Can the Mirrors Cross the Line During Reverse Parking?
2 Answers
The position of the mirrors is not a criterion for evaluation; as long as the wheels do not cross the line, it is acceptable. The "Motor Vehicle Driving Training Teaching and Examination Syllabus" stipulates that during reverse parking, as long as the vehicle body does not exceed the ground markings, no points will be deducted. The rearview mirrors are protruding, so whether they are considered part of the vehicle body depends on how each local examination site identifies the rearview mirrors. Crossing the line with the vehicle body, failing to enter the parking space, stopping midway, not following the prescribed route, driving out of sequence, or exceeding the specified time will result in a deduction of 100 points. The full score for the two subjects is 100 points, with evaluation criteria set for failing, deducting 20 points, deducting 10 points, and deducting 5 points. The rules for the second subject of the motor vehicle driver's license application examination state that stopping midway during the examination, rolling back, or not following the voice prompts will result in failure. Wheels or the vehicle body crossing the line will also result in failure. During the second subject learning, many students encounter the issue of crossing the line, and the most common mistake leading to failure is "crossing the line." The main reason for wheels crossing the line is that students fail to master the correct timing for steering. Besides missing the right moment to steer, another reason could be that the steering speed does not match the vehicle speed. Subject 2 Deduction Standards: Not wearing a seatbelt: deduct 100 points. Starting the engine without the gear in neutral: deduct 100 points. Not using the turn signal (including starting, changing lanes, overtaking, turning, and parking); turning on the turn signal for less than three seconds (note that this is easily overlooked!); forgetting to turn off the turn signal or using it incorrectly: deduct 10 points. Stalling once: deduct 10 points. Reverse Parking: Not following the prescribed route sequence: deduct 100 points. Vehicle body crossing the line: deduct 100 points. Failing to enter the parking space: deduct 100 points. Before reversing, failing to have both front wheels touch the ground beyond the control line: deduct 100 points. Exceeding the 210-second time limit for the task: deduct 100 points. Stopping midway for more than 2 seconds: deduct 5 points each time. Slope Parking and Starting: After the vehicle stops, if the front bumper is not aligned with the pole line and exceeds 50 cm forward or backward: deduct 100 points. After the vehicle stops, if the front bumper is not aligned with the pole line but does not exceed 50 cm forward or backward: deduct 10 points. After the vehicle stops, if the starting time exceeds 30 seconds: deduct 100 points. Wheels crossing the road edge line while driving: deduct 100 points. Rolling back more than 30 cm when starting: deduct 100 points. After the vehicle stops, if the vehicle body is more than 50 cm away from the road edge line: deduct 100 points. After parking, not tightening the parking brake: deduct 10 points each time. After the vehicle stops, if the vehicle body is more than 30 cm but less than 50 cm away from the road edge line: deduct 10 points each time. Rolling back more than 10 cm but less than 30 cm when starting: deduct 5 points each time. Parallel Parking: After the vehicle stops in the parking space, if the vehicle body crosses the line: deduct 100 points. Not using or incorrectly using the turn signal when parking: deduct 10 points. Exceeding the 90-second time limit for the task: deduct 100 points. Touching the parking space edge line with the vehicle body while driving: deduct 10 points each time. Wheels touching the lane edge line while driving: deduct 10 points each time. Stopping midway for more than 2 seconds: deduct 5 points each time. Right-Angle Turn: Wheels crossing the road edge line: deduct 100 points. Not using or incorrectly using the turn signal during the turn, or not turning off the turn signal after the turn: deduct 10 points. Stopping midway for more than 2 seconds: deduct 5 points each time. Curve Driving: Wheels crossing the road edge line: deduct 100 points. Stopping midway for more than 2 seconds: deduct 100 points. Driving without the gear in second or higher: deduct 5 points.
When reversing into a parking space, you can use the rearview mirrors to see how the car body aligns with the ground markings. Having driven for over ten years, I’d like to share some tips for novice drivers who frequently park. The side mirrors, in particular, allow you to roughly gauge the distance between the rear wheels or bumper and the edge lines, but there are blind spots in the field of view, especially in tight spaces where gaps can be underestimated. I recommend adjusting the mirror angles before reversing to ensure you can see the ground below the tires, then move the car slowly while watching the line changes in the mirrors to adjust the steering. Don’t rely solely on the mirrors—combining them with leaning out to observe the ground is safer. Practice several times during the beginner phase to develop a good sense of distance. For added safety, installing a rearview camera system can supplement visibility and reduce the risk of scratches.
