Are the reference points the same for left and right when reversing into a parking space?
2 Answers
There is no difference. When a driver is reversing into a parking space, there is no requirement or distinction between straightening the steering wheel on the left or right side, as long as the driver can accurately reverse the vehicle into the parking space. Tips for reversing into a parking space: 1. Control the driving speed - maintain idle speed in 1st gear or reverse gear throughout the process, keeping the same speed as when starting. 2. Control the timing of steering - observe carefully during the reversing process, grasp the key points for steering, and turn at the right time. 3. Control the driving path - during the test, the vehicle's path mainly depends on the speed of turning the steering wheel and the driving speed. When reversing, aim at the side lines, promptly correct the direction, and keep the vehicle straight while entering the parking space.
When I first started learning reverse parking, the instructor emphasized that the reference points for left and right are almost never the same. For right-side reverse parking, you mainly refer to the garage line or markers in the right rearview mirror, such as straightening the steering wheel when the car body aligns parallel with the line. For left-side reverse parking, the reference point shifts to the left rearview mirror, often positioned further forward or backward due to asymmetrical turning radius and viewing angles. Every parking lot environment is different, so you need to readjust in new locations. Practicing with cones to test and find reference points works well. Don’t just memorize points—first, get familiar with the car’s response, which makes parking smoother and avoids collisions. Now, when I teach friends, I say the same thing: though small, these reference points are crucial, and adjusting them properly can save a lot of hassle.