How Many Days of Practice Before Retaking the Subject 2 Driving Test is Most Suitable?
3 Answers
Generally, it is advisable to practice driving 2-3 days in advance. Starting too early may cause you to forget key points. The practice duration should not be too long; about 2 days is sufficient. Over-practicing can make it harder to correct bad habits or mistakes. On the day before the test, practicing once or twice is enough to avoid fatigue, which could affect your performance the next day. Also, ensure you get adequate rest and sleep. Different items in Subject 2 have different deduction points. The details are as follows: 1. General Deductions: Not wearing a seatbelt, not closing the car door properly, and not having the gear in neutral when starting the engine will each deduct 100 points. Not using the turn signal, using the turn signal for less than 3 seconds, forgetting to turn it off, or using it incorrectly, as well as stalling the engine, will each deduct 10 points. 2. Parallel Parking: If the vehicle exceeds the line after stopping in the parking space or if the task takes more than 90 seconds, 100 points will be deducted. Not using or incorrectly using the turn signal when exiting the parking space will also deduct 100 points. Touching the parking space line with the car body or running over the lane boundary line with the wheels during movement will deduct 10 points each time. Stopping for more than 2 seconds during the process will deduct 5 points each time. 3. Reverse Parking: If the task takes more than 210 seconds, not following the prescribed route or sequence, not driving the front wheels over the control line before reversing, or failing to park properly in the space will each deduct 100 points. Stopping for more than 2 seconds during the process will deduct 5 points each time. 4. Curve Driving: Running over the edge line or stopping for more than 2 seconds will each deduct 100 points.
When I retook the second driving test, I didn’t practice properly—only one day of practice before failing, which I deeply regretted. Now, experience tells me it’s best to practice for 3 to 5 days, with just one hour each day, focusing on weak spots like reverse parking or hill starts. Don’t underestimate this time; it helps solidify every detail of the maneuvers and reduces mistakes during the test. I also think it’s important not to overdo it—taking a day off after practice before the test can relax your mind and improve performance. Sharing my lesson: the first time, I only practiced for one day and my hands were shaking during the test; later, after four days of practice, I passed smoothly. Retake fees aren’t cheap—the money saved could treat you to a nice meal, so don’t slack off.
From my teaching experience, practicing for 4 to 7 days before the retake exam is the most reliable approach. Divide the practice into two sessions per day, each lasting about an hour. This helps solidify muscle memory and reduces on-the-spot nervousness. Don't just focus on the movements; simulate the actual test route to familiarize yourself with the environment, including every reference point and turning timing. Many overlook mental preparation—after a few days of practice, do some deep breathing exercises to boost confidence. A related topic is the hill start, where most people fail. I recommend using the clutch more to control speed better. Practicing for enough days to pass in one go saves both time and retake fees—practical and efficient.
