How many days of practice are generally needed for left-side reverse parking?
2 Answers
Generally, one week of practice is sufficient for left-side reverse parking, but if you feel you're not yet proficient, you can continue practicing. Adjusting the seat: After getting into the car, lightly hold the steering wheel with both hands, and ensure your left foot can comfortably press the clutch pedal all the way down. Both hands should be able to turn the steering wheel effortlessly. After adjustment, use your fist to check the distance between your abdomen and the steering wheel—typically two fists for thinner individuals and one fist for those who are heavier. Adjusting the rearview mirrors: When adjusting, lower the mirrors to better observe the ground markings. It's essential to learn the adjustment method because, during training and exams, you'll notice significant differences in height and body size among trainees. Properly adjusted mirrors ensure better visibility.
I remember when I first started learning to drive, my instructor had me practice left-side reverse parking, which took about three days in total. Each day, I practiced for around an hour, first getting familiar with steering wheel movements in an open space. On the first day, I was all over the place and kept hitting the imaginary poles. By the second day, I was a bit smoother but still occasionally went off track. By the third day, combining the use of rearview mirrors and slow-speed control, I finally managed to park in one go. A friend of mine, who has a sports background, got the hang of it in just one day, so the time it takes really depends on individual talent and practice frequency. I recommend practicing in safe spots, like quiet corners of parking lots, avoiding peak hours. Don’t rush it—after a few tries, it’ll come naturally. My driving instructor also mentioned that two to three days is the average time, but the key is to develop patience and spatial awareness.