Does the Category 2 Test for Small Automatic Transmission Vehicles Include Reverse Parking?
4 Answers
C2 test items include reverse parking, in addition to parallel parking, 90-degree turns, and curve driving (commonly known as S-curves). The Category 2 test is scored out of 100 points, with evaluation criteria set for failing, deducting 20 points, deducting 10 points, and deducting 5 points. A total score of 80 points or above is required to pass the test. Candidates are allowed one attempt for the Category 2 test. If they fail, they can retake it once. If they choose not to retake the test or fail the retake, the current test session ends, and the applicant must reschedule the test after ten days. Within the validity period of the driving skill permit, the number of test appointments for Category 2 and Category 3 road driving skills tests cannot exceed five. If the candidate fails the fifth test appointment, the results of other previously passed test categories will be invalidated.
As someone who just got my driver's license last year, I remember very clearly that the automatic transmission Subject 2 test definitely included the reverse parking item. At that time, I practiced this the most, with the coach parking the car next to the parking space every time, making me repeatedly practice the timing of checking the rearview mirror and steering. On the day of the test at the exam site, seeing the car in front of me crossing the line during reverse parking and getting points deducted made me even more nervous. But looking back now, this item is particularly practical. Later, when driving to the mall for parking, the skills practiced in Subject 2 came in handy. The entire test consisted of four items: reverse parking, parallel parking, S-curve, and right-angle turn, each testing different driving abilities.
In our driving school's training for new students, the key focus of the Subject 2 test is the fundamental skill of reverse parking. Although the automatic transmission test has eliminated the hill start, reverse parking remains a core mandatory item. I often tell students that the key to reverse parking lies in controlling the speed well, turning the steering wheel quickly and accurately, and clearly observing the distance between the corner of the parking space and the boundary lines in the rearview mirror. Many students initially keep hitting the poles, but after practicing a dozen or so times, they start to get the hang of it. The current test standards are quite strict; running over the line with the wheels results in an immediate fail, while the body crossing the line deducts 10 points. It's best to familiarize yourself with the dimensions of the parking space in the test area beforehand, as there might be slight variations between different test sites.
My child just passed the automatic transmission driver's license test last month, and reversing into the parking space was indeed part of the subject two exam. When accompanying him during practice, I found this to be the most error-prone task—either too wide on the left or too narrow on the right. Compared to before, the test is a bit easier now as it doesn't include the hill start, but reversing into the parking space remains a mandatory challenge. I advised him not to rush during the test, to reverse slowly and check carefully before turning the wheel. The parking spaces at the test center are marked very clearly, with freshly painted lines on the ground, making them much easier to recognize than those in our residential garage. Remember the reference points taught by the instructor during practice, and follow the steps during the test—it should be fine.
