Ideally 0.5 - 12inches(ie. avoid hitting it, but if you do, hit it very gently/slowly... don't whack it, show you have control of the car)... a little over won't matter........ don't be wider than 18inches. Also if it doesn't work out where you would like it, don't say you're finished... fix it (by fix it, I don't mean start it all over again, that's unacceptable, you might make a hash of it again).
If a builder when building a wall, recognises he's not quite done it right a couple of feet below from where he's at, he doesn't smash the whole thing down and start over again..... he's more likely to take it back to where it started to go wrong and re-do it from there.
How often do you see drivers with licences adjust their parking efforts? It's the same for you. Ask your instructor to show you the best way to fix your attempts for both too close or too wide, so that you will know how to do it should it happen, which it can.
If you were approaching a cliff, would you continue to walk over the edge, or would you try a different route? It's the same when carrying out these exercises............ if it's going to be a definite fail... FIX IT. Also ask him if you may fix it.... if he thinks it's an ok attempt he will just ask you to continue and move on. If he would like to see it done better he'll allow you to fix it.
This is what happens in UK, but I see no reason why USA examiners wouldn't use common sense... it's a demonstration of your ability to drive a car... not some nasty plot to mess with your head.
Good luck.
Usually 12 inches or less.
Palmdale, CA says you need to be within a foot and a half (18")22502(a) CVC - Curb Parking. Every vehicle parked at a curb where two-way traffic is permitted must be stopped or parked with the right hand wheels parallel to and within 18 inches of the curb. Where no curbs are present, right hand parallel parking is required, unless otherwise indicated by signs or other markings. Prohibited would be parking with the LEFT side wheels to the curb or parking at an angle to the roadway on the unpaved shoulder of a street.I presume it is the same for most places in California.
it is 6-18 inches from the curb
In California, when parallel parking, your tires must be within 18 inches of the curb. If you are parked more than 18 inches from the curb, you could be subject to a parking citation. It's important to ensure your vehicle is aligned properly to maintain safety and comply with local parking regulations.
In West Virginia, when parallel parking, you should park your vehicle within 12 inches of the curb. It's important to ensure that your vehicle is not more than a foot away from the curb to comply with state regulations and ensure safety. Always check local ordinances, as they may have specific parking rules.
Green
In New Jersey, vehicles must be parked within 6 inches of the curb. Parking too far from the curb can result in a ticket, as it is considered a violation of state parking regulations. Always ensure your vehicle is parallel to the curb and not obstructing traffic.
In New York City, you must park your vehicle within 12 inches of the curb. Parking too far from the curb can result in a ticket, as it is considered a violation of parking regulations. Always ensure your vehicle is parallel to the curb and does not obstruct traffic.
18 inches
When parking along a curb, you should aim to be within 6 to 12 inches from the curb. This distance allows for safe clearance and ensures that your vehicle is not obstructing traffic or creating hazards. Always check local regulations, as some areas may have specific parking rules.
A no parking sign typically extends about 18 inches from the curb or edge of the road.
From the Calfornia DMV web page on parking: When you park alongside a curb on a level street, the front and back wheels must be parallel and within 18 inches of the curb. Park parallel to the street if there is no curb.