Can I Bring a Seat Cushion for the Subject 2 Driving Test?
3 Answers
You can bring a seat cushion for the Subject 2 driving test. The Subject 2 test mainly assesses the examinee's ability to control the vehicle in a semi-clutch state and their parking skills. Key points to note for Subject 2: Preparation before starting: Fasten the seatbelt, adjust the seat to the position used during practice, then adjust the rearview mirror for optimal visibility. Confirm with the examiner that you can start the test, then follow the voice prompts. Generally, the training vehicle is already running, so press the clutch and brake, release the handbrake, shift to first gear, and slowly lift the clutch until the vehicle vibrates, then release the brake and slowly move into the test area. If the training vehicle is off, first press the clutch and brake, shift to neutral, start the engine, and then proceed with the above steps. Reverse parking: Drive to the stop line for right-side parking, stop when your shoulder aligns with the stop line, shift to reverse gear, and start reversing into the space. Once inside, ensure the vehicle is straight without unnecessary turns, then stop at the designated point. Shift to first gear to exit, drive to the left-side parking control line, stop when your shoulder aligns with the control line, shift to reverse gear, and start reversing into the left space. After parking, drive forward to exit. Throughout the process, avoid stopping midway, rolling, stalling, or crossing lines. Parallel parking: When entering the parallel parking test area, use the wiper's raised part as a reference to align with the road edge, or use the rearview mirror to maintain a 30 cm distance between the vehicle and the parking space line. Stop when your shoulder aligns with the parallel parking control line, press the clutch and brake, shift to reverse gear, and start parallel parking. The parking must be completed in one attempt without stopping, rolling, stalling, or crossing lines. Curve driving: Before entering the curve driving test area, position the vehicle slightly to the left, then drive through the curve and exit at the other end. Maintain a slow and steady speed during the test, carefully navigating each curve. Avoid stopping, rolling, stalling, or crossing lines throughout the process.
Regarding bringing a cushion for the Subject 2 driving test, I've taught many students and found it quite common. Since everyone's height varies and test vehicles are randomly assigned, the seat height might not match. A thin cushion can help you see the rearview mirror or reversing points better, improving your passing rate. However, exam center rules vary widely: some allow candidates to bring their own cushions, considering it a reasonable adjustment; others prohibit any external items, fearing interference with fairness or safety. I recommend clarifying the rules beforehand, such as asking your instructor or checking the exam center's notice. Avoid using overly thick cushions, as they might affect seatbelt security or operational flexibility. More importantly, practice adapting to different vehicles regularly to develop instinctive reactions. During the test, focus on driving skills rather than relying on small aids. In summary, bringing a cushion is possible, but confirm the rules first—don't trip over minor details.
When preparing for Subject 2, I brought a seat cushion because I'm not very tall and needed a bit of elevation during practice. On the exam day, I used a thin memory foam one I bought, and the examiner didn’t say anything—everything went smoothly. However, I heard from another student that he was stopped at a different test center and wasn’t allowed to bring a seat cushion in, which stressed him out and led to mistakes. So, it really depends on the rules of your test center: some are lenient and consider seat cushions safe, while others strictly check the item list. I recommend checking the official website or asking your instructor for details before the exam. The goal of using a seat cushion is to boost your confidence and comfort—don’t let it become a distraction. During practice, try driving different car models to improve adaptability so you can handle any situation on test day. A seat cushion is just a tool; passing the test ultimately depends on your skills.
