How many seconds count as parking when reversing into a parking space?
2 Answers
The stipulated time for reversing into a parking space must not exceed 210 seconds. Additional details: 1. The new "Standards for the Content and Methods of Motor Vehicle Driver Tests" impose time limits on certain test items. For example, in the second subject test, reversing into a parking space and parallel parking, the previous standards only specified operational procedures, while the new standards add time limits for completing these operations. Specifically, reversing into a parking space must be completed within 210 seconds, and parallel parking must be completed within 90 seconds. Exceeding these time limits results in failure. 2. The third subject test, road driving skills, also introduces time limits for multiple operations. For instance, starting the vehicle after a green light, which previously had no time limit, now explicitly states that "failure to start within 10 seconds when there are no other vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles affecting passage" results in failure. 3. Operations such as starting, turning, changing lanes, overtaking, and pulling over previously required the use of turn signals, with a 10-point deduction for not using them. The new standards are stricter: not using a turn signal results in immediate failure, and turning within less than 3 seconds of signaling also results in immediate failure.
When I was taking my driver's license test, the instructor repeatedly emphasized that if you stop for more than 2 seconds during reverse parking, points will be deducted immediately. The exam system starts timing as soon as it detects the wheels have completely stopped turning, so you must maintain a steady movement. I've seen too many students fail because they nervously slammed on the brakes, especially when adjusting their position in the parking space—some instinctively stop to check the rearview mirror. Our driving school teaches a technique: control the clutch to the semi-engaged state, feeling the car at the 'about to stop but not quite' critical point for the most stability. In actual practice, stopping for 0.5 seconds occasionally won't be penalized, but to be safe, it's better to keep the car moving slowly like a snail crawling. During practice, you can have a partner time you to ensure continuous movement.
