Can You Stop During Reversing in Subject 2?
4 Answers
During the reversing garage test in Subject 2, stopping midway is not allowed. Below are the specific details about stopping midway in Subject 2: Deduction Criteria: If the vehicle stops for more than 2 seconds, 5 points will be deducted each time. Midway stopping refers to the vehicle having no displacement change within 2 seconds, which the system will then judge as a midway stop. Reasons for Midway Stopping: Improper clutch control, causing the vehicle speed to fluctuate or suddenly stop; uneven ground with small pits or slight slopes, making the vehicle prone to brief stops; when turning the steering wheel to the maximum angle, the front wheels' oblique angle generates significant resistance, causing the vehicle to briefly stop.
I remember during my many years of teaching at the driving school, I noticed that many students were confused about the parking issue in the reverse parking (Subject 2) test. The rules clearly state that you can briefly pause during reversing to adjust direction or check mirrors, but you cannot completely stop the vehicle for more than two or three seconds. Otherwise, the exam system will deduct points for overtime or directly fail the candidate. This rule is designed to test the driver's smooth control ability, simulating real reversing scenarios and preventing students from panicking and making mistakes at critical points, which could lead to accidents. I advise beginners to focus on coordinating the clutch and brake during practice and try to complete the parking maneuver without stopping. Finding reference points, such as aligning the shoulder with a line before turning the wheel, is key to success. The essence of reverse parking lies in slow, continuous movement rather than interrupting the driving process. Regularly watching instructional videos or practicing with simulation software helps. During the exam, stay calm—brief pauses are acceptable, but maintaining vehicle movement is crucial.
As a novice who just passed the driving test, I can tell you from personal experience whether stopping is allowed during the reversing test in Subject 2. During my exam, when I was reversing into the parking space, I was afraid of hitting the poles, so I braked briefly to adjust my direction. However, I stopped for about four or five seconds and got penalized. The instructor had previously mentioned that the rules allow brief stops, like when adjusting mirrors or shifting gears—stopping for about a second is fine. But if the car comes to a complete halt, the examiner will deduct points. I was too nervous back then; after stopping, I started too abruptly and almost crossed the line, nearly failing. Later, after more practice, I learned that during reversing, controlling the speed slowly allows me to align with the markers without stopping. I recommend practicing more at the driving school to get a feel for the brakes and steering wheel. During the test, just avoid letting the car stop and stay idle.
From a safe driving perspective, the temporary stopping allowance in the Subject 2 reversing rules is a reasonable design. Prolonged stops during reversing may increase risks such as vehicle rollback or missing blind spot obstacles, hence the rule deducts points for excessive stopping to cultivate continuous control habits. Brief stops are a safe adjustment method, but shouldn't be abused. In my study of driving behaviors, I've found that good habits should enable directional micro-adjustments without stopping. Focus on coordinating with traffic flow during practice, and passing the test will come naturally.
