Step 1: Indicate left and reduce speed, while searching for a vacant parking space. Carefully read signs - they can be complex, such as this one. (Pic. ABC.com.au) >>> 

Obey restrictions, such as time limits, or special vehicles only (motor cycles, taxis, buses, handicapped). Red is usually a restriction, such as unloading only, or a clearway applies. Green indicates permission to park for a certain time, during a certain period. A continuous yellow line means no standing anytime.

Step 2: Stop just beyond the vacant spot.

Look behind*, reverse slowly to the point where your car is side-by-side with the other vehicle. (If both cars are about the same size, line up the steering wheels of both cars). 

At this point turn your wheel to left lock. Keep the car moving ever so slowly. Observe the angle the car is reaching.

Note: Most roads drop off towards the kerb (for better drainage). This fact plays a role in controlling the speed of your vehicle.

*Where possible, physically turning around and looking behind is safer than just using the rear view mirror.

Step 3: When the car reaches a 45 degree* angle turn the steering wheel to full right lock. 

As you turn the steering wheel right, (watch that you clear the car in front of you) look over your right shoulder.

Now comes the heart of the exercise: As you turn your wheel further right, observe how the back of your car lines up with the front of the one behind. The speed of rotation of steering wheel and the speed of the car** must be coordinated. This is where eyes, hands and feet must work together.

* The rate of angle depends on the turning circle of your vehicle. 45 degrees is an average figure.

** The car may gather speed as it approaches the kerb. If you fail to control this roll, you will hit the kerb most likely.

Step 4: Reverse slowly into the vacant space.

A. If you turn the steering wheel to too late or too slowly, you will hit the kerb.

B. If you turn too early or too fast, you will end up parking too far away from the kerb.

As the front or your vehicle approaches the parallel position, straighten the wheel (by turning it left) or you will hit the kerb.

Difficulties in parking usually stem from mistakes in 4 A or B and controlling the speed of the vehicle.

Step 5: Move forward to a parallel position, equal distance between vehicles. Within 300 mm is a reasonable distance from the kerb. 

If a further move, reverse and forward becomes necessary, observe carefully and ensure to stop parallel to the kerb.

Warnings: Watch that you do not collide with posts, trees or fire hydrants etc, which often are close to the kerb side.

Below: Look behind before opening the car door. Other vehicles or cyclists may not leave sufficient safety margin.

<<< No safety margin!

Typical scenario where both motorists and cyclist share the blame: The cyclist must overtake wide, if safe to do so, allowing the car door to open.

Every driver or passenger must look behind before opening a car door. (Open the door with your left hand. That way your body is already turned around for an easy check of the road.)