Can I Bring a Cushion for the Subject 2 Driving Test?
3 Answers
According to relevant regulations, during the process of taking the driver's license test, it is not allowed to bring any items unrelated to the test. Below is an introduction to Subject 2: Introduction: Subject 2, also known as the small road test, is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment and is referred to as the field driving skills test. Small vehicle Subject 2 test items: include reversing into a garage, parallel parking, stopping and starting on a slope, turning at a right angle, and driving on a curve (commonly known as the S-curve) as five mandatory test items (some regions also have a sixth item, high-speed toll card collection). Large vehicle Subject 2 test items: include stake test, stopping and starting on a slope, parallel parking, passing a single-plank bridge, driving on a curve, turning at a right angle, passing a width-restricted gate, passing continuous obstacles, driving on undulating roads, making a U-turn on a narrow road, as well as simulating highways, continuous sharp turns on mountain roads, tunnels, rainy (foggy) conditions, slippery roads, and emergency handling.
I remember when I was taking the driving test (Part 2), I also struggled with whether to bring a seat cushion. At only 162cm tall, even with the car seat adjusted to its highest position during practice, I still couldn't comfortably reach the pedals, making driving particularly strenuous. I asked my driving instructor about it, and he said the test center rules didn't explicitly prohibit it—cushions were generally allowed as long as they were secure and didn't interfere with seatbelt fastening. So I picked a thin memory foam cushion and started using it during practice a week before the test to adjust to the new seating height. On test day, the examiner gave it a quick check and allowed me to use it. The cushion made parallel parking much easier, helping me avoid crossing lines or losing points. I passed smoothly—what a relief! My advice: don't decide last-minute. Test any cushion during practice first to ensure it’s safe and doesn’t disrupt your routine. Always check local test center policies or confirm with examiners directly, as details can vary. Don’t risk failing over something avoidable by skipping this small but crucial step.
From years of observing test-takers, bringing seat cushions is quite common, especially for shorter candidates. The driving test rules for Subject 2 prioritize safety first, allowing cushions to help adjust driving posture, but strict adherence to test center regulations is required. For instance, cushions cannot be too thick or soft, as they may obstruct seat belts or displace brake pedals, leading to rule violations. It's advisable for candidates to try firm back-support cushions in advance on driving school vehicles, avoiding loose pillows. If the test center finds issues during entry inspection, it could disrupt the entire exam schedule. Regular communication with instructors is key to ensuring cushions don't hinder visibility or steering flexibility. Rules may vary—regional test centers might have different requirements, so checking online or consulting the help desk before the exam is recommended.
