TLDR Parallel parking is a mandatory scored maneuver on the Texas DPS road test, graded on the official DL-60 form. You must park within 18 inches of the curb, more than 7 points of deductions on the maneuver is an automatic fail, and hitting a cone, marker, or the curb ends the test on the spot.
Verified against the Texas DPS Driver Safety Checklist (Form DL-60) and DPS road-test guidance, updated August 2026.
The Short Answer: Yes, Parallel Parking Is Scored on the Texas Road Test
Parallel parking is one of the mandatory maneuvers on the Texas behind-the-wheel test, and it is graded on the official DPS
Driver Safety Checklist (Form DL-60). The examiner watches three things: how close you get to the curb, how smooth your control is, and whether you use proper signaling and observation. You do not need to park perfectly on the first try, but major errors such as hitting a cone or jumping the curb are automatic failures regardless of your point total.
| Parallel Parking Rule | What the Examiner Checks | Impact on Score |
|---|
| Distance from curb | Park within 18 inches of the curb | Parking too far out is a serious deduction |
| Maneuver score limit | Total deductions on the maneuver | More than 7 points off = automatic fail |
| Signaling | Turn signal on before starting | Missing signal adds 1-5 points |
| Observation | Mirrors, blind-spot checks, look back while reversing | Missing checks adds 1-5 points each |
| Adjustments | Number of pull-ups to correct position | Excessive pull-ups add minor points |
| Hitting a cone or marker | Contact with the parking boundary | Automatic failure (treated like hitting a vehicle) |
| Mounting the curb | Wheels climb the curb or a hard jolt | Automatic failure (dangerous act) |
| Backup camera use | Reliance on automated parking aids | Automated backup systems may not be used for the maneuver |
How Parallel Parking Fits Into the DL-60 100-Point Scale
The Texas road test uses a point-deduction system on the DL-60. You start with a perfect
100 points and need to finish at
70 or higher to pass, so you can lose no more than
30 points total. Parallel parking and backing are scored as separate line items with their own automatic-fail thresholds: more than
7 points deducted on parallel parking, or more than
5 points on the straight-line backing maneuver, fails the test even if your total stays under 30. Minor mistakes such as a late signal, a wide position, or extra pull-ups add roughly
1-5 points each, so small errors on this single maneuver can push you over the limit fast.
Step-by-Step: How to Complete the Parallel Parking Maneuver
- Signal and set up: Signal right well before the parking space, check your mirrors and blind spot, and pull up even with the vehicle in front of the space, leaving about 2 feet of clearance.
- Back in with control: Put the car in reverse, look over your right shoulder, and back slowly while turning the wheel sharply toward the curb. Do not rely on a backup camera or automated parking aid - the examiner wants manual control.
- Straighten and center: When your front bumper clears the rear of the car ahead, straighten the wheel and continue back until you are inside the space, centered between the markers.
- Pull forward to adjust: You are allowed to pull forward and adjust your position. Take your time - one or two corrective pull-ups are normal and cost only minor points, but avoid excessive back-and-forth.
- Stop within 18 inches of the curb: End with the wheels parallel to and within 18 inches of the curb, in gear with the parking brake set.
What ends the test immediately: hitting a cone, marker, or the curb with a hard jolt is treated as a dangerous act and fails the test on the spot, as do running a red light or stop sign, failing to yield to a pedestrian, or any maneuver that makes the examiner intervene.
Automatic-Fail Errors to Avoid
- Striking a cone or marker during parking (counted as colliding with another vehicle)
- Mounting the curb or causing a physical jolt while pulling in
- Failing to signal before starting the maneuver
- Not checking mirrors or blind spots, or not looking backward while reversing
- Using an automated parking system to complete the maneuver
- Any dangerous or illegal driving during the test, including speeding or running a stop sign
How to Prepare for the Parallel Parking Portion
- Find legal practice spots: Set up two cones, trash cans, or parking lot markers about one and a half car lengths apart and practice the exact drill the examiner uses.
- Use the 18-inch habit: Pull up to a curb repeatedly until you can consistently stop within 18 inches without looking out the window - use your mirrors and side reference points.
- Drill the look-back: Examiners score observation heavily, so build the habit of turning to look over your shoulder during every reverse.
- Book your test: Schedule at public.txdpsscheduler.com, complete the free Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) course before your appointment, and bring a vehicle that passes the pre-drive safety inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is parallel parking on the Texas driving test?
Yes. Parallel parking is a mandatory scored maneuver on the Texas DPS road test, graded on the official DL-60 form. You must park within 18 inches of the curb, and more than 7 points off on the maneuver is an automatic failure.
How many points is parallel parking worth on the Texas road test?
Parallel parking has its own automatic-fail threshold on the DL-60: more than 7 points deducted on the maneuver fails the test. Individual errors (missing a signal, failing to check mirrors, too many pull-ups) cost about 1-5 points each.
Do you have to be within 18 inches of the curb when parallel parking?
Yes. Texas law and the DPS road test require the vehicle to be parked within 18 inches of the curb. Parking farther out is a serious deduction on the DL-60.
What makes you automatically fail parallel parking in Texas?
Hitting a cone or marker, mounting the curb, or causing a hard jolt is an automatic failure. Reliance on an automated parking system and any dangerous or illegal driving during the maneuver also end the test immediately.
Can you pull forward and adjust while parallel parking on the test?
Yes. The examiner allows you to pull forward and correct your position. One or two pull-ups are normal and cost only minor points, but excessive back-and-forth adjustment adds up toward the fail threshold.
Pass Your Texas Road Test With Confidence
The parallel parking maneuver is a learned skill, and the same habits examiners grade - signaling, scanning, smooth control, and safe positioning - are exactly what a defensive driving course reinforces. Brush up before test day with a TDLR-approved 6-hour course from
onlinetxdefensivedrivingcourse.com, then walk in ready to nail the parking spot.
Start your Texas defensive driving course now.
Citations
- https://www.dps.texas.gov/Internetforms/Forms/DL-60.pdf
- https://txapps.texas.gov/apps/dps/txldr/html/faq.html
- https://www.dps.texas.gov/internetforms/forms/DL-7.pdf
- https://parenttaught.com/blog/texas-road-test-guide
