Does touching the line with the mirror during the reverse parking in Subject 2 result in failure?
3 Answers
Touching the line with the mirror (rearview mirror) during the reverse parking in Subject 2 does not result in failure, as long as the body or wheels of the vehicle do not touch the line. 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 protruding, so whether it is considered part of the vehicle body depends on how the local examination centers identify the rearview mirror. Point deductions for reverse parking include: not following the designated route or sequence (100 points deducted), the vehicle body crossing the line (100 points deducted), failing to complete the parking (100 points deducted), and stopping midway (100 points deducted). The rules for the Subject 2 driving test state that if the vehicle stops midway, rolls back, or does not follow the voice prompts during the test, it will result in failure. Additionally, if the wheels or body of the vehicle touch the line, the test will also be considered a failure. Many learners encounter issues with touching the line during Subject 2 training, and "touching the line" is the most common reason for failing. The main cause of wheels touching the line is learners not mastering the correct timing for steering. Apart from missing the right moment to steer, another reason could be the steering speed not matching the vehicle's speed. Subject 2 point deduction standards: Not wearing a seatbelt: 100 points deducted. Starting the engine without the gear in neutral: 100 points deducted. Not using turn signals (including when starting, changing lanes, overtaking, turning, or parking by the roadside); using turn signals for less than three seconds (this is easily overlooked!); forgetting to turn off the turn signal or using it incorrectly: 10 points deducted. Stalling once: 10 points deducted. Reverse parking: Not following the designated route or sequence: 100 points deducted. Vehicle body crossing the line: 100 points deducted. Failing to complete the parking: 100 points deducted. Before reversing, if the two front wheels do not pass the control line: 100 points deducted. Exceeding the 210-second time limit: 100 points deducted. Stopping for more than 2 seconds midway: 5 points deducted each time. Hill start and stop: After stopping, if the front bumper of the vehicle is not aligned with the pole line and exceeds 50 cm forward or backward: 100 points deducted. After stopping, if the front bumper is not aligned with the pole line but does not exceed 50 cm forward or backward: 10 points deducted. After stopping, if the start time exceeds 30 seconds: 100 points deducted. Wheels touching the road edge line while driving: 100 points deducted. Rolling back more than 30 cm when starting: 100 points deducted. After stopping, if the vehicle body is more than 50 cm from the road edge line: 100 points deducted. Not pulling the parking brake tightly after stopping: 10 points deducted each time. After stopping, if the vehicle body is between 30 cm and 50 cm from the road edge line: 10 points deducted each time. Rolling back between 10 cm and 30 cm when starting: 5 points deducted each time. Parallel parking: After parking, if the vehicle body crosses the line: 100 points deducted. Not using or incorrectly using turn signals when parking: 10 points deducted. Exceeding the 90-second time limit: 100 points deducted. Touching the parking space boundary line while driving: 10 points deducted each time. Wheels touching the lane boundary line while driving: 10 points deducted each time. Stopping for more than 2 seconds midway: 5 points deducted each time. 90-degree turn: Wheels touching the road edge line: 100 points deducted. Not using or incorrectly using turn signals during the turn, or not turning off the turn signal after the turn: 10 points deducted. Stopping for more than 2 seconds midway: 5 points deducted each time. Curve driving: Wheels touching the road edge line: 100 points deducted. Stopping for more than 2 seconds midway: 100 points deducted. Not driving in second gear or higher: 5 points deducted.
In the reverse parking test, touching the line with the rearview mirror does count as a failure, which I’ve personally experienced. The test rules are strict—any part of the vehicle crossing the line, including the mirrors, results in disqualification. Since mirrors are extensions of the car body, touching the line indicates overall misalignment and collision risks. During practice, I lost points several times due to mirror contact. My instructor emphasized adjusting the seat and mirror angles to clearly see the corner markers, and controlling speed for a slow, steady reverse—no rushing. After more practice, I could judge distances accurately to avoid lines and stay calm. Don’t overlook test details; build good habits for safe driving. Beginners should identify reference points and simulate repeatedly to boost success rates.
As a novice driver, I suffered a lot from failing the reverse parking test due to the rearview mirror crossing the line. During practice, I often neglected the mirror position, thinking only the wheels mattered, which led to immediate failure in the mock test. The coach patiently explained that no part of the car body, including the small mirrors, is allowed to cross the line, as it indicates incorrect positioning. Later, I learned to focus on aligning the right rearview mirror with the corner of the parking space, slowing the car to a crawl and adjusting the steering in time. With more practice, my control improved, and I crossed the line less often. On the test day, nervousness can lead to mistakes, so taking deep breaths to stay calm is crucial. Remember, practicing with others and sharing experiences helps—practice makes perfect, and you'll pass naturally.
