Does Subject 2 Test Left or Right Reverse Parking?
4 Answers
Subject 2 tests both left and right reverse parking. Here are the reverse parking tips: 1. When reversing: While reversing, when you see the corner of the parking space at an angle, aim for an actual 30cm distance; when viewing it at an angle, maintain 50-60cm. 2. 30cm measurement: In the new standard parking space, one dashed line is 33cm, and one space is also 33cm. The far end of the dashed line is 66cm from the corner of the parking space. Therefore, when the car body aligns with the far end of the dashed line or is within half the distance of the dashed line, turn the wheel to avoid the corner—this is the so-called 30cm. 3. 'Three lines look far, two lines look near': The parking space entrance has 2 dashed lines, with the near end of the dashed lines about 50-60cm from the corner. Remember the phrase 'three lines look far, two lines look near' to avoid frustration from not finding the correct 30cm during reverse parking. If there are no dashed lines at the parking space entrance, leaving a 2-finger width also equals 30cm.
I just passed the driving test subject two, which indeed included the reverse parking section. At our test site, the exam items consist of left-side reverse parking and right-side reverse parking, but the examiner randomly assigns which side to test, so I had to practice both during preparation. The reverse parking mainly assesses the ability to control direction and park accurately. For left-side reverse parking, you turn the steering wheel to the left, while for right-side reverse parking, you turn it to the right—the core principles are actually similar: using the rearview mirrors to observe the markings and controlling the speed to move slowly. During practice, I familiarized myself with both sides several times. On the exam day, I luckily only had to do right-side reverse parking and passed easily. My advice to beginners is not to practice just one side—simulate test scenarios more often to build confidence, as this skill is also essential for daily parking.
Having been a driving instructor for many years, the reverse parking in Subject 2 is an essential test item. The exam usually involves either left-side or right-side reverse parking, depending on the test center's arrangement, but most require candidates to master both. It assesses spatial awareness—for example, turning the steering wheel left for left-side parking and the opposite for right-side parking. The key to practice lies in accurately understanding reference points and controlling the clutch for slow movement. Don’t underestimate it; this is a fundamental safety skill that can prevent reversing accidents. As an instructor, I emphasize balanced practice on both sides to avoid panic during the test. After all, while rules may vary slightly by region, the core principles remain unchanged, and hands-on reinforcement is the most effective approach.
I'm currently preparing for the Subject 2 driving test and often worry about whether it will test left reverse parking or right reverse parking. I asked my instructor, who said the test might randomly assess either side, depending on the test site's setup that day. During practice, we trained both left and right sides, but the difficulty is similar—both require judging the angle through the rearview mirrors. I wish we could just test one side, but in reality, we need to prepare for both just in case. It's advisable to check the local rules, but don't stress too much. Focusing on aligning reference points and controlling the speed is the key.
