
Mastering reverse parking varies for each individual, ranging from as short as one or two days to as long as over ten days. Additional tips for reverse parking: Always adjust the seat and rearview mirrors to your preferred positions. Develop the good habit of using turn signals (signal when both entering and exiting). Pay attention to controlling the vehicle's speed (mainly by adjusting the clutch pedal height, and lightly pressing the brake if necessary, but avoid coming to a complete stop). The key points are "slow speed, quick steering." Except for waiting areas between test sections, once you enter the test zone, you cannot stop midway during the operation. Always listen carefully to the voice prompts and wait for the computer to confirm your action (about 3 seconds) before proceeding to the next step. Avoid rushing.

When I first learned to drive, parallel parking was really frustrating. I practiced three sessions at driving school, each lasting one and a half hours, but couldn't park straight in the beginning and kept getting scolded by the instructor. Later, I practiced with my family car in supermarket parking lots every weekend, doing four 20-30 minute sessions. After persisting for over two weeks (about 15-16 hours total), I gradually got the hang of it. Personally, I think proficiency depends on how you practice - coordinated learners might master it in 10 hours, while naturally clumsy ones may need longer. The key is not fearing embarrassment: find empty spaces for real-world practice (start with straight-line reversing before angled parking). Real-life parking is harder than driving school, so seize opportunities beyond simulators. Practicing 3-4 times weekly for about three weeks should build confidence. I remember sweating nervously at first, but now see it as an essential learning process.

Having driven for over a decade, I look back on the days when I was learning to reverse park with deep emotions. Back then, I made an arrangement with friends to practice for half an hour every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon in the open space of the factory area. It took nearly a month to get the hang of it. The first couple of times were really chaotic—I couldn’t steer accurately and almost hit a pole. Now, when teaching others to drive, I remind them not to rush for speed but to start with simpler parking spots, like small spaces between two rows of parking spots. Once they get comfortable with the rearview mirror, they can try more complex ones. Overall, it takes about twenty hours to become proficient; practicing half an hour daily with diligence shows results in two weeks. The size of the car also matters—SUVs are much harder to park than compact cars and require more adjustments. Gaining a feel for wheel angles and distances through practical experience varies from person to person, but persistence is key—don’t give up halfway.

As an experienced driving instructor, I believe that mastering reverse parking generally requires 10 to 20 hours of practice. Scheduling two or three sessions per week, with each session lasting one hour, should allow you to get the hang of it within three to four weeks. However, this varies from person to person; those with natural coordination may learn faster, while beginners might take longer. The type of vehicle also matters; parking a small car is easier than a large one, and having a reversing camera saves time. I always emphasize safety first when instructing students and advise against practicing in crowded areas just to speed up the process. Hands-on practice is far more effective than watching videos, and repetition is key. Don’t forget to check blind spots—once you’re proficient, reverse parking will become second nature, reducing the risk of accidents.


