How is midway parking during parallel parking determined?
3 Answers
If the vehicle pauses for more than 2 seconds, it is considered midway parking. Below are the relevant details: 1. Determination of midway parking: During the Category 2 driving test, midway parking is determined when the GPS positioning confirms the vehicle is in a completely stationary state during the examination. 2. Methods to avoid midway parking: During the test, when passing over uneven ground or the joint seams of cement blocks in the test area, slightly increase the speed. When turning the steering wheel to full lock, slightly release the clutch to prevent midway parking; when returning the steering wheel, gently press the clutch to control the speed. Properly operate the clutch to maintain optimal vehicle speed.
As a professional frequently working with the driving test system, I believe the judgment of stopping midway during parallel parking primarily depends on the electronic monitoring system during the exam. The system uses wheel sensors or cameras to monitor the vehicle's movement in real-time. If the car stops for more than two seconds, it will be considered as stopping midway, resulting in point deductions or immediate disqualification. For example, if you press the brake and remain stationary while adjusting your position during reversing, the system will instantly alert you. In practical operations, even a slight roll of the wheels doesn't count as stopping. The test standards are very strict, so it's advisable to practice using the clutch to control speed, maintaining a semi-engaged state to avoid coming to a complete stop.
I failed my driving test because of this: stopping midway during parallel parking resulted in an automatic fail. The examiner said the system automatically detects when the vehicle stops, like the moment you fully turn the steering wheel while reversing into the parking space—if the wheel speed drops below the threshold, the radar catches it. The timing is precise; even a slight delay means failure. Looking back now, the key was making minor steering adjustments and controlling the throttle throughout to prevent the car from coming to a complete stop. Equipment may vary between test centers, but the rules are uniform. Practicing slow, continuous movements during training is safer than stop-and-go maneuvers when taking the actual test.
