Hill parking — Utah Permit Test

To park downhill a driver turns the wheel toward the curb so the front tire touches it, then sets the parking brake.

If the brake lets go the car rolls into the curb instead of into the road. The tire is the last thing holding it.

Turn your wheel toward the curb, ensuring your front tire touches the curb to secure the vehicle’s position.

Where there is no curb on a hill, a driver turns the wheel to the right.

With nothing to catch the tire, the only safe direction is off the road. To the right is away from oncoming traffic.

(without a curb turn the wheel to the right.)

Before parking on a hill a driver signals to the right as they approach the curb and performs a head check over their right shoulder.

Pulling over is a lane change to the edge. The same signal and the same shoulder check apply.

Signal to the right as you approach the curb.

After parking on a hill a driver puts the vehicle in park and sets the parking brake.

A gearbox alone can slip on a slope. The parking brake is the second hand holding the car still.

Put the vehicle in park and set the parking brake.

When leaving a vehicle a driver stops the motor, sets the parking brake, and locks the doors.

A running car with the doors open is an invitation, and a car left out of gear can roll away by itself.

When leaving your vehicle stop the motor, set the parking brake, and lock your doors.

When parking next to a curb the back wheel must be no further than 12 inches from the curb.

Further out and the car is in the lane. The examiner has a tape measure and the law has a number.

If parking next to a curb, the back wheel of your car must be no further than 12 inches away from the curb.

A driver should check for signs or painted curbs that may ban or limit parking.

A painted curb is a rule nobody will repeat to you. Reading it costs a glance and saves a tow.

Check for signs or painted curbs that may ban or limit parking. Colored curb markings indicate some no-parking zones.

Which way does a Utah driver turn the wheels when parking downhill at a curb?

Toward the curb. If the brake lets go the car rolls into the curb instead of into the road. The tire is the last thing holding it. Utah Driver Handbook 2026-2027, p.32: “Turn your wheel toward the curb, ensuring your front tire touches the curb to secure the vehicle’s position.”