Parking feels easy until it's not. The car behind you is waiting, the space looks just about right, and then — crunch. Or worse, you walk back to your car and find a fine on the windshield.

These mistakes happen to new and experienced drivers alike, but new drivers tend to make the same ones over and over.

Hitting the Curb — More Common Than You'd Think

Bumping into the curb while parking is one of the most common rookie mistakes, and it can cause real damage to your tires and rims if you do it hard enough. In driving tests, hitting a curb is often an automatic fail. The fix is simple but takes practice: slow down significantly before pulling into any spot, and brake gradually — not all at once.

Parallel Parking Gone Wrong

Parallel parking trips up even people who've been driving for a while. The most common errors are turning the wheel too early or too late, misjudging the gap between cars, and "dry steering" — turning the wheel while the car is completely stopped. The real trick is to ease slowly into the space, not force the car in. Give yourself enough room on both sides before committing, and if the gap is too tight, just find another spot.

Crossing the Line

Parking diagonally but ending up over the line is another frequent mistake. It doesn't just look bad — it takes up someone else's space and invites door dings when neighboring drivers squeeze back out. Take an extra second to check your position before cutting the engine.

Depending Too Much on Reverse Sensors

Backup sensors are helpful, but relying on them completely is a mistake. They don't give you the full picture — they can miss low objects, curbs, or anything that's just outside their detection range. Side mirrors plus reverse sensors together give you a much clearer read of the space around you. Use both, every time.

Forgetting the Hazard Lights

If you're waiting to pull into a spot, put your hazard lights on. It signals to drivers behind you that you're about to maneuver, giving them a heads-up to go around instead of sitting on your bumper. It's a small habit, but it makes the whole process calmer for everyone involved.

Trying to Squeeze Into Tiny Spaces

That spot looks like it might fit — emphasis on might. Forcing your car into a space that's barely big enough often results in scrapes, both on your car and the one next to you. The person parked beside you may also struggle to get out and clip you in the process. If it doesn't look like a comfortable fit, keep looking. A few extra steps to walk isn't worth the bodywork bill.

One more thing worth keeping in mind: always check for parking signs before you leave the car. No-parking zones, time-restricted areas, and reserved spots can catch you off guard if you're not paying attention. Read the signs, gauge the space, and take your time.