Hill Parking for Your Alberta Road Test

When you take a road test in Alberta, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to park on a hill. Parking uphill and downhill require different techniques, but mastering both is essential to passing your test and driving safely. If you don’t hill park properly, your vehicle can roll into the road and cause an obstruction or an accident. In fact, failing this manoeuvre can result in an automatic failure during your Alberta road test.

How to Park Uphill

If you’re parking uphill on the right side of the road, follow these steps to make sure your vehicle doesn’t roll backwards into a dangerous position:

Park normally in an open spot, parallel to the curb

Turn your front wheels to the left, toward the centre of the road

Parking uphill with a curb on your right

Park normally in an open spot, parallel to the curb
Turn your front wheels to the left, toward the centre of the road
With your wheels turned, allow your vehicle to slowly roll back until the right front tire is touching the curb
Put your vehicle into Park and engage the parking brake
If you’re driving a standard transmission vehicle, put it in low gear and engage the parking brake

Parking uphill without a curb

Park normally in an open spot
Turn your front wheels to the right
Select the proper gear and engage the parking brake

How to Park Downhill

If you’re parking downhill on the right side of the road, follow these steps to make sure your vehicle doesn’t roll forwards into a dangerous position:

Parking Downhill With a Curb on Your Right

Park normally in an open spot, parallel to the curb
Turn your front wheels to the right, toward the curb
With your wheels turned, slowly allow your vehicle to roll forward until the front right wheel is touching the curb
Put your vehicle into Park and engage the parking brake
If you’re driving a standard transmission vehicle, put it in reverse and engage the parking brake

Parking Downhill Without a Curb

Park normally in an open spot
Turn your front wheels to the right
Select the proper gear and engage the parking brake