Can You Pass If the Rearview Mirror Crosses the Line During Reverse Parking?

[VonLucy]

Generally, crossing the line with the rearview mirror during the reverse parking test in the driving exam does not result in a penalty, but this depends on the specific markings at each test site. According to the "Motor Vehicle Driver Training and Examination Syllabus," as long as the vehicle body does not exceed the ground markings during reverse parking, no points are deducted. Since rearview mirrors are protruding, whether they are considered part of the vehicle body depends on how each test site recognizes them. Failing the test occurs if the vehicle body crosses the line, fails to enter the parking space, stops midway, does not follow the prescribed route or sequence, or exceeds the allotted time, all of which result in a 100-point deduction. The full score for the test is 100 points, with evaluation criteria set for failing, deducting 20 points, deducting 10 points, or deducting 5 points. The rules for the second subject of the motor vehicle driver's license test state that failing occurs if the vehicle stops or rolls back during the test, does not follow voice instructions, or if the wheels or body cross the line. Many students encounter line-crossing issues during the second subject, and "crossing the line" is the most common reason for failing. The main cause of wheel line-crossing is students not mastering the correct timing for steering. Besides missing the steering timing, another reason could be the steering speed not keeping up with the vehicle speed. Subject 2 Deduction Standards: Not wearing a seatbelt: 100-point deduction. Starting the engine without the gear in neutral: 100-point deduction. Not using turn signals (including when starting, changing lanes, overtaking, turning, or parking); turning signals not used for more than three seconds (note this is easily overlooked!); forgetting to turn off turn signals or using them incorrectly: 10-point deduction. Stalling once: 10-point deduction. Reverse Parking: Not following the prescribed route sequence: 100-point deduction. Vehicle body crossing the line: 100-point deduction. Failing to park properly: 100-point deduction. Before reversing, if both front wheels do not pass the control line: 100-point deduction. Exceeding the 210-second time limit: 100-point deduction. Stopping for more than 2 seconds: 5-point deduction per occurrence. Slope Parking and Starting: After stopping, if the front bumper is not aligned with the pole line and exceeds 50 cm forward or backward: 100-point deduction. After stopping, if the front bumper is not aligned with the pole line but does not exceed 50 cm forward or backward: 10-point deduction. After stopping, if starting takes more than 30 seconds: 100-point deduction. Wheels crossing the road edge line while driving: 100-point deduction. Rolling back more than 30 cm when starting: 100-point deduction. After stopping, if the vehicle body is more than 50 cm from the road edge line: 100-point deduction. Not tightening the parking brake after stopping: 10-point deduction per occurrence. After stopping, if the vehicle body is more than 30 cm but less than 50 cm from the road edge line: 10-point deduction per occurrence. Rolling back more than 10 cm but less than 30 cm when starting: 5-point deduction per occurrence. Parallel Parking: After parking, if the vehicle body crosses the line: 100-point deduction. Not using or incorrectly using turn signals when parking: 10-point deduction. Exceeding the 90-second time limit: 100-point deduction. Touching the parking space edge line while driving: 10-point deduction per occurrence. Wheels touching the lane edge line while driving: 10-point deduction per occurrence. Stopping for more than 2 seconds: 5-point deduction per occurrence. 90-Degree Turn: Wheels crossing the road edge line: 100-point deduction. Not using or incorrectly using turn signals during the turn, or not turning them off after the turn: 10-point deduction. Stopping for more than 2 seconds: 5-point deduction per occurrence. Curve Driving: Wheels crossing the road edge line: 100-point deduction. Stopping for more than 2 seconds: 100-point deduction. Driving without the gear in second or higher: 5-point deduction.

[SanEloise]

I often worry about crossing the line during reverse parking while learning to drive. I remember during my last test, the examiner immediately stopped me and failed me because the rearview mirror touched the parking line. My instructor said that any line-crossing during the test is a major taboo—if the mirror touches the line, it means the car isn’t properly aligned, increasing the risk of scraping or hitting the boundary. The same applies to daily driving: if the mirror crosses the line while reversing, the tires might go out of bounds or scrape a wall, especially in tight parking spaces. The technique I learned is to first adjust the rearview mirror angle to clearly see the wheels and rear, slow down while reversing, and frequently check both sides and the in-car reverse camera. Test rules are strict—even the slightest line contact is unacceptable, and the car must be perfectly centered in the bay. After repeated practice, I found that aligning with the lines in advance and turning the steering wheel smoothly can mostly prevent this issue. In short, touching the line means an automatic fail, so consistent practice is key.