At what position should the steering wheel be fully turned for the second time during reverse parking?

[VonGrant]

When reversing to the left into the parking space, the second left turn of the steering wheel should occur when the left rear wheel is basically aligned with the extended straight line of the left corner of the parking space (whether to fully turn the wheel depends on judging and adjusting based on the distance and curvature between the left rear wheel and the left corner of the parking space). Below is relevant information about reverse parking: 1. Introduction: Reverse parking has been a mandatory test item for obtaining a small car driving license since 2013. It assesses the driver's ability to maneuver the vehicle in a confined space. Reverse parking is one of the assessment points in the driver's test, which involves correctly reversing the vehicle into the parking space from both sides while in motion. 2. Methods: There are three most common types of reverse parking. The first is the 'non'-shaped reverse parking, commonly seen in large parking lots. The second is the 'one'-shaped reverse parking by the roadside, also known as parallel parking. The third is the less common diagonal reverse parking. 70% of driving school students find parallel parking more challenging.

[MakaylaMarie]

The key to determining the second steering point during reverse parallel parking lies in observing the position of the corner in the side mirror. I always emphasize during driving instruction that after the car body enters the parking space and begins straightening, the second full-lock turn should occur when the rear wheel crosses the extension line of the parking corner. A more intuitive method is to observe through the right side mirror - when the car body becomes roughly parallel with the parking line and the right rear wheel is about two fingers' width away from the corner, that's the optimal moment for the second full-lock turn. Mastering this point ensures the rear smoothly swings into the space without crossing lines. Some instructors prefer using the alignment of the right window's lower edge with the parking corner as reference, which follows the same principle. Remember to steer decisively while maintaining slow speed, and with practice, you'll develop the feel for it.

[LeJourney]

Here's a trick I learned when I was learning to drive: The second time you fully turn the steering wheel, watch the left rearview mirror. After the car body starts to straighten and you continue reversing, wait until the left rear wheel completely crosses the white line of the parking spot corner. At this point, turn your head to look at the left rearview mirror. As soon as you can just see the right angle of the parking spot's bottom corner in the mirror, immediately turn the steering wheel fully to the left. This reference point is particularly accurate, and the car body will turn right into the middle of the parking spot. Of course, different instructors teach different reference points—some look at the right rear window marker, others at the wiper node. The principle is the same: wait for the rear wheel to reach a specific position, allowing the car to pivot around the parking spot corner. The key is to find your own reference point and remember the angle formed between the car body and the boundary line when the steering wheel is fully turned. With enough practice, you could even reverse in with your eyes closed.

[Ramirez]

There are several common reference points for the second steering lock. The most common one is observing the right rear door handle: turn the steering wheel fully to the right the moment the right rear door handle passes the outer edge of the corner of the parking space. From my experience, this point should be combined with rearview mirror observation – the most stable moment to steer is when the right rear wheel reaches the extension line of the parking corner. Some test centers have small marker poles along the parking boundary; aligning the window decal on the right rear window with the pole is also a viable steering point. Actually, the most reliable method is sensing the rear wheel position – prepare to steer when the rear wheel enters the corner area of the parking space. Remember to turn the wheel decisively the moment the tire touches the ground marking line, and don’t hesitate to fully lock the steering wheel quickly. Slower vehicle speed makes it easier to succeed. By frequently checking the distance changes between the tire and the boundary line in the rearview mirror, you’ll get the hang of it.

[ErinFitz]

The key is to understand the relationship between the tire and the corner of the parking space. After the car's front enters the space and starts to straighten, continue to look at the right rearview mirror while reversing. When the rear wheel reaches the extension line of the corner, that's the golden moment to turn the steering wheel fully for the second time. At this instant, the right rear wheel is just about to press against the corner and turn in. Turning the steering wheel fully to the right will smoothly guide the rear of the car into the space. Some instructors may suggest looking at the position of the left shoulder, turning the wheel fully when the driver's left shoulder is parallel to the edge of the parking space, which essentially also waits for the rear wheel to be in position. Beginners often rush and turn too early, leading to crossing the line. Remember, it's better to turn slightly late; you can still recover by turning the wheel quickly. The most crucial part is to immediately look at the left rearview mirror after fully turning the steering wheel to fine-tune the car's position.

[FelicityAnn]

The key actions I summarized are the three checks: first, check the rear wheel position in the right rearview mirror; second, look at the lower edge of the right window; third, observe the triangular window in the C-pillar. The most standard time to turn the steering wheel is when the right rear wheel just touches the extension line of the parking spot corner. If checking the wheel is too difficult, focus on the lower edge of the right window. When this position drops below the parking line and covers the corner, quickly turn the steering wheel all the way to the right. Alternatively, you can watch the small corner tip of the triangular window in the C-pillar and turn the steering wheel immediately when it meets the white line intersection of the parking spot's top corner. However, these reference points may vary depending on height and seat position, so it's best to have your coach help you determine your personalized reference points. Once the steering wheel is turned all the way, don’t release it. When one-third of the car’s rear enters, prepare to straighten the steering wheel.