Does the rearview mirror touching the line count as a failure in the reverse parking test of Subject 2?
2 Answers
Generally, touching the line with the rearview mirror during the reverse parking test of Subject 2 does not result in a penalty, but this depends on the specific markings at each test center. 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 will be deducted. The rearview mirror is a protruding part, so whether it is considered part of the vehicle body depends on how each test center identifies it. 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. Subject 2 is scored out of 100 points, with evaluation criteria set for failure, as well as deductions of 20, 10, or 5 points. The rules for the Subject 2 driving test state that stopping midway, rolling back, or not following voice instructions will result in failure. Additionally, if the wheels or vehicle body touch the lines, the test will be failed. Many students encounter issues with touching the lines during Subject 2 training, and "touching the line" is the most common reason for failing. The main cause of this issue is students not mastering the correct timing for steering. Besides missing the right moment to steer, another reason could be the steering speed not matching the vehicle's speed. Subject 2 deduction standards: Not wearing a seatbelt: deduct 100 points. Starting the engine without the gear in neutral: deduct 100 points. Not using turn signals (including when starting, changing lanes, overtaking, turning, or parking); using turn signals for less than three seconds (note: this is easily overlooked!); forgetting to turn off turn signals or using them incorrectly: deduct 10 points. Stalling once: deduct 10 points. Reverse parking: Not following the prescribed route sequence: deduct 100 points. Vehicle body crossing the line: deduct 100 points. Failing to enter the parking space: deduct 100 points. Before reversing, if the front wheels do not pass the control line: deduct 100 points. Exceeding the 210-second time limit: deduct 100 points. Stopping for more than 2 seconds: deduct 5 points each time. Slope parking and starting: After stopping, if the front bumper is not aligned with the pole line and exceeds 50 cm: deduct 100 points. After stopping, if the front bumper is not aligned with the pole line but does not exceed 50 cm: deduct 10 points. After stopping, if the starting time exceeds 30 seconds: deduct 100 points. Driving with wheels touching the road edge: deduct 100 points. Starting with the vehicle rolling back more than 30 cm: deduct 100 points. After stopping, if the vehicle body is more than 50 cm from the road edge: deduct 100 points. After parking, not tightening the handbrake: deduct 10 points per occurrence. After stopping, if the vehicle body is between 30 cm and 50 cm from the road edge: deduct 10 points per occurrence. Starting with the vehicle rolling back between 10 cm and 30 cm: deduct 5 points per occurrence. Parallel parking: After parking, if the vehicle body crosses the line: deduct 100 points. Not using or incorrectly using turn signals when parking: deduct 10 points. Exceeding the 90-second time limit: deduct 100 points. Touching the parking space lines while driving: deduct 10 points per occurrence. Wheels touching the lane lines while driving: deduct 10 points per occurrence. Stopping for more than 2 seconds: deduct 5 points per occurrence. 90-degree turn: Wheels touching the road edge: deduct 100 points. Not using or incorrectly using turn signals during the turn, or not turning them off afterward: deduct 10 points. Stopping for more than 2 seconds: deduct 5 points per occurrence. Curve driving: Wheels touching the road edge: deduct 100 points. Stopping for more than 2 seconds: deduct 100 points. Driving without shifting to second gear or higher: deduct 5 points.
I just passed the Subject 2 test recently, and generally speaking, the rearview mirror touching the line during reverse parking would result in failure. This is because the exam rules are very strict—no part of the vehicle, including the rearview mirrors, should cross the boundary lines. During my practice sessions, the instructor repeatedly emphasized that the infrared detection system covers the entire vehicle outline, and if the rearview mirror, as an extension, touches the line, it will trigger a violation, leading to point deductions or even immediate failure. To be safe, it's best to adjust the rearview mirror position before practicing to ensure a reasonable viewing angle for clearly seeing the distance to the markings. During the reversing process, control the slow turning speed of the steering wheel while coordinating with real-time feedback from the left and right mirrors and the rear window. In fact, this issue extends to daily driving as well—developing correct habits can help avoid scraping accidents. The concept of 'safety first' should be practiced starting from small details. It's advisable to find an open space and practice the reversing trajectory multiple times to familiarize yourself with the feeling, so you won’t panic during the actual test.