Can You Drive Forward During Reverse Parking?

[JosiahLee]

During the Subject 2 driving test, you cannot drive forward while performing reverse parking, as it will result in a 100-point deduction. Reverse parking is a mandatory test item for obtaining a small vehicle driver's license after 2013. It assesses the driver's ability to maneuver the vehicle in a confined space and is a key evaluation point in the driver's test. Here are the techniques for reverse parking: Right-side parking technique: When you hear the in-car voice prompt 'Begin reverse parking test,' press the clutch, shift into reverse gear, release the handbrake, gently lift the clutch, and slowly reverse. Observe the left-side rearview mirror; when the lower edge of the mirror aligns with the dashed line, quickly turn the steering wheel fully to the right. As the car slowly reverses, watch the right-side rearview mirror. When the right side of the car is about 30cm from the parking spot corner, straighten the steering wheel. Observe the right rear wheel through the right-side rearview mirror; when the wheel is on the extension line of the parking spot, turn the steering wheel fully to the right again. Watch the left-side rearview mirror; when you see the parking spot corner, straighten the steering wheel and slowly enter the spot. Stop when the lower edge of the left-side rearview mirror aligns with the front yellow line. Left-side parking technique: Shift from reverse to first gear, turn on the left turn signal, and slowly move forward. Observe the left-side rearview mirror; when the left rear wheel exits the parking spot corner, quickly turn the steering wheel fully to the left. Straighten the steering wheel when the car's front is aligned, and stop when the lower edge of the left-side rearview mirror is 20cm from the yellow dashed line. Shift from first gear to reverse, and while reversing, watch the left-side rearview mirror. When the lower edge of the mirror aligns with the dashed line, quickly turn the steering wheel fully to the left. Observe the left-side rearview mirror; when the left side of the car is about 30cm from the parking spot corner, straighten the steering wheel. Watch the left rear wheel through the left-side rearview mirror; when the wheel is on the extension line of the parking spot, turn the steering wheel fully to the left again. Observe the right-side rearview mirror; when you see the parking spot corner, straighten the steering wheel and slowly enter the spot. Stop when the lower edge of the left-side rearview mirror aligns with the front yellow line.

[DelilahRose]

Last month when I was taking my driver's license test, the instructor specifically emphasized this issue. Parallel parking requires completing the entire maneuver in reverse gear, and the car must be parked with its front facing outward to pass. However, during actual operation, if the steering isn't handled properly causing positional deviation, the examiner does allow adjusting by moving forward half a meter. I remember during one practice session, I noticed the left tire was about to cross the line halfway through reversing, so I quickly moved forward slightly to adjust the steering before reversing again smoothly into the spot. But be careful - forward adjustments cannot exceed two times, otherwise the system will directly mark it as a failure. When you see people repeatedly moving back and forth to adjust their position in mall parking lots during daily life, that's considered free operation outside test conditions and is completely different from exam rules.

[DiAurora]

As a veteran driver with ten years of experience, I must say that the driving test and daily parking are completely different modes of operation. The driving test rules strictly prohibit moving forward during the reverse parking maneuver, as the electronic induction coils directly monitor wheel movement. Last week, while helping my cousin practice, he shifted into drive and the system immediately announced a point deduction. But in real life, who hasn't adjusted forward a couple of times while backing into a space? Especially when parking in my old residential complex's mechanical parking spot - with only ten centimeters between the side mirrors and the pillars, you have to straighten the car by moving forward before reversing again. The key is to always confirm safety front and rear when making forward adjustments. Once, in a rush to get to work, I forced a correction and nearly scraped the bumper of a Mercedes behind me - ended up paying 800 yuan for that lesson.

[VanDallas]

From a driving instructor's perspective, the rule is clear: moving forward is strictly prohibited during the test. The entire reverse parking maneuver must be completed in one go using reverse gear, with the car's front facing the lane after full entry. However, in practical teaching, we've found that when students mistime their steering and the tires get too close to the corner of the parking space, a slight forward adjustment of half a meter before reversing can save the situation. Last month, my student Xiao Wang had only three fingers' width between his right rear wheel and the parking line during his third practice session. I instructed him to shift to D gear, move forward 30 cm, turn the wheels fully left, and then reverse - resulting in perfect parking. But if this occurs during an actual exam, the invigilation system would still deduct points for violating regulations.

[ArielFitz]

The core of the reverse parking test is to assess reversing skills, so it's stipulated that the car cannot move forward during the entire process. Last week, while serving as a safety officer at the driving test center, I witnessed candidate No. 19 being deducted 100 points for moving the front wheels. However, it's important to distinguish between test conditions and daily scenarios: like in our residential complex's multi-story parking garage, the space is so tight that it's impossible to park without making three or four adjustments. Once, while parking my friend's SUV, I had to adjust three times and noticed the right rearview mirror was about to scrape the wall, so I quickly moved forward 50 cm to readjust the angle. The key principle is to move forward when necessary, as long as safety is ensured. Especially for beginners, when making corrections, always remember to shift to drive gear after firmly pressing the brake and observing the surroundings.

[EllaMarie]

As a Category 2 invigilator, it must be made clear: the exam rules prohibit any forward movement. The exam vehicle's satellite positioning system can detect millimeter-level displacement. Last year, a candidate was disqualified for moving forward 5 centimeters. However, in actual driving, flexible handling is more important. My Ford Explorer is 5 meters long, and I often need to adjust back and forth in tight parking spaces. The most useful technique is the 30-centimeter correction method: when reversing and noticing uneven distances on both sides, immediately shift to D gear and move straight forward about 30 centimeters, then fully turn the steering wheel again before reversing, which has a high success rate. This month, I practiced this method seven or eight times in the underground garage of Wanda Mall, and it worked very effectively—just be sure to check for pedestrians behind when moving forward.