Step-by-Step Guide to Hill Parking in Alberta

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:

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