How many minutes should it take to complete reverse parking?

[LailaDella]

According to the 'Motor Vehicle Driver Examination Content and Methods' implemented on October 1, 2017, the maximum time allowed for reverse parking is 210 seconds. The new 'Motor Vehicle Driver Examination Content and Methods' standards have added time limits for certain test items. For example, in Subject 2, reverse parking and parallel parking, the previous standards only specified specific operational procedures, while the new standards include time limits for completing these operations. Specifically, reverse parking must be completed within 210 seconds; exceeding this time results in failure. Subject 2 examination time limits: reverse parking exceeding 210 seconds results in failure; parallel parking exceeding 90 seconds results in failure; during driving, looking away from the direction of travel for more than 2 seconds results in failure; when there are no other vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles ahead affecting passage, failing to start within 10 seconds results in failure; before starting, turning, changing lanes, overtaking, or parking, turning the steering wheel without signaling for at least 3 seconds results in failure.

[DelJourney]

Honestly, there's no fixed time standard for reverse parking. When I was practicing for Subject 2, the instructor only emphasized reference points and operations. The test requires completion within 3 and a half minutes, but in reality, a smooth entry takes just 40 seconds. It mainly depends on the parking space width and your driving skills—experienced drivers just glance at the mirrors, steer decisively, and finish in a minute tops. For nervous beginners moving slowly, three minutes is normal. Don't obsess over time—crooked parking or hitting a pole is the real issue. In my opinion, practicing more to develop a feel for the car naturally speeds you up, which is more effective than timing yourself.

[DeJohnny]

During the driving test, the instructor clearly stated that the reverse parking in Subject 2 has a time limit of 210 seconds, but in real life, no one actually times it. I've seen fresh license holders take three to four minutes, fumbling back and forth to adjust their direction; meanwhile, Old Zhang next door, a ten-year taxi veteran, can smoothly park in just 20 seconds with a quick turn of the wheel. It really depends on how skilled you are at handling the vehicle. If you have to get out to check a tight spot, it’s naturally going to take longer. My advice is to focus more on developing the habit of checking mirrors than memorizing time limits—after all, parking safely is far more important than shaving off those ten seconds.

[MacEmilia]

Driving schools strictly require parallel parking to be completed within 3 minutes and 30 seconds, but real-world parking conditions vary greatly. Spacious mall parking spots are easy, while tight roadside parallel parking between cars requires caution. I've seen friends use automatic parking to finish in 30 seconds, but when rain blurs the cameras, manual slow parking is necessary. What really matters is speed control: avoid slamming the brakes or over-turning the steering wheel - these operational details affect timing more than you'd think. Speed comes with practice; beginners shouldn't rush.

[McHaley]

Having been a driving instructor for over a decade, I often encounter students asking about the time limit for reversing. While it's true that the exam system sets a 210-second limit, in teaching I emphasize precision over speed. Some students can park in 60 seconds but still fail if they cross the line, whereas those who take their time to park accurately can pass even if it takes two minutes. Real-world parking is more complex: you might panic when cars behind honk, or need to go slower when rain blurs the rearview mirrors. Remember these tips: turn the wheel fully when your shoulder passes the pole, straighten the wheel when you see the corner of the garage in the left mirror. With practice, the time will naturally shorten to under a minute.