Connecticut permit test: backing and parking
Backing safely, parking rules and no-parking zones. 9 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember9 key backing and parking rulesShow the rules
- If you miss a turn or exit, don't back up. (p. 26, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
- Backing in a travel lane is illegal and unsafe except to parallel park or to make a three-point (K) turn. (p. 26, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
- Turn around and look over your right shoulder through the rear window. (p. 26, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
- Do not park within 10 feet of a fire hydrant. (p. 39, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
- On a hill, turn your wheels sharply toward the side of the road or curb, so if the car rolls it moves away from traffic. (p. 39, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
- You may not park on a bridge or overpass, in a tunnel or underpass, along with many other places like crosswalks and railroad tracks. (p. 39, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
- You may not park within 25 feet of a stop sign. (p. 39, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
- Do not park more than one foot from the curb. (p. 39, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
- Always set the parking brake when you park, and leave an automatic in park or a manual in gear. (p. 39, State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023) (opens the handbook))
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample backing and parking questions
1.When are you allowed to back up in a travel lane?
- ATo parallel park or make a three-point turn
- BNever, for any reason at all
- CWhenever traffic is light
- DTo get back to a driveway you missed
Show the answer
✓ A. To parallel park or make a three-point turn
Backing in a travel lane is illegal and unsafe except to parallel park or to make a three-point (K) turn.
Source: State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 26
2.What should you always do when you park?
- ALeave the keys inside
- BLeave the engine idling
- CSet the parking brake
- DLeave it in neutral
Show the answer
✓ C. Set the parking brake
Always set the parking brake when you park, and leave an automatic in park or a manual in gear.
Source: State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 39
3.You need to back out of a parking space. How should you look behind you?
- ALook over your right shoulder out the back
- BUse only your two side mirrors
- CLook ahead and back up very slowly
- DUse only the inside rearview mirror
Show the answer
✓ A. Look over your right shoulder out the back
Turn around and look over your right shoulder through the rear window. Mirrors can't show what is directly behind you.
Source: State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 26
4.You just missed your highway exit. What should you do?
- AStop on the shoulder and wait there
- BStop and back up to the exit ramp
- CCross the grass median to turn back
- DDrive on to a safe place to turn around
Show the answer
✓ D. Drive on to a safe place to turn around
If you miss a turn or exit, don't back up. Drive on to a place where you can turn around safely.
Source: State of Connecticut Driver's Manual (Revised March 2023), page 26