Uphill and downhill parking — specifically, turning your wheels in the correct direction — is a tested element on road tests in California, Washington, Colorado, San Francisco, Seattle, Denver, and other states and cities with significant grades. It's one of the most commonly failed elements in hilly markets and one of the most memorizable: there is a simple rule that works every time.
Key Takeaways
- Downhill with curb: turn wheels TOWARD the curb (right)
- Uphill with curb: turn wheels AWAY from the curb (left)
- No curb (either direction): turn wheels to the RIGHT (toward edge of road)
- Always set the parking brake in addition to turning wheels
- This is specifically tested on California, Washington, and Colorado road tests
The purpose of turning wheels when parked on a hill is to prevent the vehicle from rolling into traffic if the parking brake fails:
Downhill with curb: Turn wheels RIGHT (toward curb). If the vehicle rolls forward down the hill, the front tires contact the curb, which stops the vehicle.
Uphill with curb: Turn wheels LEFT (away from curb). If the vehicle rolls backward down the hill, the front tires contact the curb, which stops the vehicle.
No curb (either direction): Turn wheels RIGHT (toward the edge of the road). If the vehicle rolls, it moves toward the edge/shoulder rather than into traffic.
"The memory device that most driving instructors use: 'Downhill, curl toward the curb; uphill, uncurl away from curb.' The physical logic — preventing a runaway vehicle from entering traffic — is more reliable to remember than the direction alone." — California DMV Driving Instructor Standards, 2024
Downhill → wheels toward Ditch (curb) → D for Down, D for Ditch
Uphill → wheels away from curb → away from the road, toward the UPHILL side
The simplest version: downhill = toward curb / uphill = away from curb
When parallel parking on a hill:
The examiner may ask you to explain wheel direction after parking, or they may simply observe your wheel position. In California, the DL 389 score sheet includes a specific line for uphill/downhill parking technique.
What the examiner is checking:
Specifically tested:
Generally not tested (flat terrain states): Most of Texas, Florida, the Great Plains states — road test routes rarely encounter appropriate grades.
Practice road test maneuvers on Wheelingo before your test.
Which way do I turn my wheels when parking downhill with a curb? Turn your wheels to the RIGHT — toward the curb. If the vehicle rolls forward, the tires contact the curb.
Which way do I turn my wheels when parking uphill with a curb? Turn your wheels to the LEFT — away from the curb. If the vehicle rolls backward, the tires contact the curb.
What if there's no curb? Turn your wheels to the RIGHT (toward the edge of the road/shoulder) regardless of uphill or downhill. This directs any rolling vehicle away from traffic.
Is the parking brake required along with turning wheels? Yes. Wheel turning is a supplement to the parking brake, not a replacement. Always set the parking brake first, then turn wheels as an additional safety measure.
Is hill parking tested in New York City? Not typically — NYC is relatively flat (aside from upper Manhattan and the Bronx). Uphill/downhill parking is primarily tested in cities with significant grades (San Francisco, Seattle, Denver).
What happens on the road test if I turn my wheels the wrong direction? Incorrect wheel direction is a scored error in states where hill parking is tested. On the California score sheet, it is a specific graded item. It typically results in a point deduction rather than an automatic fail (unless the error creates an immediate safety concern).
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