taillights
  • Key safety requirements: working speedometer, horn, rearview mirror, seatbelts, and windshield wipers
  • No service or warning lights illuminated on the dashboard
  • *If under 21* you must have the red, reflective license plate decals on your front and back plates for the road test(If you don't have these, you can buy them the day of your road test at the MVC for about $4)

If you don’t have a car or yours doesn’t meet these requirements, you have a few options. You can get a car through a driving school, see if a friend or family member is available to accompany you and lend their car, or Skip offers a car and driver service for New Jersey road tests, which you can reserve ahead of time online.

What to know the day of your New Jersey road test

First, get to your road test early! If you’re late, the MVC will ask you to reschedule. We recommend arriving 15 minutes before your scheduled test time. Also, remember to bring your Learner’s Permit along with the car registration and insurance, which you should have in the glove compartment.

In New Jersey, when you arrive at the MVC, you won't go inside to check-in, but instead, you'll pull straight into the road test lane outside. It's an open area in the parking lot and the road test line will be obvious, as it's often clearly marked by orange cones. You'll wait there in your car with your licensed driver until an examiner comes out to meet you. They'll ask for your Learner's Permit as well as the insurance and registration for the vehicle. Then your licensed driver will get out, you'll move to the driver's seat and the examiner will start the test off with the safety check. They'll ask you to show working lights, turn signals, hand signals, and horn.

Then it's time for the driving portion of the test. At most all New Jersey testing sites, the road test will start in the parking lot, where you'll be asked to parallel park and perform your 3-point turn. After these maneuvers, you'll head out to the road* to do the remainder of the test in actual traffic. When leaving the MVC, watch for stop signs before proceeding to the road. Many people miss the stop sign and drive right out, which is an automatic fail.

* Except at the Rahway MVC, where the entire test is done in the open parking lot.

Space

What you will be tested on for the New Jersey road test

  • 3-Point turn ('K turn')
  • Parallel parking: Remember, you can't touch the curb at all during this parking maneuver, or it's an automatic fail.
  • Stop sign approach: Don't be too timid or too fast and make sure you stop before the white line
  • Observing right-of-way: Allow pedestrians to cross. Remember to pull over and stop for emergency vehicles to pass and don’t enter an intersection where you’ll interfere with other traffic.
  • Stopping smoothly: Start braking well ahead of time to avoid a sharp or jerky stop.
  • Backing up: Back up for a distance of 50 feet at a slow speed while turning your head and looking over your right shoulder to the rear.
  • Signaling and turning: Get into the proper lane and signal your turn for the last *200 feet*
  • Passing: always look ahead and behind to make sure you can pass safely.
  • Following at a safe distance: Don’t follow too close behind other cars. Keep a minimum following distance of three to four seconds

Lastly, don't forget to check your blind spot when backing up, parallel parking, switching lanes or as needed. You need to actually turn and look. Many people get points off for not doing this.

What happens after my New Jersey road test?

Congratulations on making it this far! If you pass, you'll immediately get your license on site. The tester will tell you where to go. If you failed, you need to wait at least 2 weeks before you can take the test again. If you fail more than twice, the MVC may require you to wait six months before taking the test again. Each time, make sure you have a licensed driver with you and car for the road test. In the meantime, keep practicing 🙂

Need other New Jersey road test help?

Pro-tip: YoGov can help you get your US driving license! Book a Road Test Concierge car and driver to help you pass your road test.

Get unlimited DMV appointments and DMV chat support with a 15 days free of Skip.


Need a car or driver for your road test?

Check availability in your area

Notice: JavaScript is required for this content.

DMV Cheat Sheet - Time Saver

Passing the written exam has never been easier. It's like having the answers before you take the test.

  • Computer, tablet, or iPhone
  • Just print and go to the DMV
  • Driver's license, motorcycle, and CDL
  • 100% money back guarantee

To ensure a passing score and receive your driver's license, be aware of these common mistakes new drivers make on their road test.

Mistake #1: Nerves & Lack of Confidence

Even if you've prepared correctly, nerves can play a factor in how well you perform behind the wheel. A few ways nerves or stress can negatively impact your testing score include:

  • Decreasing focus or concentration.
  • Failing to follow the directions of the test examiner.
  • Forgetting the basic rules of the road.
  • Losing control of your emotions.

Part of showing vehicle control is displaying confidence in your actions. Driving too slowly or braking too hard is not only unsafe; it will also show a lack of confidence behind the wheel. While you'll want to be careful and follow defensive driving rules, being overly cautious could negatively impact your score.

Mistake #2: Not Practicing Enough

Whether it's your parent's busy schedule or your own, finding enough time to spend practicing behind the wheel can be difficult—and it's often the reason mistakes are made on test day.

One way you can build confidence and honestly evaluate your performance behind the wheel is to sign up for driving school. The instructors will simulate testing conditions and provide you with feedback for areas to practice before you head to the DMV.

Mistake #3: Rolling Stops

A common deduction new drivers will receive on the road test is failure to make a complete stop. While most drivers will slow down, to avoid getting negative marks you must:

  • Come to a complete stop when making a right-hand turn at an intersection.
  • Come to a complete stop behind the demarcation line at a stop sign or red light.

Mistake #4: Following Too Closely

Part of defensive driving is keeping a safe distance between your car and the other vehicles on the road. This will help you to avoid an accident by providing enough time to react should you need to brake suddenly.

While it is generally recommended that you keep a few car lengths between the vehicle in front of you, refer to your state's driver's manual if you're unsure of what constitutes a safe following distance.

Mistake #5: Not Controlling Your Speed

Instructors will often take testers through areas where the speed limit will change frequently. These include:

  • School zones.
  • Residential streets.
  • Freeways.
  • Construction zones.

Instead of following the speed of other drivers on the road, pay attention to speed limit signsand adjust your speed accordingly.

Mistake #6: One-Handed Steering

In order to demonstrate proper control of your vehicle, it is recommended that you keep both hands on the steering wheel during the test when possible. The general rule is to think of your steering wheel as if it were a clock face, and keep your hands where the numbers 10 and 2 would be. During practice, form good driving habits to avoid a slip-up while you're being graded.

Mistake #7: Improper Lane Changes

Changing lanes incorrectly is a mistake even experienced drivers make. To do it right, make sure you:

  • Look first.
  • Signal your intention using your turn signals.
  • Check your side and rear view mirrors for other vehicles.
  • Look over your shoulders to check your blind spots.
  • When all is clear, change lanes.

In addition to these basic rules, also make sure you maintain a consistent speed and keep a safe following distance from vehicles in front of you.

Mistake #8: Not Adjusting to Road Conditions

It might not be perfectly sunny and bright during your test. If rain, snow, or fog decides to show up, you'll need to adjust. In adverse whether conditions, make sure you:

  • Increase your following distance.
  • Use your headlights if visibility is low.
  • Decrease your speed when roads are slick.

Mistake #9: Parallel Parking

This skill will require a lot of practice in order to perform it correctly and confidently. If it is required on your state's road examination, practice by setting up a few cones or similar objects in an empty parking lot. This will help you develop the needed skills in a low-stress environment.

Mistake #10: Failure to Yield to Pedestrians

Entering a crosswalk at an intersection or school zone before it is free of pedestrians is incredibly dangerous, and could be grounds for an automatic failure. If a person enters or looks as though he or she is about to enter a crosswalk, make sure the person has reached the other side of the street safely before you proceed.

Mistake #11: Poor Vehicle Condition

Most states require you to bring a safe and working vehicle to the examination (a test vehicle is usually not supplied). If your vehicle isn't deemed safe to operate, you likely won't be able to test at all. Also be sure to take the test in a vehicle you are familiar with.

To ensure your vehicle meets the required guidelines, check your:

Road Test Parallel Parking Dimensions Nj

  • Headlights.
  • Tail lights.
  • Turn signals.
  • Windshield wipers.
  • Seat belts.
  • Window visibility.
  • Interior for cleanliness.