How to adjust the seat before the Subject 2 driving test?
3 Answers
Here are the methods to adjust the seat before the Subject 2 driving test: 1. Front and rear adjustment. When your foot fully depresses the brake pedal, there should still be a slight bend in your knee. This indicates the seat's front-rear position is properly adjusted. 2. Height adjustment. Adjust the seat height so that there's at least one fist's distance between your head and the roof. If the seat is too high, your head may hit the roof when the vehicle bumps, affecting driving. 3. Headrest adjustment. The optimal headrest position is when its centerline aligns with your eyebrows. For seatbelt adjustment, position it across your shoulder blades, not too close to the neck. Male drivers should remember to keep their ties outside the seatbelt. 4. Lumbar support adjustment. Adjust the seat to support your lower back, ensuring no gap when leaning backward to reduce driving fatigue. For seats without lumbar support, consider using a small cushion behind your back.
I understand that adjusting the seat is crucial in the Subject 2 driving test, as I have guided many students through this process. After getting into the car, sit upright and don’t rush to start the test. Adjust the seat height so that there is about a fist’s distance (approximately 10 cm) between your head and the roof to prevent bumping and ensure a clear view. Then, adjust the seat’s forward/backward position to ensure your right knee has a natural bend when fully pressing the brake, and your left foot can comfortably press the clutch without strain. The steering wheel distance should feel comfortable—when your arms are extended, your wrists should rest on top of the wheel. Recline the backrest slightly, but not too much, as it may affect your rearview mirror visibility. This step is critical because improper seat adjustment leads to significant errors in reference points, causing misalignment during reverse parking and increasing the risk of failing the test. During practice, I emphasize spending 20 seconds to adjust properly, making it a habit before fastening the seatbelt and starting the car, ensuring precise control and safety.
As a young learner, last time before the exam, I didn't adjust the seat properly and ended up blind while reversing. After getting in the car, I take it slow, adjusting the height so my head doesn't touch the roof, just feeling comfortable is enough. Adjust the front and back position so that my feet can easily reach the bottom of the brake pedal without straining, and my hands can naturally turn the steering wheel without being too far or too close, otherwise driving feels awkward. The backrest angle is best kept more upright, making it easier to see the left and right rearview mirrors. Under exam pressure, adjusting the seat is a small trick that can help relax the mind. I was nervous at first, but after making it a habit, things went much smoother. I suggest everyone not overlook this step. After adjusting, confirm the rearview mirror positions are also correct, so during parallel parking and reversing into the garage, the points are more accurate, increasing the pass rate. Just practice simulating it a few more times in daily life.
